Lisa Shaw, vice president of Adult Education at GNTC (left), poses with Accelerated Academy graduate Tristan Evans, who received awards for the highest score in Social Studies—as well as the highest combined score in Math, Reading, Science and Social Studies—for all 2025 Academic Year graduates earning their HSE through GNTC’s Adult Education program.
Georgia Northwestern Technical College’s (GNTC) Accelerated Academy speeds up the pace at which students can earn their High School Equivalency (HSE).
19 students graduated from GNTC’s first Accelerated Academy class. The class, which lasted three days, provided meals and snacks, HSE instruction, practice tests and testing—all for free.
“I have a son on the way and wanted to finish the HSE program quickly so that I could graduate and get a better job to support my family,” Donovan Evans said.
He and his brother, Tristan, learned about the program through a colleague of their mother’s and decided to complete the program together. They both reside in Cartersville.
Donovan Evans, 24, said he dropped out of high school in his junior year because he had memory retention issues resulting from a brain injury. He characterized the three-day program as “scary at first” but is glad he completed it. He is now looking at attending college and aspires to become an architect.
Tristan Evans, 21, said he left high school after his sophomore year during the COVID-19 pandemic when his grades declined because of challenges managing the online programs, so he opted to drop out of school rather than fail his courses. He has attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
“I typically work six days a week. The shorter time period the Accelerated Academy offers allowed me to complete the program without missing a lot of work,” he said.
The brothers said they appreciate the support from GNTC’s Adult Education faculty and staff and acknowledged that the classes and online study resources helped them to prepare for the exams.
Tristan Evans earned the highest score in Social Studies—as well as the highest combined score in Math, Reading, Science and Social Studies—for all 2025 Academic Year graduates earning their HSE.
“Now that I’ve obtained my HSE, I’m exploring college options for a Computer Science degree, possibly with video game design as the primary focus,” Tristan Evans said, adding that in the near future he’s considering a PC Repair and Network Technician certificate to gain practical experience that could lead to a career in the field.
“This program underscores the reality that thousands of Georgians are ready to pursue their high school credential, but they require flexible pathways to do so,” Dr. Cayanna Good, assistant commissioner of Adult Education for the Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG), explained. “Our responsibility is to ensure that all adult learners, regardless of their starting point, have access to the resources and program structures that meet their individual needs. Flexibility in course offerings is essential to fulfilling that mission.”
Some students need an accelerated program with intensive instruction and immediate testing, while others require more time and support due to various personal and academic factors, Dr. Good said.
“The traditional Adult Education classes available across the state are a great resource but are not always a feasible option for everyone,” said Carla DeBose, Professional Development and Family Literacy director at the TCSG Office of Adult Education. “Many adults are balancing demanding jobs, raising children and managing the day-to-day responsibilities of life. For them, committing to weeks or months of classes just isn’t realistic.”
Characterizing the three day program as a “game-changer,” Ms. DeBose said “it opens the door for people who might otherwise feel that completing their education is out of reach. The beauty of the program is that it doesn’t end there; if a participant doesn’t earn the full credential over the weekend, Adult Education programs are ready and equipped to step in and provide continued support, instruction and other pathways to success. It’s all about meeting people where they are and helping them move forward on their terms.”
A significant group of learners are capable of succeeding with an accelerated, focused model, instead of multiple weeks or months of instruction, Dr. Good said.
“The results speak for themselves,” said Lisa Shaw, vice president of Adult Education at GNTC. Nineteen participants arrived on a Thursday without their HSE and left that Saturday as graduates, putting them on the path to better job opportunities, higher education and a stronger future.”
Dr. Good said she learned about the accelerated approach at a Coalition on Adult Basic Education (COABE) presentation.
“I found it to be an incredibly innovative approach and challenged our system office team to adapt the model for Georgia,” Dr. Good said.
The Technical College System of Georgia asked Athens Technical College, Central Georgia Technical College, Coastal Pines Technical College, Georgia Northwestern Technical College and Southern Regional Technical College to participate in the pilot program for the Accelerated Academy, DeBose said.
GNTC’s program is funded by the GNTC Foundation and an Adult Education and Family Literacy Act (AEFLA) grant and is offered at GNTC’s Floyd County Campus in Rome and Whitfield Murray Campus in Dalton, Ms. Shaw said.
Participants take a practice test with a required minimum score in Language Arts, Math and Reading to determine their eligibility to take the Accelerated Academy, Ms. Shaw said.
“We had a wide range of participants varying in ages from 18 to 55, each with a unique story,” Ms. Shaw said. “This program is for anyone who qualifies regardless of where they left off or how long they have been out of school.”
The fast-paced classes provide instruction in Language Arts, Math, Reading, Science and Social Studies and focus on what is needed to pass the test, she said. Participants commit to an intensive schedule, with evening class on Thursday and full-day sessions on Friday and Saturday that include both instruction and testing.
Ms. Shaw said, “90% of our participants were able to complete their HSE in that time; however, for those who need extra assistance, we don’t leave them behind. We have ongoing support and instruction available to help them obtain their credential. Our goal is to have a 100 percent completion rate.”
While this program might not be the right fit for everyone, completing the preregistration is a start on the right path, Ms. Shaw advised. For those who need more time or support, the Office of Adult Education offers flexible learning options, including both online and face-to-face instruction.
“No matter where someone is on their educational journey, GNTC’s Office of Adult Education provides the opportunity to move forward.” she said.
Ms. Dubose commended the remarkable level of preparation, collaboration and genuine care demonstrated by the entire team for GNTC’s Accelerated Academy.
The GNTC team embraced and studied the Accelerated Academy framework, proactively sought guidance from other pilot sites, and thoughtfully planned and executed their event with excellence, Ms. DeBose explained.
“The most impressive aspect was the level of inclusion and shared ownership displayed across the entire organization,” Ms. Dubose said. From Dr. Heidi Popham, GNTC president, who personally came onsite to check in and offer support to GNTC Police and maintenance staff, everyone was informed, involved and deeply invested in the success of the participants.
“To anyone considering the Accelerated Academy program, I urge you not to give up,” Tristan Evans said. “I once thought I would never graduate after dropping out, but the most important investment you can make is in yourself. The three-day accelerated course is an excellent and efficient way to achieve this and propel yourself towards greater things in your life and future.”
The next Accelerated Academy class will be offered in November at GNTC’s Whitfield Murray Campus in Dalton. Enrollment is capped at 20.
Participants must be age 18 or older and possess a government-issued form of identification.
For more information, visit www.gntc.edu/adult-education/, email adulted@gntc.edu or call 706-295-6976.