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COLUMBIA (WACH)--More than 26 percent of adults in South Carolina lack a high school diploma, but all hope isn't lost. 

Lori Cook, with the Richland County Public Library, sat down with Janet Parker in this week's "Back to Work" segment to discuss the facts and good news for the future.

According to Cook, most employers and colleges require a diploma or its equivalent for employment, promotion, or admission. If you do not own a credential proving that you completed high school, then you could be missing out on special opportunities.

The GED Testing Service seeks to serve the 39 million adults in America without a high school diploma with one simple goal: Open up doors to better paying jobs, new careers, college classrooms, and a brighter future. The GED (General Equivalency Diploma) has been administered since 1942.

According to the SC Department of Education, in South Carolina, approximately 9.000 adults take the GED examination each year.

The 2000 U.S. Census Bureau Data shows one third of those without a high school diploma live on less than 125% of the poverty level.

Lori says anyone can learn more about the GED at the R.C.P.L.

A GED 101 class is being offered Thursday, September 13th at 12 p.m in the Job Center.