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ASPIRE programs offer adults opportunity to receive HS diploma & industry credentials

Posted on: January 21, 2021
ASPIRE logo

ASPIRE logo

If you are 22+ or a dropout (age 16-18) and haven’t received your HS diploma, SOLSD is now offering programs that will allow you to receive a diploma along with industry credentials for your desired field! Through Ohio Higher Ed, SOLSD is now offering ASPIRE programs, which are FREE courses and services for adults who are looking to be more successful in post-secondary education, training, and/or employment.

Through the ASPIRE programs, students who enroll with have access to: 

  • Basic math, reading, and writing skills

  • Adult Secondary Education/High School equivalence preparation

  • English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL)

  • Transition services - helping students develop essential skills for employment and post-secondary 

  • Life skills, employability skills, and computer literacy

  • Workplace Education - education services offered in collaboration with an employer to increase the productivity of the workforce

  • Corrections Education - a partnership with a jail, detention center, community-based rehabilitation center, or other similar institution 

  • Distance Education - enhancing learning using technology

All students will be required to attend orientation, where a TABE assessment will be given to help determine the individual’s educational needs and goals. 

Classes will begin January 19, Tuesday-Thursday, 1:30-4:30 PM at Swiss Hills Career Center. To enroll in the ASPIRE Adult Programs, contact martha.bilyeu@omeresa.net, or call at (740) 472-0722. 

Students will also be able to take the course through distance education. In order to do so, students will need to fill out the orientation packet and take an assessment to enroll. After orientation, they can then work from home on specific material and websites that will track their time so their attendance and progress can be tracked. 

“I am so excited for the opportunity to be a part of this amazing initiative to educate our community,” says Tara Brookover, ASPIRE Instructor. Tara also teaches classes at the Woodsfield Methodist Church. She can be contacted at tbrookover@mideastctc.org, or (740) 213-7341. 

There are two different options for Adult Learning through ASPIRE, one offering training to receive a high school diploma and industry credentials, the other the high school diploma only. They are described below: 

 

Ages 22 and older: Adult Diploma Program

The Adult Diploma Program provides job training and a new way for adults, ages 22 or older, to earn a high school diploma AND industry credentials that will train students to be eligible for one of Ohio’s in-demand jobs. 

What makes this program different from a traditional high school setting is the delivery of instruction to adults. Instead of measuring academic achievement through clock hours, seat time, or credits earned, the focus is on a competency-based approach that provides a self-paced option. Once the skills have been learned, adults then demonstrate mastery of skills. Each eligible adult works with the provider to create a customized student success plan.

 

22+ Adult High School Diploma Program

This program helps adults earn a high school diploma. The program is free to adults who are over 22 years old, living in Ohio, and do not have a diploma or GED. 

Counselors work with adult learners to develop individual plans to identify the courses and assessments needed to graduate and earn a diploma. Providers try their best to schedule instructional dates and times to meet the needs of adult learners. 

To receive information and deadline reminders about Ohio’s 22+ Adult Diploma Program, text OHED DP to 468311.