10,000 Learners and Counting: How GEDWorks Is Expanding Opportunity Through Employer-Sponsored Education
10,000 Learners and Counting: How GEDWorks Is Expanding Opportunity Through Employer-Sponsored Education
More than 10,000 adults have earned their GED through GEDWorks™ as of May 2026.
That milestone represents more than completion. It reflects thousands of employees who were able to keep working, gain new skills, and open doors to what comes next, without taking on the cost alone.
GEDWorks is the official GED® program that enables employers, nonprofits, health plans, and workforce partners to sponsor employees and individuals to earn their GED credential. Through the program, learners receive preparation, testing, and ongoing support at no cost to them, making it possible to complete their diploma while staying in their jobs.
For employers, the impact is just as clear: a stronger workforce, improved retention, and employees who are better equipped for evolving roles.
Why This Matters Now
Across the U.S., approximately 27.5 million adults still need a high school credential. At the same time, workforce demands continue to shift – by 2031; an estimated 72% of jobs will require education beyond high school.
GEDWorks sits at the center of this challenge and opportunity, creating a practical path forward for both learners and the organizations that employ and support them.
A Model Built on Partnership
GEDWorks is designed to meet learners where they already are, at work, in their communities, and within trusted support systems.
The program brings together multiple partners:
• Employers sponsor their employees, helping them earn a GED while staying on the job
• Nonprofits and community organizations integrate GED support into existing programs
• Health plans offering GED completion opportunities to members and employees
• Workforce systems expand access to education tied directly to career pathways
• Adult education programs can boost capacity and reach more learners
Results That Show What’s Possible
As GEDWorks has expanded, the outcomes point to a model that works:
• 10,000+ graduates as of May 2026
• 115 active partners across employers, nonprofits, health plans, and government agencies
• ~4.5 months average completion time
• Improving persistence rates, with more learners staying engaged and finishing
These results reflect a simple but powerful idea: when barriers are removed, and support is consistent, more adults finish what they started.
Extending Support Beyond Traditional Classrooms
One of the biggest shifts GEDWorks enables is where learning happens.
Instead of relying solely on traditional classroom settings, the program embeds education into everyday environments, including workplaces, community programs, and workforce systems. Learners are supported in spaces they already trust, making it easier to stay on track.
At the same time, adult education centers remain an important part of the ecosystem, serving as an additional support system in the local community.
Looking Ahead
Reaching 10,000 graduates is a significant milestone, but it is also a signal of what is ahead.
As more employers and organizations look for ways to invest in their people, GEDWorks provides a proven model that connects education directly to workforce needs.
For partners, it’s a way to expand impact.
For employers, it’s a way to strengthen their teams.And for learners, it’s a path forward that fits their lives.