For these associates, Publix helped turn their education dream into a reality.

Meat Cutter Apprentice Dustin Gaughran, #1398, Rockledge, Florida, was searching benefits available to him on PASSport when he came across the GED reimbursement option that Publix offers. Through this program, Publix associates who take and pass their state’s GED exam may be reimbursed for exam registration, along with the cost of a GED workbook or attendance at a GED preparation class.

“When I was hired at Publix about three years ago, things started to stabilize for me,” Dustin said. “Getting my GED was something I needed to do and being reimbursed for it was the cherry on top.”

Dustin mentioned that completing the application for reimbursement was an easy process.

“Once I filled out the form and sent everything in, I was reimbursed on my following pay statement,” he said. “I was relieved when I earned my GED. It was well past time to do it, and I’m glad I got it done.”

Dustin is now enrolled at Eastern Florida State College, where he is taking courses to earn his associate degree. He wants to eventually focus on business or marketing and have a long career at Publix.

“Everyone who works here wants to be here,” he said. “I love the structure and atmosphere of working for Publix.”

Cashier Melody Dunne, #404, Ocala, Florida, found out about the GED reimbursement program while reading a pamphlet in the break room at her store.

“I was already planning on getting my GED,” Melody said. “When I saw the pamphlet, that motivated me even more.”

Once Melody took the test and passed, she printed the reimbursement form on PASSport, completed it and mailed it in. Within a few weeks, she was reimbursed.

“I felt amazing,” she said. “I want to go to college, and getting my GED was the first step.”

Melody wants to major in business and has dreams of owning a bakery in the future. When she turns 18, she plans on transferring to her store’s bakery department.

“I appreciated that Publix could help me earn my GED,” she said. “I would tell anyone who is thinking about doing it to go for it. It definitely helped me a lot.”

Interested in earning your GED or exploring the other education benefits Publix offers? Check out the education opportunities on PASSport.