A local GED prep program has been resurrected thanks to Lamar State College Port Arthur, one of the member schools of the Texas State University System (TSUS) Polk County Center.
“The GED program that was supported by a grant from Angelina College ran out in the fall of 2025 and the GED program has not been offered at the Polk County Center since then,” TSUS PCC Director Kathryn Pedigo said.
“Since I’ve been here the last eight months, we’ve had over 150 inquiries asking if we have a GED program. It is more needed that I ever imagined,” Pedigo said.
Seeing the need locally, Lamar State College Port Arthur agreed to bring the program back to the Polk County Center.
“The one thing that makes this program different is that the instructor is actually teaching lessons in person instead of a proctor of an online program. There will be hands-on teaching,” Pedigo said.
Enrollment in the program is free and classes are offered Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. Though the first class began July 14, enrollment is revolving so it is not too late to enroll.
Requirements to enroll in a GED program in Texas include: must be 18 years of age, must have a government-issued photo ID, must have proof of Texas residency, must not be enrolled in an accredited high school and must not be a high school graduate of an accredited high school.
However, there are age exceptions. If a 17-year-old is interested, he or she must meet all of the above requirements and must also be accompanied by a parent or guardian for the initial orientation and have signed permission to enroll in the program. Additionally, if a 16-year-old is interested in enrolling in the GED prep course, he or she must meet with Pedigo for more information.
The class schedule is 8 a.m. to noon on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays and 5:30-8 p.m. on Tuesdays.
The daily class schedule is math from 8-9:30 a.m., reading/English language arts from 9:30-11 a.m. and science/social studies from 11 a.m. to noon. Tuesday evening classes will consist of all subject areas.
If a student has previously taken and passed a portion of the GED test, he or she does not need to attend the scheduled class time for that subject area. The goal of the program is for students to have passed all portions of the GED assessment within six months of being enrolled in the GED program.
It is recommended that students complete at least 36 contact hours in the GED prep course before registering for the assessment.
Program orientation is required to enroll in the class. Weekly orientations are held at 1 p.m. each Tuesday.
The course is being taught by longtime local educator Mary Hill. Her office hours are noon to 1:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays at the Polk County Center.
This is a self-paced program. However, in-person and structured practice will be a part of each class session. Therefore, regular attendance is important in order to be successful on the GED test.
Once enrolled in the program, students will be expected to attend at least two sessions per week. If a student does not attend any scheduled classes for two consecutive weeks, the student will be withdrawn from the program. Students will be asked to sign in and out at each class session.
The TSUS Polk County Center is located at 1015 US 59 Loop North in Livingston. For more information, go to https://pcc.tsus.edu/
