Photo Provided From left, ASPIRE Program Graduate Cheyenne Alexander and Ashli Diamond, ASPIRE Coordinator.

The ASPIRE program provides residents of Washington and surrounding Ohio counties with the opportunity to obtain their high school diploma or equivalency. Ohio demographic information shows that 6,000 residents of Washington County, constituting 10% of the county population, currently lack a high school diploma.

The ASPIRE program recognizes the transformative impact on individuals when they obtain their high school diploma. This includes eligibility for higher wages, more job opportunities, and the opportunity to pursue postsecondary education. One aspect of the ASPIRE program is that all services are provided at no cost for Ohio residents, removing financial barriers to education and career advancement. The program provides three distinct pathways for individuals to earn their diploma:

¯ High School Credit Recovery: Tailored for adults 18 and over needing a few credits to attain their diploma, this option offers a flexible and efficient route to educational completion.

¯ High School Equivalency Diploma: Open to adults 16 and over, this state-recognized equivalency program provides a comprehensive educational alternative for those seeking a diploma.

¯ Adult Diploma Program: Tailored for adults 18 and over, this program not only facilitates high school diploma attainment but also includes in-demand career training simultaneously through the Washington County Career Center, Adult Technical Training. Participants can choose from a range of career training options, including, State Tested Nurse Assistant, Fiber Optic Technician, Phlebotomy, CDL Truck Driver, HVAC/R (Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning), Welding, Medical Assistant, Medical Billing and Coding and Business Office Skills Specialist. Training durations vary from 5 days to 12 months.

Interested individuals are encouraged to contact the ASPIRE office at 740-885-5990 for additional information on the ASPIRE program.

The ASPIRE office is open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Thursday and is located on the Washington County Career Center campus at 21740 St. Rt. 676, Marietta, Ohio.