DC Lions donation helps Triton GED prep program

A donation from the Dodge Center Lions Club is helping students in the General Educational Development (GED) program through Triton Community Education pay for the testing required to get their diploma.
The GED program prepares adult learners without a high school diploma for success in the job market, college and beyond by building the skills and confidence they need to flourish. Students who pass all four of the tests required by the program are awarded a high school equivalency diploma.
Each of the tests costs $30, said Karen Kleinwort, who teaches the GED prep classes at Triton, and the donation from the Lions Club is providing scholarship funds for those in need of financial help to pay the testing fees.
Kleinwort meets with GED students once a week at the high school media center to help them with preparation for the tests which cover four areas – Mathematical Reasoning, Social Studies, Reasoning Through Language Arts and Science. Study materials are provided and students can work with Kleinwort during weekly sessions and also study independently and online.
When a student is ready for a test in one area, she said, they may take that test and continue studying until they are ready for another area. Tests can be retaken if necessary, she said. There is also no time limit as to finishing the program.
Kleinwort said there is no charge to take the prep classes through community education.
Although prep classes can be taken at Triton, Kleinwort said, the actual testing must be done at a licensed testing site. There are three testing sites in nearby communities of Rochester, Owatonna and Albert Lea. Owatonna is the mentor site for Triton Community Ed, she said, and that is where the data from Dodge County is sent.
Despite Dodge County schools having good graduation rates, she said, one in 10 county residents do not have a high school diploma.
While the GED provides a good alternative to those who for whatever reason did not graduate from high school completing high school is still the best option for a diploma.
“My hope is for kids to just do it in high school,” she said.
Kleinwort said that while she will not be teaching the prep class during the summer months students working on their GED can still continue to study for their tests either using provided workbooks or online. Classes at the school will resume in the fall.
For more information about the GED program call Community Ed at 507-418-7550.