Strengthening Educational Access: The GED Testing Service State Relationship Manager Team

The GED Testing Service, since its origins in 1941, has been dedicated to breaking down barriers to education and ensuring that every individual has the opportunity to achieve their high school equivalency diploma. A vital element in advancing this mission is our State Relationship Manager (SRM) team, designed to foster collaboration between the GED Testing Service and state education agencies, community organizations, and other stakeholders.

The SRM team serves as a bridge, facilitating communication and cooperation to enhance the accessibility and administration of the GED test and related resources to educators and program administrators. Each state is assigned a dedicated Relationship Manager who acts as the primary point of contact, providing tailored support and guidance to meet the unique needs of each state’s educational landscape.

One of the primary goals of the SRM team is to understand and address the challenges that various states face in delivering GED services. By engaging directly with state officials and community leaders, Relationship Managers can identify specific barriers to access, whether they be logistical, financial, or informational. This understanding allows us to develop targeted strategies that enhance program delivery and ensure that individuals in every community have the resources they need to succeed.

Through the SRM Team, we also promote best practices and share innovative approaches that have proven effective in various states. By creating a platform for the exchange of ideas and experiences, we enable states to learn from one another and implement successful initiatives. This collaborative environment fosters a sense of community among states, encouraging them to work together in the pursuit of common goals.

Furthermore, the SRM Program is instrumental in increasing awareness of the GED test and its importance. Relationship Managers engage in outreach efforts, hosting workshops, webinars, and conferences to educate stakeholders about the benefits of obtaining a GED credential. These efforts help to demystify the testing process and motivate individuals to take the next step toward their educational and career aspirations.

In addition to fostering collaboration and increasing awareness, the SRM Program also focuses on data-driven decision-making. By leveraging data analytics, Relationship Managers can assess the effectiveness of programs and initiatives, making informed adjustments to enhance outcomes. This commitment to continuous improvement ensures that our services remain relevant and impactful.

In conclusion, the GED Testing Service State Relationship Manager Program plays a crucial role in expanding educational access and support for GED candidates across the nation. By building strong relationships with state agencies and community organizations, we are better equipped to understand and address the challenges faced by individuals pursuing their high school equivalency diploma. As we continue to invest in this program, we remain steadfast in our mission to empower learners and promote educational equity for all.

As we approach this season of Thanksgiving, we take a moment to reflect on the many blessings in our lives. This time of year, reminds us to express our gratitude, and today, we want to extend a special thank you to our educators who inspire, guide, and uplift our students daily. We also want to express our gratitude to program administrators for their roles in making programs possible to support and encourage our learners on their path to self-improvement.

Educators play a pivotal role in shaping the future. They cultivate curiosity, ignite passion for learning, and support our students to reach their fullest potential. Their dedication goes beyond the classroom; they invest their time, energy, and heart into nurturing the minds and spirits of our adult learners.

As we gather with family and friends to celebrate, let us remember our educators’ profound impact on their lives. Each lesson taught, encouragement, and challenge faced together is a testament to their unwavering commitment to student success.

This Thanksgiving, let us express our heartfelt appreciation for all the teachers, mentors, and staff dedicated to creating a brighter future for our students. Your efforts do not go unnoticed, and we are deeply thankful for your passion and perseverance.

Impressive usage results from the GED & Me™ mobile app in its first few months since launch – over 75,000 app downloads so far

GED & Me™, the official GED mobile app was launched in June 2024. The app features were designed for an individual learner who can benefit from the structure and motivational reminders that the App provides.

As of mid November, the GED & Me app has reached a significant milestone in mobile application usage. With a remarkable total of more than 75,000 downloads, the app has proven to be a popular resource for individuals eager to pursue their educational goals.

The app has attracted more than 64,000 sign-ups, reflecting a strong interest in its resources and support. This translates to an impressive 85% conversion rate, indicating that those who downloaded the app are interested and motivated to engage with its features. This high engagement rate demonstrates the growing demand for digital tools that assist in educational pursuits.

Once users have signed up, they have shown a commendable commitment to their learning journey. A striking 95% of users completed the onboarding process designed to capture their goals related to their GED credential, and show them profiles of learners like them. This seamless onboarding experience is crucial, as it sets the foundation for users to maximize the app’s potential in their GED preparation.

User engagement statistics reveal that 45% of users are actively engaging with the app’s practice content. This highlights an opportunity for us to enhance user experience with more and different kinds of practice content Learners have asked for more video content, for instance. In addition, we intend to improve the engagement rate with features such as targeted notifications, personalized practice recommendations, and interactive learning modules.

On October 21, Pearson, the world’s lifelong learning company, launched the Skills Map of the United States, an in-depth analysis of the American job market through 2028. The report projects that 1.9 million new jobs will be created through 2028, even as automation, AI, and demographic shifts reshape the job market. Based on an extensive review of 85 million U.S. job ads, economic and labor market data, the Skills Map offers critical insights to help businesses, policymakers and individuals prepare for the future of work.

Vicki Greene, President of GED Testing Service, stated, “As baby boomers retire, they are creating a seismic shift in the workforce that’s forcing CEOs and CHROs to rethink their talent strategies. Our Skills Map reveals the growing gaps in the workforce and highlights the importance of upskilling experienced professionals while providing opportunities for Gen Z to step into key roles. With an aging population, leaders must address these challenges to keep businesses competitive and ensure the next generation is prepared to fill critical positions.”

The Skills Map U.S. focuses on the “Three A’s”—automation, AI and an aging population—as key drivers of change. It emphasizes that, despite causing disruption, these forces will create new opportunities for different jobs and emerging skills.

Key findings include:

• Technology expertise will be in high demand across all sectors. Roles such as Systems Software Engineers, Information Systems Managers and Computer Programmers will grow by 15.4%, adding nearly 320,000 jobs.
• The definition of tech jobs is expanding. As businesses integrate advanced technologies, all jobs are becoming “tech jobs” in one way or another.
• Human skills remain essential. Skills like communication, problem-solving and teamwork are increasingly valued, particularly in roles that involve caregiving or physical tasks that automation cannot replace.
• Upskilling and reskilling will be critical to prepare workers for the future. As industries evolve, education services will play a key role in imparting both technical and human skills to the workforce.

The Skills Map U.S. leverages Pearson’s advanced predictive analytics and proprietary Skills Outlook data to forecast job market changes. The inaugural report provides insights into national trends and the states of California, Florida, Michigan, New York and Texas.

Visit the Pearson Skills Map U.S. website or download the full Skills Map report to learn more.