HCTC’s adult education program receives grant from Dollar General Literacy Foundation

The Dollar General Literacy Foundation (DGLF) recently announced that Hazard Community & Technical College (HCTC) received a $6,000 grant to support opportunities for adult learners in its general education development (GED) program. 

The GED program at HCTC allows learners to study for examinations in four areas: mathematics, reading/language arts, science and social studies. Students must successfully pass examination modules in these areas prior to earning their GED. 

The State of Kentucky currently covers the cost of the examinations with limited retakes; however, HCTC Director of Adult Education Charlene Fugate said that students often need additional tries to earn their diplomas.

"A lot of students that don't pass a module ... they feel disappointed," Fugate said. "But they're determined to get it. Determination and perseverance pay off, and students realize that they may just need to study more in order to pass." 

HCTC has partnered with the DGLF for multiple years now. Last year, a grant of a similar amount allowed the college to purchase more than 100 retake vouchers. 

During the 2022-23 academic year, HCTC's adult education program allowed 76 students to earn their GED diploma. According to Fugate, the program hopes to surpass that number during the 2023-24 academic year, having delivered nearly 70 thus far. 

"Thanks to this award and its impact, we were able to serve more students last year than HCTC ever has before," Fugate said. "I'm very thankful for the opportunity to give additional chances to pass the test. We're grateful for the opportunity to continue offering this service." 

This local grant is part of the DGLF's more than $10.6 million donated to support adult, family and summer literacy programs in the 48 states in which the organization operates. Since its 1993 inception, the foundation has helped more than 20 million individuals achieve their educational dreams. 

"Thank you for this. The GED program directly contributes to our region's workforce in key sectors by allowing students to further their education," Dr. Jennifer Lindon, HCTC president and chief executive officer, remarked. "By investing in HCTC's efforts, the DGLF is providing chances for people to find a new path in life."