Socorro Public Library hosts first GED graduation

The Socorro Public Library hosted its inaugural GED graduation ceremony on Saturday, May 10, celebrating the achievements of five graduates who earned their high school equivalency diplomas.

Though five graduates attended the event, librarian Chelsea Jones noted that many more completed the program, some traveling from outside Socorro due to the library’s unique role as one of the only GED testing sites in the region. It is also the only library in the state to offer a GED program.

“Part of librarianship is just discovering what are the gaps, how we can help provide, you know, any resources we can,” Jones said. “What is it that is a barrier for people completing their GED when they drop out of local high school or haven’t been in school for a long time? And a lot of it was just the availability of a test site or having one place where they can go get all the information, find out about the test, get registered, get tutoring, and get the resources they need to pass the test, and then also provide the test.”

The graduation took place at the Socorro Convention Center, where students donned caps and gowns to commemorate their achievement. One student, who was in the program when it began, was asked by Jones to choose the gown color. She selected green gowns to symbolize wisdom and knowledge.

To help cover the cost of testing, the library secured a literacy grant from the New Mexico Department of Higher Education. This grant provided vouchers for students. However, that financial burden may soon disappear altogether thanks to recent legislation.

House Bill 167, signed by Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham, will make GED testing free across the state.

The library’s program is flexible and student-centered. Participants can enroll at any time by filling out an intake form available at the front desk or call to receive it via email. The timeline for completion varies depending on the individual’s needs and circumstances.

“This has been developed to be completely sustainable, and I hope to see it grow way long after me,” Lyons said.

The program also extends beyond the library’s walls. For the past two years, library staff and volunteers have visited the Socorro County Detention Center twice weekly to offer GED preparation and general literacy instruction. Several inmates have passed their practice exams and are now preparing to take the official test to graduate.