Lake Land College will soon begin enrolling students for its Fall GED classes.  The free program, which accepts students aged 17 or older, helps prepare students for the GED exam.  The reward for passing is a High School Equivalency (HSE) diploma, which can serve as a key to higher education and some work opportunities.

The school will hold an orientation session Thursday, August 20 at the United in Faith Church near the Pana Tri-County Fairgrounds.  The church will also serve as the location of the actual classes.  Chris Strohl, who serves as Dean of Workforce Solutions & Community Education, says there will also be sections at other locations in Central Illinois, including at their Mattoon campus. 

The GED exam covers math, science, social studies, and English.  A student must pass all four portions to receive the diploma.  Students can work at their own pace in preparing for the exam. 

Students who participate in Lake Land’s GED program and earn the diploma receive it in a high school-style graduation ceremony.  The spring ceremony took place on Tuesday.  Strohl says it is a meaningful experience for the graduates and their loved ones who attend. 

HSE diploma recipients can enter the workforce or attend college to work towards a higher degree.  There have been multiple instances in which alumni of Lake Land’s GED program have gone on to earn higher degrees at Lake Land. 

More information on Lake Land College is available at www.lakelandcollege.edu.

Chris Strohl appeared as a guest on the WTIM Pana Morning Show.