Career Accelerator, a partnership program between Literacy Pittsburgh and Jewish Family and Community Services, offers a 12-week fast track GED course for individuals looking to increase their employment opportunities. For Teedra, a 37-year-old mom of two, this program was life changing.
Teedra’s Story
Teedra wanted to get her GED but had a difficult time finding a class that would fit her needs and schedule. She eventually came across Literacy Pittsburgh and the Career Accelerator program and got enrolled in the first cohort of 2021.
“This program was specifically for adults like me. And it worked,” Teedra said. She made sure she attended every single class and tried to keep up with her assignments. The instructors, Vivian and Luke, worked patiently with the class members to help make sure they understood the material for the GED test. “I’m better now at algebra and geometry than I’ve ever been! Questions that I wouldn’t have been able to answer in high school, I can answer now,” Teedra explained.
Fast-Track to a GED
The Career Accelerator program condenses all the GED exam material into a 12-week course to help participants fast track their way to the test. The program can even help provide computers and other necessary items for participants who need them in order to take and complete the course. Instructors work to increase students’ math, reading, and writing skills and also work with them on technology skills and other areas helpful to obtaining employment. Students work up to a practice GED test and then eventually go on to take the actual exam.
Teedra didn’t pass her test the first time around but received lots of encouragement from the Career Accelerator staff about her second test. After studying hard for her second try, especially math, Teedra passed her GED exam.
Looking Towards the Future
For Teedra, having her GED immediately opened up possibilities for her future. When she told her JFCS Career Counselor Jeanne Williams that she enjoys cooking, Jeanne suggested that she enroll at Bidwell Training Center for their culinary courses. “I passed the GED and now I start classes at Bidwell in July!” Teedra exclaimed.”I didn’t know everything I can do. It’s surreal to me!”
In addition to the GED course, Career Accelerator also offers career counseling and other support for participants. While the class members come from a variety of backgrounds, they also can offer support to each other as they go through the process of obtaining their GEDs together. “There’s other moms there, trying to juggle being a mom and bettering themselves,” said Teedra. “My classmates all supported each other. They would announce when someone passed a section of the GED. When I passed, everyone congratulated me.”
Opportunities for All
Teedra encourages anyone looking to get their GED to try Career Accelerator. “If you put your mind to it, it’s very, very easy,” she explained. “Come to all your classes, listen to your instructor. It’s all online so you can do it from your home.”
But most of all she emphasized her personal growth and coming to understand what she is capable of doing. “For some people, [getting a GED] might not be a big deal, but for me, it’s surreal,” Teedra expressed. “When I saw I had my GED, it didn’t feel real. Anyone that feels like they gave up or may not be smart enough, this is the program for you. They’ll take as long as it takes. They inspire you to push forward…It’s a good support system to have in your back pocket. If you really want it, it’s there for you.”
To learn more about Career Accelerator and find out how you can enroll, visit startclassnow.org.