Governor Warner Introduces Elliott Sadler as Spokesman for Race to GED

Governor Warner Introduces Elliott Sadler as Spokesman for Race to GED

— Sadler urges Virginians to "start their engines" for higher paying jobs —

Virginia Governor Mark R. Warner today introduced NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series driver and Emporia native Elliott Sadler as the spokesman for Race to GED. Over the past year, Race to GED has helped thousands of Virginians earn a General Educational Development (GED) certificate in much less time than in traditional adult education programs. Governor Warner made the announcement at Richmond International Raceway (RIR), the site of Friday's FUNAI 250 and the Chevy American Revolution 400 on Saturday.

"Elliott is an ideal spokesman for the Race to GED," said Governor Warner. "He believes in the program and has a tremendous rapport with motorsports fans across Virginia. With Elliott's help, more Virginians will hear our message about how Race to GED can lead to a brighter future. The economic benefits are obvious: a Virginia worker with a GED or high school degree makes more than double the income of a worker without a GED or degree."

Sadler stars in two public service announcements that have been distributed to Virginia cable systems and television stations. The spots, which were previewed during today's news conference, feature Sadler urging Virginians to "get back on track" and "start their engines for a better job" by joining the Race the GED. The spots include footage of the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series driver behind the wheel of his number 38 M&M's ® Ford. Sadler also will appear on billboards promoting the initiative.

"The Race to GED is making a difference in many Virginia communities and I am proud to be a part of it," said Sadler. "By joining the Race to GED, working-age men and women can earn a GED quickly and get on with bettering their lives, either by qualifying for a higher paying job or by continuing their education."

Race to GED includes two programs that dramatically shorten the time it takes to earn a GED. Students enrolled in "Fast Track GED" take an assessment that identifies their educational needs. A targeted study program allows Fast Track GED students to earn certificates in 90 days or less. "GED Prep" also includes an assessment and targeted study, with students earning a GED in 180 days.

Race to GED, one of Governor Warner's Education for a Lifetime initiatives, was launched statewide last year after successful pilot programs at adult education sites in Southside, Southwest Virginia, Northern Virginia, and Hampton Roads enabled more than 600 Virginians to earn a GED in much less time than in traditional programs. Expanding the Race to GED to ten additional adult education centers enabled even more Virginians to earn the credential. Last year, 11,518 Virginians earned a GED, compared with 10,067 during 2003. Now, all 131 of Virginia's adult education programs are participating in Race to GED. The Governor has set a goal of doubling the number of Virginians who earn a GED during the course of a year.

Several recent GED graduates attended the news conference at RIR:

* Natalie Sieg of Danville earned her GED in January after completing Fast Track GED. Seig has received an Alcoa Bridge Scholarship to attend Danville Community College. Her ultimate goal is to obtain a Bachelor of Science degree in pediatric nursing and work in a hospital in her community.
* Chris Pedrick of Richmond earned his GED in January and is now enrolled at J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College. Earning a GED also qualified Pedrick for management training at Burger King. Pedrick's success encouraged Richmond-area Burger King restaurants to develop a management program that begins with earning a GED.
* Ivy Matthews of Emporia earned her GED in 2003 and went on to become a Certified Nursing Assistant through Southside Community College. She is now working for a surgeon in Emporia.

About 700,000 adult Virginians lack a high school-level credential. In some communities, the percentage of the adult population lacking a high school diploma or GED is as high as 47 percent. It is estimated that about 518,000 of the Virginia workers without a diploma have had at least some high school, making them potential candidates for Fast Track GED.

"The Race to GED is about unlocking the potential of every Virginian facing the future without a high school diploma," said Secretary of Commerce and Trade Michael J. Schewel. "It is also about raising the education-level of the workforce so Virginia communities can compete for new industries and employers."

Governor Warner praised Richmond International Raceway, NASCAR, and the Virginia motorsports industry for its support of the Race to GED. Governor Warner also recognized the following Race to GED partners for their efforts to promote the initiative and broaden opportunities for Virginians who earn a GED:

* Alcoa Foundation awarded the Virginia Department of Education Office of Adult Education and Literacy a $50,000 grant to initiate the 2005 Virginia GED Bridge Scholarship for adults from disadvantaged backgrounds to gain equity and parity in education and the workplace.
* The Literary Foundation of Virginia provided a $100,000 grant to support marketing initiatives and provide a marketing consultant for a Race to GED recruitment campaign in the commonwealth's tobacco-growing regions.
* The Tobacco Indemnification and Community Revitalization Commission authorized a $217,500 grant to provide materials and equipment to bolster adult education programs in tobacco-growing areas.
* Lamar Advertising provided $33,000 in billboard space in the Richmond area and $92,000 in billboard space in Southwest Virginia for the Elliott Sadler Race to GED promotion.
* Charter Media is running the Race to GED public service announcements in communities it serves in Southwest Virginia, including Abingdon, Glade Springs, Marion, Weber City, Bristol, Norton, Lebanon, and Grundy.
* Comcast is running the Race to GED announcements in the Richmond area and in its Northern Virginia service area.

http://www.governor.virginia.gov/Press_Policy/Releases/2005/May05/0512b.htm