Making Dreams Come True

In a time when school dropout rates are rising in many parts of our country, so are basic education requirements rising for even the most entry level of jobs.  Rural regions, in particular, are finding it increasingly difficult to compete for funding to support local programs. The federal government has taken over the administration of the High School Equivalency Test (HSET) formerly known as General Education Degree (GED).  With this change, they have increased standards, refocused on younger students and on increasing retention rates in high schools, and serving, almost exclusively, urban areas.

 
This change in administration and focus has placed rural areas at a distinct disadvantage.  Rural areas serve a demographic with fewer students who are more commonly from an older age group.  They are spread out over a much larger area and it’s not uncommon for students to come from several counties that surround the one remaining program that is available in a region that once had multiple programs. In addition, because of the former standards, rural areas also had access to grants.  This option has now all but disappeared for rural areas.  These areas rarely reach minimum student enrollment requirements to qualify for grants.

 

These older students have not been exposed to more modern teaching methods, particularly in the area of mathematics and because of this lack of exposure; success in finishing the program has become increasingly difficult.  Completing courses has grown from basic math and algebra to completion of geometry, trigonometry, and calculus.  In contrast, currently enrolled high school students are able to opt out of such classes and still graduate from high school.  Such requirements make an already difficult situation harder and the process to achieve graduation, longer.


Pemiscot Initiative Network (PIN) umbrellas and oversees the one remaining program in the Bootheel service area.  The next closest program is in Cape Girardeau.  In order to keep this one program going for at least another 2-3 years, we are seeking donations of funds that will total $2,500 - $7,000.  Donations will be submitted to Pemiscot Initiative Network for distribution to the HSET program. The High School Equivalency Test program is directed by Ms. Eleanor Taylor.  The Pemiscot Initiative Network is directed by Mr. David Fullhart.   If you have questions, please contact  Mr. Fullhart through Go Fund. All fund gathered will be used to benefit the program including:


Books,

Teacher stipend,

Education supplies,

Assistance with student testing fees, and other

Unanticipated program needs.

 
This funding request is specifically to highlight the difficulty we are faced with of helping underserved adult learners in our communities.  A donation to this fund is a donation to someone’s better future and the achievement of their dreams.  Parents return to school and advance themselves; their children stay in school.  College may in the future for many of them.   And, the increased prosperity of their lives is a benefit to all of us in the community.  Please help dreams come true.