GED In Maricopa County How to navigate the GED challenge and benefit from the new emphasis for the betterment of Arizonas workforce. Carmen Cornejo, CADENA, The Arizona DREAM Act Coalition in collaboration with Matt Matera from Scholarshipsaz.org

What is the GED Why so sudden demand Stands for General Educational Development Certifies that an individual has demonstrated academic skills comparable to a high school senior Legally equivalent to receiving a high school diploma in Arizona In order to apply for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals young immigrants need to present High School Diploma, GED Certificate* or served in the military. It is calculated 40,000 will be applying.

Why is important: ubs2012/ pd f

Graduation rates in AZ

GED Classes Undocumented On line (Community Colleges), Some non-profits, Churches, School Districts Tuition based. Most fulfill the description of adequate integrity and intensity (USCIS). Legal Residents/Citizens Could be found Free There is waiting list of students for GED for citizens

GED ID Requirements (1) Primary Photo ID,(1) Secondary ID (unless under the age of 17), or (2) Primary ID. The combination of forms must satisfy all requirements of identity and eligibility which includes: name, address, photo, signature and date of birth.

GED ID Requirements/Documents Classes No Arizona State issued required (Matriculas, Mexican passport, ok) Tuition based - Non-profits Testing Primary Identification Current Driver's License or State-Issued Identification Card Valid Passport Military ID Other forms of government-issued (Job Corps, foreign, or domestic, tribal ID) Current post-secondary (college) student ID Mexican ID (Matricula Counselar Card, Student VISA, Guest Visa) Secondary Identification Certified copy of Birth Certificate (when combined with any valid photo ID) Birth Certificate name must match official Driver's License.) Social Security Card (when combined with any valid photo ID) AZ DPS Class One/Class Two Fingerprint Card (when combined with any valid photo ID from above list) Credit cards with photo Bank cards with photo High School student ID card (used only as secondary ID) Workplace ID card (must have photo and matching name

Tuition Based GED Classes Maricopa County Rio Salado online for $90 (plus costs of materials and books): More info at Mesa Community Colleges for $145 plus materials Courses are full for fall semester Register for spring semester starting October 1st (480) x3097 or x3098 (English or Spanish) for registration information. MCC contacts: Kathleen Perales, Monica Nargaillon (480) Unlimited Potential courses for $250: Tempe Unified High School District (TUHSD) Adult Education ($ ) (480) x3097 or x3098 (English or Spanish) for registration information.

Tuition Based GED Classes Maricopa County Friendly House Academia del Pueblo South Mountain Community College Other sites 300 or 350 dollars including materials, plus 25 dlls. assessment test Some school districts are offering GED classes for district parents.

Testing ID requirements * For testing purposes the candidates are required to provide: (1) Primary Photo ID and (1) Secondary ID (unless under the age of 17), or (2) Primary. Primary Identification Current Driver's License or State-Issued Identification Card Valid Passport Military ID Other forms of government-issued (Job Corps, foreign, or domestic, tribal ID) Current post-secondary (college) student ID Mexican ID (Matricula Consular Card, Student VISA, Guest Visa Passport). Secondary Identification Certified copy of Birth Certificate (when combined with any valid photo ID) Birth Certificate name must match official Driver's License.) Social Security Card (when combined with any valid photo ID) AZ DPS Class One/Class Two Fingerprint Card (when combined with any valid photo ID from above list) Credit cards with photo Bank cards with photo High School student ID card (used only as secondary ID) Workplace ID card (must have photo and matching name The combination of forms must satisfy all GEDTS requirements of identity and eligibility which includes: name, address, photo, signature and date of birth. ALL TEST NEED TO BE DONE AT AZ DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION TESTING SITES !

Challenges Decreased funding for programs. On line classes may be too hard with persons with limited proficiency. Students with different levels of proficiency. Community colleges took time to implement new policies and turned persons away. Not friendly administrative procedures (questions about immigration status, SS#). Different programs, funding and models create confusion. Potential for fraud. Some organizations are charging up to 4,500 for High School Diplomas. Some organizations offering GED instruction with inadequate intensity and integrity. Uneven production of enrollment documents to apply for DACA. On line classes may be too hard with persons with limited proficiency.

Call to action Encourage High School completion. Denounce forced drop out practices. Organize for State accountability for defunding GED programs. Denounce fraudulent GED programs. Distribute information of good adult education programs though social media. Organize support for GED students.

GED: opportunity for an integrated, educated workforce Thanks !!!