Central Georgia Technical College’s Accelerating Opportunity program provides students in need of a GED the ability to dually enroll in Adult Education courses and credit courses concurrently. By aligning GED classes and occupational programs, AO provides non-traditional students the support they need to complete post-secondary credentials, giving them increased value in the labor market. AO helps the students earn higher-wage jobs faster by combining the Adult Education and career and technical training they need into one integrated curriculum.
 
The credit courses taught in the AO program build to a technical certificate of credit, which becomes a stackable credential if the student decides to continue their education in pursuit of a diploma or degree. The technical certificates vary by campus locations. Certificates available include Barbering Assistant, Early Childhood Care and Education Basics, Flat Shield Welder, Fluid Power Technician, and Microsoft Word Application Specialist.
 
The AO program supplements the students’ academic experience by covering fees and supplies for their credit classes. In addition, a transportation stipend in the form of a bus pass or gas card is provided, along with a childcare stipend. A success coach helps the students with the transition to credit classes, time management, and organizational skills. Soft skills, such as promptness, professionalism, and customer service, are also taught along with life skills.
 
The AO program is carried out at CGTC’s three campuses in Warner Robins, Macon, and Milledgeville. In order to more confirm the commitment the students have made to the program, CGTC asks the AO students to sign an agreement. The requirements of this agreement are 90 hours of GED instruction, student advocacy for the Adult Education program and CGTC, and attendance at the GED graduation ceremony.
 
AO student Fabriciano Saez Moya from Warner Robins stated, "To be a part of this great project and opportunity means a lot to me and my family.  I moved from Germany two years ago, but the state of Georgia is preparing me for a better future and the option of supporting my family. I don't have the words to express my gratitude to the Accelerating Opportunity program."
 
For more information about CGTC’s Accelerating Opportunity program, please call Daron Lee at (478) 757-4353.