Calhoun Community College’s Adult Education recently announced it is participating in a statewide initiative that pays for the full cost of taking the official GED test for any individual who takes and successfully passes the GED Ready Practice test.

“See4Free” allows students to come in to any of Calhoun’s Adult Education centers, register for, and take the free GED Ready Practice test. Upon receiving a “Likely to Pass” on the practice test, students will then be awarded a voucher to cover the cost of the official GED test, with no class attendance needed.

“We see this as a tremendous opportunity for those who may have been thinking about taking their GED and may possibly not have had the funding for the fees,” said Dana Wolfe, Calhoun’s director of adult education.

“And, for those who take the GED Ready Practice test and find that they are not quite ready for the official GED test, Calhoun offers free GED classes,” Wolfe added. “Once a student completes any needed classes through one of our centers, funding is also available for them to take the official test.”

Earning a GED can make a significant impact on the lives of those without a high school diploma. According to Wolfe, by getting a GED, a person’s average earnings can increase by over $9,000 annually. Additionally, the GED is recognized by over 97 percent of colleges, universities and employers across the United States.

For more information on Calhoun’s See4Free program, go to www.calhoun.edu/See4Free or call 256-306-2831.

Schedule of Upcoming See4Free test sessions throughout Calhoun’s service area:

• Calhoun’s Decatur campus, Thursdays from 8 a.m.-noon;

• March 5 — Capshaw Baptist in Harvest, 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.;

• March 8 — Athens State, 300 North Beaty St., Athens, 8 a.m.-noon; and

• March 13 — Decatur Campus, 4-8 p.m.