Centro Hispano Marista

Help a student achieve their GED today!

Centro Hispano Marista is a ministry of the Society of Mary which provides affordable, bilingual, GED preparation classes for adults. Since 1901, the Society of Mary has shared its educational mission with thousands of students and their families in the Atlanta area. Marists are inspired “to think, judge, feel and act as (Mary) in all things.” In the spirit of Mary, over 20 volunteers teach weekly, mostly online classes due to the pandemic, to over 500 students enrolled this year. Since 2012, Centro Hispano Marista has helped over 480 graduates achieve their GED and build a brighter future for themselves, their families, and the Atlanta community.

A high school equivalency diploma can change the life of an adult and their whole family. María Elizabeth graduated last year and she left this message for her peers and teachers:

Life is not always what we want or expect, but you can make the best of it with effort and commitment. If in the past you couldn't finish you education, like me, I encourage you to do it now. After raising 5 kids and going through many ups and down, I finally got the help I needed at Centro to achieve my goal. I am so proud to tell you now that I did it! It will take time and work, and sometimes things will happen that will makes everything harder, but don't give up. Always keep going. You are amazing and can accomplish anything. 

To my teachers and Centro team, I just want to thank everyone for all your hard work, patience, support, and your big heart. Without you, I wouldn't be able to achieve what I did. I really appreciate each one of you for everything. You are so amazing. Thank you so much, always and forever.

My next goal is to go to nursing school! Thank you!

While volunteers significantly offset the cost of the program, Centro Hispano Marista needs your help to cover essential operating costs, as well as funds to offer some financial aid for students who struggle to pay for their full tuition or materials. As our student population is directly affected by the economic woes, any help counts and can make the difference between enrolling or not. 

We want to continue helping more adults like Maria Elizabeth. Please join our efforts to raise or surpass last year's #iGiveCatholic initiative to help keep the doors open for this vital community program.

Thank you for your support!

Who We Are

Centro Hispano Marista is a ministry of the Society of Mary which provides affordable, bilingual, GED preparation classes for adults. Since 1901, the Society of Mary has shared its educational mission with thousands of students and their families in the Atlanta area. Marists are inspired “to think, judge, feel and act as (Mary) in all things.” In the spirit of Mary, over 50 volunteers teach weekly, evening classes to nearly 400 students a semester. Since 2012, Centro Hispano Marista has helped 290 graduates achieve their GED and build a brighter future for themselves, their families, and the Atlanta community.