Larimer County Workforce Development Program Celebrates 24 GED Graduates

Twenty-four young people graduated from Larimer County's Economic and Workforce Development GED program during a ceremony at the Rialto Theater last Wednesday, achieving high school equivalency diplomas after completing an exam that has become significantly more challenging in recent years.

Commissioner John Kefalas attended the October 22 graduation and praised the students' perseverance during the Board of County Commissioners' administrative matters meeting on October 28.

"There were, I think, 24 young people who achieved their high school equivalency diplomas, their GEDs, and they worked really hard for that," Kefalas said. "The test has gotten a lot harder over the years."

The ceremony brought together graduates and their families to recognize the achievement, which represents a critical credential for accessing higher-paying employment and post-secondary education opportunities in Northern Colorado.

GED Test Difficulty Increased Substantially in 2014

The GED exam underwent major reforms in 2014 that increased its difficulty and shifted to a computer-only format. The test content now aligns with college and career readiness standards, requiring more advanced mathematics including algebra and geometry, higher-level reading comprehension, and extended essay writing.

Before the 2014 reforms, national GED pass rates exceeded 70 percent. Following the changes, pass rates dropped below 60 percent nationally as test-takers faced new barriers including required computer literacy and more rigorous content.

Colorado experienced an even sharper decline. The state's GED pass rate fell from nearly 75 percent in 2013 to 47 percent in 2016, according to Colorado Department of Education data. Pass rates have partially recovered but remain in the 50 to 62 percent range for those who complete all test modules.

The current scoring system requires test-takers to pass each of four subject modules individually with a minimum score of 145 out of 200 points, eliminating the previous "battery average" that allowed lower scores in one subject to be offset by higher scores in others.

Economic Benefits of GED Credential

GED holders in Colorado earn substantially more than individuals without high school credentials while facing better employment prospects, though they typically earn less than traditional high school diploma holders.

According to U.S. Census American Community Survey data and Colorado Department of Labor and Employment statistics, GED holders in Colorado earned median annual wages of $32,000 to $34,000 in 2022, compared to $38,000 to $41,000 for high school diploma holders and below $29,000 for those without any credential.

Employment rates for Colorado GED holders reached 77 to 80 percent in 2022, higher than the 60 to 65 percent rate for those without high school credentials but below the 85 to 88 percent rate for traditional diploma holders.

The credential opens pathways to post-secondary education in Northern Colorado. Front Range Community College and Aims Community College accept GED credentials without restriction for certificate, associate degree and transfer programs. Colorado State University considers GED credentials for admission, though additional entrance requirements may apply.

Approximately 30 to 40 percent of recent GED recipients in Northern Colorado enroll in community college or technical programs within three years of earning their credential, according to regional education data. Most pursue shorter certificate or associate degree programs rather than four-year university degrees.

Comprehensive Workforce Services

Larimer County Economic and Workforce Development provides services beyond GED preparation, including career counseling, job placement assistance, internships, apprenticeships, resume workshops and interview preparation.

The program originated in 1986 as "Operation Brightside," a summer youth employment initiative, and evolved into the Larimer County Conservation Corps in 1993. The merged Economic and Workforce Development division now serves more than 15,000 job seekers and program participants annually.

The county recently began offering direct phone connections to Colorado's unemployment insurance office to help residents navigate state benefits systems. The county also offers free monthly sessions for businesses exploring apprenticeship programs, with the next session scheduled for November 13.

The program manages over 40 funding streams from local, state, federal and grant sources to support workforce development initiatives across Larimer County.

Information about Larimer County Economic and Workforce Development services is available at larimer.gov/ewd or by calling 970-498-6600.