GED Graduate Gives Back to the Community

by Michael Ormsby

Rodney Caulkins, a high school dropout who earned his GED, wants to help others achieve the same success that he has. He has set up a $1,000 scholarship to help people earn their GEDs in Prince William County, Virginia, where he lives.

Caulkins is one of millions of American adults who have earned a GED, giving them access to more job opportunities and higher education. Over 39 million adult Americans still lack a GED or high school diploma, though, according to figures from the U.S. Census Bureau.

In school, Caulkins' problems were with math, a subject that plagues many adults who hope to earn their GED. He failed to graduate in 1976, but he became a carpenter and successful businessman. Three years ago, Caulkins decided to earn his GED, not because he needed a better job or a college education, but because he wanted the satisfaction of having the degree he lacked. Even though he was already a successful businessman, Caulkins' lack of a degree carried with it a feeling of failure, one that was lifted when he earned the GED.

Caulkins set up a scholarship to help others achieve that feeling. Many people without GEDs struggle with childcare and financial problems that interfere with studying. No matter how many ways that life can get in the way, the satisfaction and rewards of earning a GED are worth the struggle.

To learn more about Caulkins and the scholarship, read the story on News Channel 8 in Virginia: http://www.news8.net/news/stories/0210/702450.html


About the Author
Michael Ormsby is the president of The GED Academy and oversees software and curriculum for adult learners and people with educational challenges. For more information, visit http://www.passGED.com . Michael can be contacted by email at: information@passGED.com or by telephone at 800-460-8150.