The latest local news, weather and high school sports in and around Columbia and Jefferson City

Thousands of mid-Missourians have been laid off from their jobs as the slumping economy continues to take its toll on the country. Those job-seekers who are without a high school diploma are learning its hard to compete for new positions and are choosing to further their education-that means adult education programs and GED testing dates are booked. 

March and April are the normal peak-demand months for General Education Development, or GED, test-takers. Last school year, more than 12,000 Missourians took the GED.

But this year its busier than ever. Some testing sites are even backlogged. But state officials say that should not be discouraging.

"In most cases, if they can drive a little distance, they probably will find another testing site that will be able to accomodate them," says Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education Director of GED Testing Bill Poteet.

Many GED test centers are going from two tests a month to three to meet the demand.

To get ready for the GED, state officials encourage people to attend an adult education program. So with the increase in GED testers, its no surprise enrollment in those programs skyrocketed.

"This is the first year where we've had a waiting list for people trying to get into my GED classes at all five of my sites here in Columbia. We have a list until July," says Columbia Coordinator of Adult Education and Literacy John McClure.

But McClure says he and his staff were hoping for this wave of students as the need for a high school diploma or GED increases each year.

"We saw what was happening with the economy and as we go to conferences and we see what kinds of careers are going to be necessary in the future, then yes, it started to dawn on all of us that, oh gee, we need to get our work force ready," says McClure.

Both McClure and state officials hope this rush to get a GED sends a message to young people to stay in school and gradute. 

There are 27 GED testing sites across the state. Follow the link below for the complete list.