WARWICK – The Community College of Rhode Island Foundation received a $100,000 grant from the Lloyd G. Balfour Foundation, Bank of America, to increase the number of nontraditional students who enter post-secondary education after receiving a GED diploma.

Ray Di Pasquale, CCRI president, said the state’s only community college recognizes the importance of helping GED students transition to college.

“Having a GED credential does not necessarily mean [students] are prepared to compete for jobs that will offer career growth or adequately support their families,” Di Pasquale said.

The college noted that GED students often face challenges beyond those experienced by most high school students, such as excessive financial burdens and a lack of academic skills, as well as family, work and personal obligations.

The funds will support CCRI’s “College Now for Students Without a High School Credential” course that, in addition to teaching GED readiness skills such as reading, writing and math, offers practical tips and strategies for success in higher education.

The program was piloted in the 2011 fiscal year. Of the 39 students who began the program, 26 attained GED credentials, the college said. The “College Now” class meets for 12 hours each week for 15 weeks. •