The Aspire program is free for adult students to earn their GED, improve their math and literacy skills, or learn English as a second language. Classes begin every 10 weeks.
Marion Technical College is now enrolling adult students into its Aspire program, which will help adults of every skill level improve their math and literacy, learn English as a second language, or prepare to take their GED exam. Classes begin every 10 weeks and are available at the main Marion Technical College campus, the downtown Marion Tech campus, or at the OhioMeansJobs center in Mt. Gilead.
According to an article on Marion Technical College’s website, Amy Miltz, the Aspire program manager, was quoted as saying of the program and who it can benefit, “We’re here to help learners get to their next step—whether it’s college, a better job, or improved confidence in daily life. We work with students from all levels. Anybody that has ever been diagnosed with a learning disability, anyone who has any kind of a challenge, to people who maybe missed high school graduation by one test score – our classes are for everybody.”
Marion Technical College’s Aspire program is available for free to any adult who lives in the state of Ohio. The courses are available at three different locations in both daytime and nighttime options. New to the program is the ability to take courses online with virtual one-on-one instruction. Additionally, students are able to stop and start the courses at any time, if life gets in the way of their ability to keep up with the program.
Instructor Bobbi Wilds noted that the program can be useful for anyone who struggled in high school, as the goal of the program is to meet students where they are. “Many of my students come in carrying the weight of past struggles—times when school didn’t feel like a place for them. Here we redefine what learning looks like – from understanding phonics to writing a resume. Every skill is a stepping stone,” Wilds said. She added, “Teaching in the Aspire program has shown me that education is far from a straight path—it’s a journey filled with life side quests, detours, and unexpected victories. My classroom has become a space where the phrase ‘I can’t’ is always followed by the word ‘yet.’ There is magic in those three little letters.”
Individuals who are planning to start traditional college courses may also find the Aspire program useful to brush up on math and English skills ahead of college placement exams. The program also covers computer skills, job skills, and general life skills that can be useful for people changing careers or re-entering the workforce.
“There is no greater joy than witnessing those lightbulb moments. The pride in their eyes, the confidence that begins to grow—those are the reasons I do this work. That is why the Aspire program is not just a class; it is an educational experience. Growth isn’t measured solely by test scores. It’s seen in the way a student begins to believe in themselves again,” said Wilds.
Noting the many benefits of participating in the Aspire program, Ron Meade, the Workforce Administrator of OhioMeansJobs of Marion County, said, “The Aspire program is a vital resource for our clients striving to build a better future. We deeply value this partnership, as it plays a crucial role in their journey toward success. Each time a client earns their high school equivalency, it unlocks new opportunities and strengthens their confidence, empowering them to take the next step forward.”
In addition to helping students prepare to take their GED test, the Aspire program will help connect students with resources that will provide vouchers to reduce the cost of the test.
For more information about Marion Technical College, visit the school’s website.