The Westfield Foundation is proud to partner with Literacy New Jersey (Literacy NJ) to provide essential literacy and GED instruction to adults in Westfield and Union County. With the Foundation’s support, Literacy NJ covers the cost of each student’s GED exam. Last year, over 150 students participated in Literacy NJ’s GED preparation courses, receiving 4,648 hours of instruction. As a result, 36 students earned their high school diplomas, 21 passed parts of the exam, and 79 students took the test, achieving a 72% success rate.
“Previously, many students faced a significant barrier: the cost of the GED exam. Despite their hard work and readiness, this financial hurdle prevented them from taking the test. In recent years, the Foundation has successfully bridged this gap, supporting 165 adults who passed the test or parts of it,” said Executive Director, Katie Curran Darcy.
Maira, one of their students, began with Literacy NJ as an ESL learner and progressed to the GED preparation program. Thanks to Literacy NJ’s no-cost classes, made possible by the Westfield Foundation’s support, Maira was able to advance and successfully pass her GED exam in English, earning her high school diploma. She shared, “In Uruguay, I had to leave school to support my family. Here, I need to study to get a better job. Literacy NJ helped me improve my English and prepare for the GED, opening up better job opportunities and boosting my confidence. I hope to pursue an even better career with my GED.”
The Westfield Foundation and Literacy NJ are transforming lives by empowering students to pursue higher education and overcome employment barriers, paving the way to brighter futures for individuals like Maira.