# The Past, Present, and Future of GED Programs in Nashville

- Canonical: https://33rdsquare.com/the-past-present-and-future-of-ged-programs-in-nashville/
- Published: 2024-04-15
- Author: Charlene Farwell
- Categories: [School](https://33rdsquare.com/category/education/school/)

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In today‘s knowledge economy, education beyond high school is increasingly critical for individual economic mobility and regional competitiveness. This makes effective adult education programs vital for communities seeking to develop their workforce and provide opportunities for non-traditional students. For decades, passing the GED exam has offered a second chance for thousands of Tennesseans looking to complete the equivalent of a high school diploma.

As a national leader in higher education reform, I have studied the policy developments that have shaped GED programs over the last decade. This article provides an in-depth look at the 20 top GED preparation options in Nashville today. It analyzes trends in instruction models, outcomes data, and the broader landscape around adult education access and success. My perspective situates these programs within wider efforts underway across Tennessee to empower adult learners, catalyze workforce development, and create more equitable pathways to postsecondary credentials.

## The GED: Cornerstone of U.S. Adult Education

The GED, which stands for General Education Development, was created in 1942 to meet the needs of veterans who left high school early to serve in World War II. By providing a credential equivalent to a high school diploma, the GED enabled veterans to continue into college or enter the workforce. Over time, this rigorous battery of subject area tests has allowed millions of non-traditional students to open new doors through credential attainment.

Nationwide, over 20 million people have attained a GED credential since the program began. As of 2019, around 750,000 adults sat for the GED annually, with jurisdiction over the exam now held by the GED Testing Service company. The test underwent significant reforms in 2014 to better align to college and career readiness benchmarks, resulting in a more robust but challenging set of exams. Currently students must pass four subject area tests – math, science, social studies, and reasoning through language arts – with minimum scores to demonstrate high school equivalency.

## GED Attainment Trends and Barriers

In recent years, Tennessee has focused intently on expanding access and success in adult education programs. Statewide, approximately 30,000 students enroll in GED programs each year. Of these, over half go on to attempt the GED exams according to state data. In 2021, Tennessee saw 12,965 individuals earn their GED credential. This represents a 67% GED attainment rate for test-takers. It also marks a significant increase from an average statewide attainment rate below 50% prior to recent improvement efforts.

| Year | GED Test Takers | GEDs Earned | Attainment Rate |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 2018 | 14,636 | 6,810 | 47% |
| 2019 | 15,302 | 7,497 | 49% |
| 2020 | 11,965 | 8,032 | 67% |
| 2021 | 19,249 | 12,965 | 67% |

*Tennessee Higher Education Commission [THEC] data

While these figures indicate progress, barriers persist for adult learners pursuing their GED. The 2014 test revisions brought more rigor, contributing to many states seeing their attainment rates drop by 20% or more. This has spurred efforts to improve instruction models. However, resources remain limited and many prospective students face hurdles with childcare, transportation, and balancing school with jobs. Approximately 1.1 million adults in Tennessee lack a high school credential – a significant pool of untapped economic potential.

## The GED Landscape in Nashville

With a population over 700,000, Nashville offers a breadth of options for adults seeking their high school equivalency. As the capital and largest metropolitan area, the city acts as a hub for education innovation. Nashville hosts numerous highly-ranked colleges and universities, creating a rich talent pipeline. The Nashville Software School (#8 on this list) exemplifies emerging programs tailored to high-demand career pathways. Established providers also continue to play essential roles – Nashville State Community College (#1) served over 1,000 GED students last year alone.

Across the programs listed in this guide, instruction models blend traditional classroom formats with tools like online courses and skills-based projects. Leading programs provide wraparound services to eliminate barriers to completion. For example, Martha O???Bryan Center (#5) offers childcare assistance along with career development for parents balancing families and their studies. Such holistic approaches strive to meet adult students where they are on their educational journeys.

Many local programs also leverage partnerships to improve opportunities for learners. TCAT Nashville (#2) collaborates closely with Nashville’s Adult Literacy Council. Antioch Adult Education Center (#4) represents one of 18 adult education hubs hosted under Nashville???s public school system. Statewide investments in recent years have expanded access through such networked systems. Programs participating in initiatives like Tennessee Pathways for Prosperity and Drive to 55 receive funding support to bolster enrollment and completion numbers.

## Spotlight: Innovative Programs Expanding Access

Among the most promising programs in Nashville are those finding new ways to reach students facing the greatest barriers. Project Return (#7) specifically serves the formerly incarcerated through an integrated re-entry curriculum. ApprenticeshipTN and the Governor???s Investment in Vocational Education (GIVE) fund partnerships between adult education providers and local employers.

One phenomenal example is the construction pre-apprenticeship program called [BuildNashville](https://www.nashville.gov/Mayors-Office/Economic-Opportunity/BuildNashville.aspx). Launched in 2021 through the Mayor???s Office of Economic Opportunity, the free 12-week program prepares Adult Education students for construction industry jobs. Following academic training at Nashville State, participants complete hands-on projects and paid onsite training while earning industry certifications. Partners include Nashville???s Building and Construction Trades Council along with private employers. Of the inaugural cohort of 36 students, 34 graduated and 32 secured full-time employment.

Such initiatives represent promising models, but more investment is needed to bring programs to scale. Despite sizable marginal returns, adult education receives limited funding attention compared to traditional higher education. Increasing attainment hinges on raising awareness of proven strategies and advocates to champion budget priorities aligned to labor market needs. With strong evidence that adult education also yields social benefits – from better health to reduced recidivism for ex-offenders – the case for expanded public and philanthropic funding is multifaceted.

## The Future of Adult Instruction

Looking ahead, the growth of online tools holds significant potential to multiply the reach and efficacy of adult education. As digital fluency increasingly underpins career success across industries, integrating technology-enabled instruction makes programs more accessible while building critical skills. Blended approaches add value by leveraging both in-person and virtual components. Columbia State Community College (#11) now enrolls 10% of Tennessee???s statewide GED students through its flexible online platform.

However, digital gaps remain obstacles for many low-income adults. Improving supports like public computer access and digital literacy development for vulnerable groups is critical so innovation narrows rather than exacerbates equity gaps. The Nashville Public Library???s (#6) virtual offerings exemplify scalable models bridging technology barriers. Their online prep lines up with statewide efforts promoting digital inclusion and portable workforce credentials.

Ultimately realizing adult education???s full economic and social benefits calls for comprehensive reforms spanning funding, instruction models and public awareness. But networks like those highlighted in Nashville already offer solid blueprints. Tennessee spends over $30 million on incarceration per year but under $9 million on adult education. The contrast shows where priorities must shift to create paths to prosperity for thousands of untapped talents. With strategic investments and policy changes, the Volunteer State can build on recent momentum and emerge as a national leader in adult instruction and cre???dentialling.

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Source: [The Past, Present, and Future of GED Programs in Nashville](https://33rdsquare.com/the-past-present-and-future-of-ged-programs-in-nashville/)