GED Diplomas Offers a Pathway to the American Dream

When a new immigrant arrives to the United States, there are many obstacles that cross his or her road; perhaps the environment, trying to get a job, not speaking the language, and lacking the opportunity to continue the education left behind in his or her native land. Often times there are issue such as language barrier and the high costs in education. However, it is never too late to return to school and reach the beginning through the real pathway to the American dream, education.

The General Education Development Certificate (GED) was created by the American Council of Education, suggested by the Army of the United States in 1942, after the Second World War, with the purpose of preparing soldiers in general culture that could help them find a regular job after the war.

However, until 1962, this exam was proposed for anyone older than 17-years-old that could not study or complete a regular academic course due to personal reasons. The GED is equivalent to the high school diploma, and opens multiple doors for people to continue their studies in college or to find a better job.

The GED classes are fully taught in Spanish at the National Hispanic University (NHU), located in San Jose, California. These classes consist of a 10-week program, where students study five academic areas: History, Science, Writing, Language and Mathematics. This program is designed to prepare students to take the GED exam.

Blanca Herrera, who came from Baja California, Mexico, and has lived in this country for 18 years, said, “It has been difficult for me to learn English. But these classes are in my own language, and after getting my GED diploma; I will pursue college with a major in business administration. My kids were the vehicles that helped me go back to school. I want to give them a good example.”

GED students take classes in a regular classroom, and receive special tutoring for three hours during the week. This process helps students to learn, keep up the motivation and avoid being left behind in their classes.

Alicia, the GED teacher, is in charge to teach these courses at NHU, “The most difficult aspect for students is the reading comprehension area. However, they make a great effort, considering that most of them have returned to school after 20 years of being absent, each one, for different reasons.”

At the same time, Gloria Romero, the Project Director at NHU, and Sandra Jimenez, GED Coordinator, in an interview for Alianza News commented that each one of the 5 exam sections could be taken once at the time. Consequently, students get more motivated because they have the opportunity to study just one section before taking the exam.

Then, students receive help to fill up the forms required by the Education Department in the Santa Clara County. “Proudly, NHU is the only place that offers GED classes in Spanish in this county,” said Jimenez.

Doctor Juan Necochea, the Provost, Academic Dean at NHU, also came from Baja California, Mexico, declared, “I want that this university be more open to the community in creating better opportunities in education. The GED program supports our Hispanic community in Spanish. I believe in the NHU mission, and I am impressed because San Jose is a dynamic community. That’s why I left my work at the San Diego University to come over to work here, and support the Hispanic students in this area.”

GED classes are offered Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. or Saturdays 9:00 a.m.-3:30 p.m. The total cost of the 10 week preparatory course is $500.00, and the tuition cost covers: 60 hours of instruction, preliminary exams, official GED text book, guidance with the official GED testing process, and one on one tutoring in all subject areas. NHU, however, does not offer financial aid or scholarships for this program, but it does offer payment plans. It really is a small economical investment that will guarantee a better future in the United States. “Education’s purpose is to replace an empty mind with an open one” (Malcom S. Forbes).

For more information, make a phone call in Spanish, (408) 729-2208 or visit the NHU website: http://www.nhu.edu