Adult‑education students tell Senate committee programs aided recovery, GED attainment and workforce readiness

The Senate Workforce Committee heard testimony from Summers County adult‑education coordinator Jared Bailey and three students who described how adult‑education services supported recovery, job skills, and education goals.

Jared Bailey introduced three students from his classroom and described the program’s role in removing barriers to independence. Student Dakota McGinn told the committee, "Adult education didn't just prepare me for employment, it prepared me for leadership," and said the program helped her complete FAFSA, enroll in college and pursue MOS (Microsoft Office Specialist) certification. Dakota said she is on track to graduate with an associate's degree in social work and serves as a student ambassador for COAID.

Another witness, Lilith Cherry, said she dropped out at 16 to help her family, joined a workforce program with Ross Incorporation, completed her GED through adult education and is saving to attend college for veterinary studies. Barbara Galater of Dawson said adult education and placement in the SeedServe program led her to attain her GED on 01/07/2026, begin job training with Fruits of Labor and regain visitation with her son; she described the services as providing stability and renewed confidence.

Committee members offered praise and brief questions. The Junior Senator from the fifth asked Dakota to clarify 'MOS,' and Dakota replied it stands for "Microsoft Office Specialist," explaining she takes MOS certifications between college semesters to build workplace skills. The Senator from Summers praised program outcomes and shared an anecdote about a constituent who earned a GED in her seventies to set an example for younger family members.

No formal committee action was recorded during the presentation; the committee thanked the witnesses and moved to adjourn.