Harold Baldridge,
57, of Tahlequah recently achieved his General Equivalency Diploma through
classes and study at Cherokee Nation’s Literacy Center. The tribe’s
GED classes are now offered year-round at convenient locations in northeastern
Oklahoma communities.
Cherokee Nation
Adult Literacy Classes
July 18, 2011
TAHLEQUAH, Okla.
— The keys to self-sufficiency through education may be waiting
for you just down the road. Cherokee Nation is offering General Equivalency
Diploma classes throughout the tribe’s jurisdiction for Cherokee
citizens who would like to further their education.
“The Adult
Education Program offers day and night classes that provide participants
with individualized instruction, free classroom materials and assistance
with GED testing fees,” said George Roach, Cherokee Nation Career
Services Literacy Center manager.
Since 2006 Cherokee
Nation Career Services has assisted more than 1,300 people obtain their
GED. Career Services offers an adult education program that emphasizes
a flexible entry and open instructional design, allowing students to
enroll and begin instruction at anytime. Students study at their own
pace and receive individualized and whole group instruction.
Roach says Harold
Baldridge is living proof that the program works and whether you are
16 or closer to 60 it is never too late to attain your GED and become
self-sufficient. The 57-year-old Tahlequah native had always dreamed
of getting his GED, but after several failed attempts he turned to Cherokee
Nation for help. Baldridge started his path to self-sufficiency with
a preliminary exam, which helped define his strengths and weaknesses.
From there he became a frequent visitor to the tribe’s literacy
center where he checked out books to study, sought advice and assistance
from counselors and practiced in the computer lab. One year later Baldridge
saw his dream turn into reality as he achieved his GED and he says that
he feels anyone who is motivated and interested should give the classes
a try.
“You’ve
got to want to, you’ve got to have a desire to,” said Baldridge.
“I have my GED now; on your resume that’s one of the first
things they look for—high school diploma or GED. I realized how
important it is to have it and I’m glad I finally went through
and did it, even at my age.”
Upon completion
of the program participants receive a high school diploma from the State
of Oklahoma.
“This diploma
will enable them to continue their educational or employment needs as
they continue to succeed down life’s path,” said Roach.
Cherokee Nation
Career Services encourages Cherokees to become self-sufficient through
education, training, rehabilitation, and support. Services offered through
Cherokee Nation’s Adult Education Program include GED testing and
tutorials, diagnostics and placement, referrals, computer assisted instruction
and assistance with GED fees. Participants must be 16 or older, have
a Certificate of Degree of Indian Blood card and reside within Cherokee
Nation’s jurisdictional boundary.
Cherokee County
GED Class Schedule:
Tahlequah:
Cherokee Nation Adult Education Career Literacy Center, 17822 S. Muskogee
Ave.
Mondays –
1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Tuesdays –
10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Wednesdays
– 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Thursdays
– 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Rogers County GED Class Schedule:
Claremore:
Cherokee Nation Career Services, 23205 S. Highway 66
Mondays –
1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Tuesdays –
9 a.m. to noon and 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
For more information
about Cherokee Nation Career Services or GED classes in the Rogers County
area please contact Anna Christie at 918-342-7450.
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