McDonald’s, Workforce Board announce GED partnership

• GED Fair set for Aug. 1 at Rockford Career College

Staff Report

McDonald’s restaurants in the Rockford and Belvidere area are teaming up with the Boone and Winnebago Counties Workforce Investment Board to encourage individuals who did not complete high school to work toward their GED high school equivalency certificate.

Customers dining at area McDonald’s locations will see tray liners encouraging GED attainment and providing information about how to enroll in GED classes.

In addition, information tables will be set up at participating restaurants during the lunch hour to provide information about GED prep classes and the testing process.

“Getting a high school credential does so much for the individual and their families in terms of self-esteem, and not to mention net worth over their lifetime,” said Linda Ballard of the McDonald’s Corporation. “We at McDonald’s are proud to support the Workforce Investment Board and all they do help area residents and their families reach their goals”

Paul Callighan, Workforce Investment Board chairman, explained: “We welcome our partnership with McDonald’s on this important issue. Education is a key for individuals who are looking for work in our community, and this is a great way to get out the word about the GED classes that are available in the Rockford area.”

The campaign leads up to the GED Fair, to be held from 1 to 7 p.m., Aug. 1, at the Rockford Career College/Heartland Church complex at 1130 S. Alpine Road. Individuals attending the event will be able to learn more about GED opportunities and locations and take a GED readiness assessment. About 250 people attended a similar event in January.

GED classes are offered at nearly 20 different locations throughout Winnebago and Boone counties. About 150 classes are offered each year, providing educational opportunities for more than 2,000 potential students. The event is part of the ongoing effort to increase GED attainment in the region. The promotion coincides with Rock Valley College’s month-long period for pre-testing prospective students for fall classes.

More information is available at www.rockfordGEDfair.com.

From the July 25-31, 2012, issue