An existing 353 project that used professional staff as distance education contact persons for students in General Educational Development (GED) programs in rural areas was modified so that volunteer instructional aides (IAs) could serve as contact persons for GED students choosing the program's home study option. A home study packet to be used in conjunction with the program was developed and distributed to a total of 13 volunteers in 3-hour training sessions that were delivered at 2 locations in rural southwestern Pennsylvania. The volunteer IAs were then matched with 13 students. The IAs and students met once each month but spoke by phone more frequently. Monthly follow-ups were conducted by separate reports from the students and IAs. Most of the volunteers found the program beneficial and successful. The home study option students also felt strongly about the program. (The tutor evaluation form is appended. The following are also included: the distance education tutor training packet, which contains information on the history of distance and rural education, GED tests, and the characteristics of students in GED programs; tips for tutors; a tutor job description; miscellaneous forms; and time management guidelines. Contains 110 references.) (MN)