WSU awarded grant to fund GED program

YAKIMA – The U.S. Department of Education has awarded Washington State University a five-year, $2.3 million grant to establish a high school equivalency program intended for migrant workers and Native Americans.

Eligible individuals could obtain a GED through the program. According to a university news release issued Friday, the program will serve 65 participants at WSU each year, with plans to expand into other communities.

WSU was one of the first institutions to offer an equivalency program when the U.S. Department of Labor funded a pilot project in 1967. The program was shut down in 2009.

“We are very pleased to be able to bring this important program back to our campus,” said John Fraire, vice president of student affairs and enrollment. “With so many migrant and seasonal farm workers supporting our state’s agricultural industry, there is a great need in our state to help them complete their education and advance their careers.”

The grant will fund several positions. Additional services for participants include learning about career opportunities, connecting with faculty and staff, personal counseling and tutoring. Participants will receive a financial stipend to help with educational expenses.