On October 24, 2007, KDK-Harman Foundation proudly announced the winner of the inaugural GED Award of Excellence at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center in Austin. The first place winner of the KDK-Harman GED Award of Excellence was Austin Learning Academy of Austin receiving an award of $35,000.

The goals of this award are many. First, is to recognize those GED Programs that successfully employ innovative strategies that increase the completion of their students taking GED classes and encourage continuation of post-secondary education or entry into the workforce. Second is to highlight those that are demonstrating “best in class” qualities. Third, is to highlight the need for adult education funding.

Janet Harman, Founder and President of the KDK-Harman Foundation states, “This award identifies outstanding adult education programs that are educating nontraditional students, while at the same time rewarding those who go above and beyond in the way they instruct GED classes. It is important to ensure that these students are supported and encouraged to complete their GED and look at post-secondary and workforce opportunities, as they are important members of our community.”