An educated workforce is essential to the attractiveness of economic development in James City County.  For those who do not currently hold a high school diploma, earning a General Educational Development (GED) certificate is a viable option.  TEST OUT!, the newest program in the Governor’s “Race to GED” campaign, gives everyone who passes the initial GED Pre-Test and goes through the  “Race to GED” program the opportunity to take the GED exam free of charge.

Governor Warner launched a statewide “Race to GED” campaign because he recognized the value of targeting the 518,752 working-age Virginians without a high school credential who have the potential to pass the GED Tests in 90 to 180 days.  This valuable resource, if tapped, can provide a high return on investment for employers who promote access to the GED as a recruitment and retention tool.

According to Census 2000, there are 5,033 individuals working in Williamsburg-James City County and another 3,879 in York County who have not completed high school. James City County would like to help these individuals realize their high school completion, and partner with local businesses in urging them to gain a GED certificate.  James City County is seeking support of its employers to encourage existing workers and new hires who have not completed high school to consider pursuing a GED certificate, especially now that it will not cost them (or you) anything but six weeks or less of their time if they meet the TEST OUT! criteria.

Adult education programs statewide provide services to support the Governor’s workforce development initiative.  For more information on how a local workforce can benefit from the “Race to GED” and the possibility of free assessments and/or “Fast-Track” and TEST OUT!, contact Dr. Sue Mansfield, Adult Education/GED Coordinator in Williamsburg-James City County.   Dr. Mansfield is willing to come to a place of business to inform, administer pre-test, conduct classes, or whatever is needed to give that workforce the benefits of “Race to GED.” She can be contacted at 259-3066.