Aspire Program Offers Free GED and Career Readiness Classes in Oak Harbor

Oak Harbor, OH – Adults seeking to improve their educational and career prospects can now access free GED and career readiness classes through the Aspire program, offered at the Ottawa County Resource Center. The program, facilitated through Vanguard-Sentinel Career & Technology Centers, aims to empower individuals to achieve their dreams, regardless of age or prior educational attainment.

A Second Chance at Education

The Aspire program gained attention following the story of Mary Ann Zambrano’s father, who earned his GED at the age of 60 to pursue his dream of becoming a drug and alcohol counselor. Zambrano, a retired high school teacher, now dedicates her time to helping others like her father through the Aspire program.

“My father’s sobriety meant everything to him, so he got his GED when he was 60 and worked as a counselor for about a decade,” Zambrano said. “It made his dreams come true.”

Success Stories: Overcoming Barriers

Current students, like Summer Hanson, 30, initially felt hesitant about returning to school. Hanson is pursuing her GED with the goal of becoming a therapist.

“I worried about being 30, but I let travel of that,” Hanson said. “I want to show my children that nothing is impossible. When all odds are against you, you can still prevail.”

Both Hanson and Jocelyn Thomas are currently employed in the culinary field and are seeking their GED to open doors to new career opportunities.

“It opens more opportunities,” Hanson said. “We’re both looking for something more. I want a job I look forward to every day.”

Thomas expressed the value of the program, stating, “It’s a quality thing to have. You need it in life. It’s an accomplishment.”

More Than Just GED Preparation

Aspire Coordinator Emily Woodland emphasizes that the program extends beyond GED preparation. It also offers support for individuals with existing high school diplomas or GEDs looking to advance their careers.

“It’s not just for GED,” Woodland said. “It’s for adults who need to improve their skills. It’s preparation for GED, college, career, or certifications.”

New students undergo Test of Adult Basic Education (TABE) diagnostic tests to identify their strengths and weaknesses, allowing instructors to tailor classes to individual needs and professional goals. The curriculum includes reading, writing, math, science, social studies, digital learning, financial literacy, and career lessons.

Free and Accessible Education

A significant benefit of the Aspire program is its cost-free access, removing a major barrier to education.

“This program is amazing. You could not gain anything better,” Thomas said. “I don’t have to stress about how to pay for it.”

Zambrano’s teaching style also contributes to the program’s success. “Mary Ann makes this class. She is so much fun. She makes us want to come,” Hanson said. “She makes us excited to learn. We have homework, and we look forward to it. That’s not something I thought I’d ever say.”

Program Details and Orientation

Classes are held on Mondays and Wednesdays from 9:30 a.m. To 12:30 p.m. At the Ottawa County Resource Center in Oak Harbor. Online classes are also available.

Woodland stated, “Our goal at Aspire is to upskill and help people be successful in the workforce. It’s helping them change their lives, and it’s opening those doors. It fuels the forward momentum in their lives.”

The next Aspire Orientation for new students will be held on Monday, April 6, and Wednesday, April 8, from 9:30 a.m. To 12:30 p.m. For more information or to register for orientation, call 419-334-6901.