Sponsor a Student. Change a Life.​
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Earning a GED takes more than hard work — it takes money. Each student must pay about $250 to take all four tests, not including the cost of retakes, study materials, or tutoring. At The Reading People, we’re breaking down this cost barrier, and you can help us.
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By sponsoring a GED student, you cover their entire GED journey, giving them the opportunity to take all four tests without financial stress. While students and sponsors remain anonymous, sponsors are invited to attend our GED graduation ceremony to celebrate the achievements of their student alongside other graduates. As a sponsor, you’ll also be recognized in our newsletter and receive complimentary copies so you can see the impact of your support firsthand.
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Your sponsorship provides
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Free GED testing – the $250 option covers the full cost of all four exams, and $350 covers the exam fees and retakes
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Free study guides and materials – Ensures students have the tools to prepare.
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Free one-on-one tutoring – Builds the skills and confidence needed to pass.
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Free advising and support – Offers guidance on next steps, from test prep to career or college planning.
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By sponsoring a GED student, you’re not only transforming one life — you’re investing in the future of our community. Every GED earned strengthens our local workforce, supports families, and encourages higher education and lifelong learning.
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Sponsor a GED student today and help open the door to a brighter future.
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Thank you for your gift to Capital Area Literacy Coalition - The Reading People.
GED Starter
Give a student the chance to sit for every section of the GED exam, removing the biggest financial barrier to their success.
Community Builder
Invest in your community by sponsoring two GED students at once, strengthening families, the workforce, and the future of Greater Lansing.
GED Achiever
Your gift not only funds every GED test but also offers peace of mind with extra support for retakes — because learning isn’t always a straight line.
Custom Amount
Give at the level that’s meaningful to you. Every dollar helps cover testing fees, study materials, and tutoring for GED students in our community.
To make a donation
Please select the donation amount. On the next page, click on the yellow "Checkout with PayPal" button. You can process payment in one of two ways:
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1 - Login to your PayPal account and complete your transaction.
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2 - Click on the "Pay with Debit or Credit Card" option. You will be taken to the "PayPal Guest Checkout" to securely enter your debit or credit card information and complete your transaction.
You can make a quick one-time gift on this website by clicking the amount you'd like to give or using the custom amount button. You can also provide on-going support with the monthly donation buttons.
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You may also donate by mail, phone, or in person. Donate by check payable to CALC, 1028 E. Saginaw, Lansing, MI 48906.
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For "In Memoriam" donations, please contact our Director at (517) 485-4949.
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If needed, our Employee Identification Number (EIN) is 38-262-5057.
Real Impact; Real Stories
“This program gave me the courage to apply for college.”— A recent GED graduate
Right now, over 200 adults are enrolled in our GED program, most balancing jobs, families, and financial challenges while working toward their diploma. Your support makes their success possible.
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Every sponsorship helps students gain skills, confidence, and a clear path forward, from earning their GED to enrolling in higher education or landing better jobs. Meet a few of our students to see how your generosity is transforming lives.
Al's Story
Al has always worked hard and found good jobs, but without a diploma he kept getting passed over for promotions and new opportunities. Determined to change his future, he enrolled in our GED program. Drawn to The Reading People for its free services and welcoming environment, Al quickly found a supportive community that believes in him.
With tutoring in math and language arts, Al is making steady progress toward his GED, improving his reading comprehension and math skills week by week. He plans to pair his GED with his commercial driver’s license to land more stable, higher-paying work and build a better future for himself. Support from donors makes journeys like Al’s possible and ensures that every student who walks through our doors has the tools, time, and encouragement to succeed.
Asuncion’s Story
After four years working two jobs in a stagnant career, Asuncion set a goal for himself: to get a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) within a year. The first step was earning his GED. In August 2023, he found The Reading People, drawn by our completely free services and supportive environment. Studying for hours nearly every night and working closely with his tutor and our GED Coordinator, Asuncion passed all practice and official tests. Only five months after starting, he earned his GED — two months ahead of his original goal. Since then, he has obtained his CDL and found steady employment.
Today, Asuncion is planning for the future: wanting to buy his own home within three years and start his own trucking business within seven. Stories like his show how donor support opens doors to education, career growth, and life-changing opportunities.