LOUISVILLE, Ky. — More Kentuckians than ever are getting their GED diplomas. 

What You Need To Know

  • Gov Andy Beshear's, D-Ky., administration has touted the success of more Kentuckians getting their GED diplomas

  • Kentuckians can take the GED test for free if it's their first time

  • The initiative helped Justin Perry, who passed his GED exam for social studies 

  • GED prep programs have improved Perry's job prospects, he said 

According to Gov. Andy Beshear's, D-Ky., administration, that's in part because of increasing the number of test sites around the Commonwealth and making the test free for "first-time takers." 

For Justin Perry, the hard part is almost over. The 23-year-old didn't finish high school; however, five years later, he’s taking advantage of a Beshear initiative, making the GED test free for first-time takers.

He ultimately passed his GED exam for social studies. 

“I was one of the first students to access the free GED for Louisville," Perry said. "I was one of the first students to take the test, too."

Since 2020, the Office of Adult Education has increased the number of GED testing sites in Kentucky from 114 to 171. 

“It has definitely increased the number of folks coming our way because we also don’t have to search for the dollars ... we wanted to remove that barrier as well," said Ashley Janicki, adult education manager of the Louisville testing site.

Janicki said Adult Education Services offer classes and resources for people of all education levels.

“It’s amazing to see the adults come through these doors and the dreams that they are working toward and trusting us to be a part of ... it’s so rewarding every day," Janicki said.

GED programs have improved Perry's job prospects, he added. 

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