O'Fallon residents looking to expand their education will now have the option to attend free evening classes to earn their GED certification.

The St. Charles Community College Adult Education and Literacy program has partnered with the Northeast Community Action Corporation (NECAC) to offer a new, free GED preparation class at the NECAC office, located in O'Fallon beginning Jan. 10.

Registration begins Monday, Jan. 3. Students are required to appear in person in Room 158 in Timberland High School at 6 p.m. Monday, Jan. 3, and Wednesday, Jan. 5, in order to register for the GED classes. Students who are not present on Jan. 3 will not be admitted on Jan. 5 for registration.

Students must be at least 17 years of age to enroll in GED classes. Enrollment is scheduled monthly at all locations. Students are given an initial assessment test to determine GED test readiness and to provide information for an individual learning plan.

Dr. Diane Schroeder, assistant dean of extended learning for SCC said all students need for registration is a pencil and paper.

Classes begin Monday, Jan. 10, and will be every Monday and Wednesday from 6-9 p.m. All classes will be held at the NECAC office, located at 3400 Meadow Pointe Drive in O'Fallon.

The college currently has evening GED classes in Winfield, Wentzville, Troy and Warrenton and daytime classes in St. Peters.

Schroeder said the new classes were added to accommodate students who live in O'Fallon so they won't have to drive so far to attend evening classes.

"The GED is a gateway to the next step in life that can help qualify people for jobs that require a high school diploma or help them get into college," she said.

Registration dates for the O'Fallon location for the rest of the year include: Jan. 24, 26; Feb. 21, 23; Mar. 28, 30 and April 25, 27.