8 months ago
MANASSAS, Va. (WUSA) -- Rod Caulkins runs a successful construction company.
"I've done over $15 million in business since day one, but it hasn't been easy," he said.
Caulkins never graduated high school.
"It kind of held me back, even in peer groups. I never felt I was up to their level," he said.
Three years ago, Caulkins participated in a program called Race to GED in Prince William County. Now he's established a $1,000 scholarship to help others get their GEDs.
Bette Sneed is the Adult Education Coordinator.
"What we're seeing more now than we used to see, is middle aged workers who no longer have a job and in order to get another job, they need to get that high school credential," she said.
Sneed said tests cost $45. The classes cost $150. Caulkins' good deed has already helped several people, including Peter Henyo.
"It's very important to have education, and I always wanted to go to college, but before I can step foot in college, I have to get a high school diploma," said Henyo.
Henyo is now studying electrical engineering at Nothern Virginia Community College.
"I would just say thank you so much, and God bless you for what you're doing," he said.
Caulkins posts information about the Race to GED program on his construction vans. He encourages everyone to finish high school, or get a GED.
"It's been a life-changing thing for me. It's given me a whole new level of confidence that I never had before," he said.
Caulkins said he plans to get an associates degree.
Written by Lindsey Mastis
9NEWS NOW & wusa9.com
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