Ohio's ASPIRE program provides free services for individuals who need assistance acquiring the skills to be successful in post-secondary education, 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.
These services can help you:
• Increase basic education skills
• Reading, writing, math and problem-solving.
• Prepare for the High School Equivalence Test
• Flexible face to face and virtual classes
• Attain an industry-recognized certification and job training skills
• Short-term certification and paid job training.
• Increase employability skills
• Resume building, interview skills and professional development
Mission and Vision
The Hocking College ASPIRE program provides high-quality basic educational services to assist adult learners in acquiring skills to be successful in postsecondary education, training and employment, earn a living wage and be contributing members of society. The vision for the Hocking College ASPIRE program is to have a highly trained and educated workforce.
Spearheading this program is Arts, Business and Science Office Manager Ginger Gagne who was the program manager for the ASPIRE program at Ohio University.
“When I was hired here at Hocking College,” Gagne said. “Dr. Young and I decided to apply for the ASPIRE Grant and in May 2021, we were awarded the grant, with plans to implement adult education programs for Athens, Hocking and Perry counties.”
Hocking College is now developing the following programs to implement:
• GED preparation classes will be held on all three campuses.
• ASPIRE IET (Integrated Education and Training) programs
• Workforce development job training programs:
• Administrative Assistant/Microsoft Specialist Certification
• CDL (Commercial Drivers License & Certification)
• ESOL (English as a Second Language)
• ServSafe, (food handling and restaurant management Certification).
With these IET programs, ASPIRE offers
• Adult Education Basic Skills, whether the individual has their GED or not, these skills will help to improve their English and math skills.• Basic computer training
• Professional development: resume writing and interview skills.
• Provide the individual(s) with an interview outfit from the Career Closet.
• Paid job training at Hocking College.
• Transportation services
For more information on the Ohio ASPIRE program in general, please visit the OhioHigherEd.org/Aspire website.
Want to Know More?
If you know someone living in Athens, Hocking or Perry County who may benefit from these no-cost programs, please contact ASPIRE at aspire@hocking.edu or 740-753-7122. You can also visit the website at www.hocking.edu/aspire.
