Missouri State Library Offers
GED Connection and Work Essential Skills Materials
GED Connection and Workplace Essential Skills videos and workbooks are now available to Missouri libraries through a program from the Missouri State Library. We have a limited number of these adult education video series and will distribute them to libraries that can justify their use as part of the collection without accompanying programming.
GED Connection 
offers 39 videotapes, 20 DVDs, 20 CDs and three sets of workbooks geared for students with a tenth grade reading level who are studying for the GED exam.
Workplace Essential Skills contains 25 videotapes, 13 DVDs, 13 CDs and three sets of four workbooks that teach students about workplace readiness skills, such as reading, math, communication, and problem solving in the workplace, plus résumé preparation and job seeking skills.
Need for such training definitely exists in Missouri, and libraries are ideal places for those who need help. Studies show that:
- Almost 19% of adult Missourians (age 25 and older) do not have a high school diploma or equivalency certificate.
- Most new jobs require at least a high school diploma or GED.
- Many out state Missouri communities do not have access to adult education classes sponsored by DESE.
- Nationally, one out of every seven high school diplomas issued each year in the United States is awarded through GED testing.
- More than 95 percent of U.S. employers consider GED graduates the same as traditional high school graduates in regard to hiring, salary, and opportunity for advancement.
Regular LSTA grant calls offer funding for libraries to form study groups using GED Connection and Workplace Essential Skills materials. Through a partnership with the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, the State Library is also offering the materials on a first-come-first-served basis to libraries that can use the materials without additional programming.
While there is no deadline for applications, materials will be awarded to qualifying libraries as approved applications are received. If you have questions or need additional information, contact Ann Roberts, Library Literacy Consultant, at 800-325-0131, ext. 5, or Ann.Roberts@sos.mo.gov.