North Georgia Technical College (NGTC) offers adult education right in Blue Ridge.
The center offers folks a chance to pick up their education and even further their success.
A variety of programs are offered such as GED (general education development) classes and preparation, college preparation and financial aid help.
Students wanting to learn in a class environment can come during the morning on Mondays through Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. or Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 4 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Students also have the option to do work using the facility’s computers Tuesday’s and Thursday’s from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
All courses offered through the program are sponsored through FLAG (Fannin Literacy Action Group), who fund raises to provide folks in the area a free way to pick up their education.
Teacher Ms. Donna Earl explained that she lets the students have the freedom to learn in a way that best suits the individual.
For example, she allows students to listen to music via headphones and doodle as long as they are still able to participate in class discussion and are showing success on their preparatory tests.
She said that she doesn’t like to force things on students because she does not want to drive them away.
The amount of time it takes students to obtain a GED certificate varies depending on each person’s level upon entry.
Recent grads admitted the program taking anywhere from eight months to over two years before they were ready to pass GED exams.
Although students may come at their convenience, Tara Ledford, recent GED recipient, said teachers recommend coming at least 10 hours a week.
Earl said she had one student obtain a GED after just six week, but the student worked over 30 hours a week for it.
Paraprofessional Teresa Ross said the program is “a marathon not a sprint.”
Learn more about what Fannin County’s Adult Education Center by calling 706-946-3524.