Community Resources: Adult Learning

Ohio's Aspire programs provide FREE services for individuals who need assistance acquiring the skills to be successful in post-secondary education and training and employment. Local programs offer classes at flexible locations and times to meet the diverse needs of adult learners. All students are required to attend orientation, where an assessment is given to help determine the individual’s educational plan and goals.

Services available at programs throughout all 88 Ohio counties include:

• 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

Ohio Aspire programs provide FREE services to individuals preparing for the high school equivalency certificate. By enrolling in an Aspire program, you can develop study skills and test-taking skills. You can take practice tests to prepare for the exam. Ohio Aspire can also prepare you for entrance exams for career training programs and community college or university degree programs.

Look at the interactive map or program list by county to find an Aspire program near you! Get started to a better future!

Ohio's HSE Test Options

The Ohio Department of Education has approved GED and HiSET to be the testing assessment companies for the High School Equivalency test for the State of Ohio. This has opened up the testing options to include both computer-based testing and paper-pencil testing throughout the state. While the test structures and scoring systems vary (see link below), passing either of the test options will earn the test-taker the Ohio Certificate of High School Equivalence. Both test options cover science, social studies, mathematics, and language arts (reading and language) while giving students who left high school before graduating an opportunity to earn a High School Equivalence Diploma that can be used to pursue career training and a college degree.

Click here to learn more about HSE tests and vouchers.

Earn a high school diploma and get free career training! The Adult Diploma Program allows those who are 18 years or older to earn their diploma along with an industry credential at no cost.

Enrollment conditions:

• Must be 18 years of age or older
• Does not have a high school diploma or a GED
• No minimum high school credits required
• OGT/Proficiency test results not required
• Must have 9th grade reading comprehension level and a math level of at least 6th grade

• Nurse Aide 96 course hours
• Certified Phlebotomy Technician 100 course hours
• HVACR 616 course hours
• Microsoft Office Specialist 310 course hours
• Customer Service and Sales & Business of Retail 136 course hours

ESL classes improve English language skills in the areas of Reading, Listening, Speaking, Writing and Basic Citizenship. All adults are welcome, although F-1 visa holders may not attend classes. Classes are free.

Steps to attend classes:

• Enroll (link at button below)
• Attend an in person information session (30 minute length)
  
• Schedule to take a placement test (by appointment only)
  

At New Directions Career Center (NDCC) you will be empowered to knock down barriers to employment, face challenges to job retention, build resilience in the face of a changing job market, and open doors to career advancement.

You will leave our programs with a new outlook on yourself, your current situation, and your future opportunities.

NDCC programs are overseen by Licensed Professional Counselors and career development experts. A sliding-fee scale ensures that the Center’s programs and services are accessible to all.

To learn more about our services and to explore which program may be right for you – call us at (614) 849-0028 and ask about our upcoming classes.