VWCF gives grant to ABLE/GED program

Van Wert independent/Vantage information

Thanks to a generous grant from The Van Wert County Foundation, residents of Van Wert and Paulding counties who did not complete high school will have one less obstacle in obtaining a General Equivalency Diploma (GED).

“Students are now required to pay for their own GED examinations,” said Dee Dee Dirksen, Vantage ABLE/GED coordinator. “The $40 fee has been a severe handicap for students who are already struggling to pay for groceries and gas.

“We are so grateful to The Van Wert County Foundation for this grant,” Dirksen added. “Lack of finances will not longer be a reason for any motivated student to fail to obtain his or her GED. “

The GED is now a basic requirement for any kind of employment, Dirksen explained, adding that many Vantage students have used their GED to continue on to college.

“We’re thrilled that The VWCF will enable more students to reach their potentials,” she said.

GED classes are part of the Adult Basic Literacy Education (ABLE) program based at Vantage. Classes are available at several sites around Van Wert and at the Marshall Building in Paulding during the regular school year.

A summer class is located at the YWCA on East Main Street and meets Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1-3:30 p.m.

For more information, call Vantage at 419.238.5411 or stop by the YW during class hours.