BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE The State of Oregon, acting by and through its Higher Education Coordinating Commission, (“HECC”), is issuing this Request for Applications (“RFA”) to provide funding to programs that offer preparation, instruction, and/or wraparound services (defined below) to General Education Development Test® (“GED®”) candidates. The Oregon High School Equivalency Program (“OHEP”) is part of the Higher Education Coordinating Commission's (“HECC”) Office of Community Colleges and Workforce Development. We work in partnership with the GED® Testing Service (“GEDTS”), educational institutions, testing sites, and numerous state, community, county, and local partners to provide both GED® test preparation and testing to Oregonians statewide. We also work with the Department of Corrections on education opportunities for individuals in custody. GED® education and/or testing is provided by the following organizations and programs: • Oregon's 17 community colleges • Oregon GED Option Program for Oregon students ages 16-17 • Multiple community programs • Over 70 test sites across Oregon OHEP oversees the GED® test preparation, instruction, and the testing process in Oregon. Earning a GED® test credential can help individuals improve chances to find work, increase earnings, and/or pursue additional education through community colleges, universities or training programs. OHEP’s mission is to serve as a bridge to higher education, trade schools, apprenticeship programs, and employment opportunities for Oregonians who have not earned a high school diploma.
