Civic club foots bill for GED aspirants

The Martinez-Evans Rotary Club recently presented an $1,100 check to Augusta Technical College to promote education for people who can't afford to take the state GED exam.

The presentation was at the Sheraton Augusta Hotel at noon with Rotary Club Vocational Service Director Joe Huff, an Augusta attorney, presenting the check to Augusta Tech President Terry Elam.

The donation funds 20 scholarships for people to take the high school equivalency exam through Augusta Tech. Normally, the fee for the GED exam is $55.

"Although that may not sound like a lot, to someone who is homeless or jobless, it can be," said Elam. "We'll have a set criteria someone must meet to receive the scholarship and we'll also only be taking recommendations from social organizations like the Salvation Army. We want to make sure no one takes advantage of the Rotary Club's generosity."

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Augusta Tech is a certified GED testing center for Georgia and provides adult literacy classes in a five-county area, including Columbia County.

According to statistics provided the Martinez-Evans Rotary Club, about 18 percent of Columbia County residents read at or below a fifth-grade level.

"It's an alarming statistic," said Huff. "We've often participated in adult literacy programs and helping people further themselves. These scholarships will help people find better jobs or a chance to further their education."

The donation was made possible from a grant by Martinez-Evans Rotary Club parent organization Rotary International, an organization that provides humanitarian services.