Adult Literacy Plus to hold GED registration

A single mother on probation came to the Adult Literacy Plus of Southwest Arizona (ALPSAZ) for help completing her parenting classes and counseling assignments after losing custody of her children.

She is now off probation, has custody of her children again, obtained her GED and is enrolled at Arizona Western College.

Carrie Zaragoza, executive director of Adult Literacy Plus of Southwest Arizona, said that is just one example of a life that has been changed through services at their facility.

“We have students who come back and let us know that they received pay raises and promotions after they got their GEDs,” she said. “We have parents tell us they are now able to help their child with their homework that they weren't able to do before, and that the family sits around the table doing their homework together. These parents are now good role models for their child's education. We have students who graduate from our English classes who move on obtain a GED in English and pass their Citizenship Exam and become U.S. Citizens.”

On Jan. 7-11, ALPSAZ is inviting Yuma-area residents to their GED registration and placement testing, open to the public.

ALPSAZ is a nonprofit organization that serves adults who would like to improve their reading, writing and technology skills as well as those who would like to obtain a GED.

Adults 16 years and older who are not already enrolled in an educational learning institution are invited to stop by the facility, 825 S. Orange Ave., for registration today through Wednesday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Wednesday there will be English as a Second Language testing from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. or from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m., appointments are necessary. Thursday additional GED placement testing will be held from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m., from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. or from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., appointments are also necessary for these time slots.

Students are required to complete a follow-up appointment with an instructor on Friday between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. for placement into classes which begin on Jan. 14.

Their year-round programs offer instructor-led classes in Pre-GED and GED mathematics, reading and writing as well as GED science and social studies, and basic keyboarding.

“We have a state-of-the-art computer lab with brand new computers and top-rated learning software for students who require minimal assistance, are interested in studying at their own pace or whose schedules don't match the class schedules,” stated Zaragoza. “We also offer distance learning so students may work from home or at one of our local libraries through a partnership with the Yuma County Library District.”

They also offer an intensive six-week boot camp for adult students getting ready to take the GED exam and can commit to a three-and-a-half-hour classes four days a week. This course covers all subjects on the GED and requires that students make a serious commitment toward their education and the successful completion of all assignments and homework.

“At the end of the six weeks, students who successfully complete the program receive a $50 scholarship toward the cost of their GED testing fee at Arizona Western College. All students in the class register and take their GED test together at the end of the six weeks,” she said.

English as a Second Language classes are also offered through a partnership with First United Methodist Church. Students are still required to come to Adult Literacy Plus to register and test before going to the church for the classes.

The ALPSAZ office is open Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and on Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Visit www.yumaalps.org for more information about ALPSAZ services or call their office at 343-9363.

Sarah Womer can be reached at swomer@yumasun.com or 539-6858. Find her on Facebook at Facebook.com/YSSarahWomer or on Twitter at @YSSarahWomer.

Adults 16 years and older who are not already enrolled in an educational learning institution are invited to stop by Adult Literacy Plus of Southwest Arizona, 825 S. Orange Ave., for registration and GED testing on Jan. 7-11. Classes begin on Jan. 14.