The General Educational Development (GED) program is a significant educational milestone, providing those who did not complete high school an opportunity to obtain an equivalent certification. Keyano College, in partnership with the Athabasca Tribal Council (ATC), offers this program to First Nations, Inuit, and Métis people living in Fort McMurray, aiming to enhance their educational qualifications and broaden their career opportunities.
Congratulations to the ten students who completed the 15-week ATC GED Program at Keyano College! On May 8th, they celebrated their hard work, dedication, and perseverance, marking a momentous occasion for these individuals and the community.
These students' stories highlight the resilience and determination required to achieve this goal and demonstrate the program's profound impact on their lives and the community.
One of the graduates, Evan Marten, shared his motivation: "I got tired of working minimum wage and odd jobs. I needed to start getting the ball rolling so I could start an actual career." Evan's journey is a testament to the program's ability to open doors for those seeking better job opportunities and further education.
Shae Young, another graduate, emphasized the new possibilities that the GED has unlocked: "It will open up a lot of doors that I didn't realize it would open for me." This highlights the GED's transformative potential, significantly expanding personal and professional opportunities.
Adrian Potts offers an inspiring narrative. Moved frequently through the foster care system and a mother by her mid-twenties, Adrian pursued her GED to set a positive example for her children: "I wanted them to see their mom graduate." Her story powerfully illustrates the GED program's role in fostering personal growth and inspiring future generations.
Evan, Shae, Adrian, and their fellow graduates' experiences are compelling motivators for others considering the GED path. Their collective advice is clear: seize the opportunity, apply yourself, and embrace available support. Through their accomplishments, these graduates demonstrate that with dedication and resources, educational and career aspirations are within reach.
This program is funded by the Indigenous Education Grant through Alberta - Ministry of Indigenous Relations and Service Canada. It offers eligible ATC clients tuition and career support to help them remove the financial barriers to achieving their dreams. If you are interested in getting your GED, contact Melanie Fost at melanie.fost@atcfn.ca.
