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Gov. Beshear, Lt. Coleman announced GED test fee waiver

Posted at 11:28 AM, Jan 07, 2020
and last updated 2020-01-07 11:30:51-05

FRANKFORT, Ky. (LEX 18) — Gov. Beshear announced Tuesday that his administration, alongside Kentucky Skills U, will waive testing fees for Kentuckians seeking to earn their GED.

The fee for the GED is a common hurdle across the state for adults seeking education. . With more than 335,000 Kentuckians without a GED or high school diploma, EWDC allotted $600,000 in state funding to waive test fees in an effort to eliminate financial barriers associated with GED attainment, which is $120 for all four courses in Kentucky.

More than half of the individuals who do not have a GED or high school diploma are currently not participating in the state’s workforce.

“Education is the key to a better future for the Commonwealth and our citizens,” said Gov. Andy Beshear. “This state funding will remove one more barrier for Kentuckians and provide them one more opportunity to earn their GED – a critical piece to helping the more than 335,000 Kentuckians without a GED or high school diploma to participate in our workforce and thrive.”

Lt. Gov Jacqueline Coleman, who also serves as education secretary, also attended the press conference.