Arkansas Adult Education recognizes top 25 GED®exam scorers at annual ceremony

Little Rock, Arkansas (April 24, 2024)— On Wednesday, April 24, 2024, at 10 a.m. at the State Capitol Rotunda, the Adult Education Section of the Division of Workforce Services celebrated the top 25 scorers who successfully passed the GED® exam in 2023. Cody Waits, director of Arkansas Workforce Connection, and Dr. Trenia Miles, director of the Arkansas Adult Education Section, delivered remarks recognizing the top scorers.

Dianne Doyle, the High School Equivalency administrator for Adult Education, awarded plaques to the honorees to recognize their success. Overall, 2,659 students passed the GED® exam in Arkansas in 2023. Adult Education is ranked fourth in the nation among GED® test pass rates, with 85% of students passing in 2023. Students who pass the exam attain an Arkansas High School diploma.

Nathan Lane, 26, is a Russellville resident who received the state’s highest score on the GED® exam in 2023. He enrolled in Adult Education to earn his high school diploma. “I’m relieved to have finally reached that goal,” he said. “I’m finally at the point where I’m happy with where I’m at on elementary and high school subjects.”

Lane grew up in California, where his parents homeschooled him. The state did not legally require his parents to follow an academic curriculum as homeschool teachers. 

With a positive mindset and the support of loved ones, Lane successfully passed the GED® exam with the highest score at Arkansas Adult Education in 2023. “The staff were extremely understanding, encouraging, and kind,” he said. Lane said he analyzed the exam questions and tried to think through them based on the test writer’s perspective. Lane is discovering what industry he’d like to pursue before enrolling in higher education.

“Earning a high school diploma equips students with the knowledge needed to enter the workforce with higher earning potential,” said Dr. Miles. “I’m immensely proud to celebrate the remarkable achievement of our top 25 GED® scorers. Their dedication, perseverance, and commitment to their education exemplify the transformative power of learning. Each one is rewriting their future and inspiring other Arkansans to accomplish their goals. Congratulations to our outstanding achievers; you are the embodiment of resilience and success.”

High school diploma earners are employed at a higher rate than those without a diploma. According to the 2023 Current Population Survey (CPS), the employment rate was higher for those with higher levels of educational attainment. For example, the employment rate increased consistently with each level of educational attainment, from 44.5% for those with less than a high school diploma to 72.1% for those with bachelor’s degrees and beyond.

With 37 Adult Education centers across the state, adults can enroll in free programs by calling 1-877-963-4GED (4433).

About Arkansas Adult Education

Arkansas Adult Education, a section of the Arkansas Division of Workforce Services, prepares a job-ready, career-bound workforce to meet the needs of Arkansas employers. Adult Education oversees 37 adult education programs and two literacy councils, providing services to all 75 counties in Arkansas. For more information about workforce preparation and training opportunities, including locations and contact information for adult education programs around the state, please visit dws.arkansas.gov/adult-education/.

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