A new state-of-the art Pearson Education General Education Degree (GED) Testing Center is now up and running at Orchard Center High School, and a number of students from the nearby Learning Bank test at the center each week.

The two educational institutions which are only several blocks away from each other have been working more closely together since Monroe Public Schools took steps about a year ago to keep the Learning Bank open and then assumed operation of Orchard Center High School midway through the 2013-2014 school year.

“We are very proud of the efforts made by a number of Monroe Public Schools staff members with support from the Board of Education to keep the Learning Bank and its ties to Orchard Center High School available because these are important resources for members of the Monroe community,” said Dr. Barry Martin, superintendent, Monroe Public Schools.

“A year or so ago, there was some question about the Learning Bank’s ability to remain open. However, now that it is a part of Monroe Public Schools, it is thriving as a valuable service to our community members who seek to further their education by working towards a GED,” Dr. Martin said.

Technology at the Learning Bank has been upgraded by Monroe Public Schools and plans are to add new software which is needed for students to successfully prepare for their GED at the facility.

The evening adult education services continue at Orchard Center and they are closely tied to the daytime services at the Learning Bank which allows students to move back and forth between these two facilities if needed because of work schedules.
In addition to support from Monroe Public Schools, the Learning Bank also continues to receive backing from Monroe Bank & Trust, the Community Foundation of Monroe County and Monroe County Community College, which have remained strong supporters of the community effort.

Persons who have questions about the Learning Bank or its classes can call 457-0091. Persons with Orchard Center-related questions can call 265-3700.