This research project was conducted to identify the reasons for the low retention rate for adult students enrolled in the prep level of the General Educational Development (GED) programs offered by the Clinton County (Pennsylvania) Development Center for Adults. All adult students who attended class at least once from July 1998 through January 1999 and who had not met their goals or returned to class were contacted by telephone to encourage them to return to the program. Students were also briefly interviewed to determine why they quit class. If students were not reached by phone after three attempts, they were sent letters. The project goal was to convince at least 10% of the students to return to the GED program. Of the 40 students contacted, 10 (25%) returned to class at least once. The following were among the reasons given by students for quitting class: health problems; rehabilitation; passed the GED test; incarcerated; home problems; attending another program; death in family; no driver's license; tutor wanted; too busy, no babysitter, moved, holidays, newly employed, and car problems. Appended are the student contact form, student contact letter, and the list of reasons why people quit attending class.) (MN)