Marion Technical College is accepting new students for its Aspire classes a free program to help adults enhance their math and language skills, prepare for high school equivalency exams or learn English as a second language.
“It’s free! They don’t even have to bring a pencil and paper,” said Amy Miltz, Aspire manager. “We’re not only going to give them the education that they need but we’re going to help them take their GED® practice test at no cost. We also connect them to programs offering vouchers to reduce the cost of the test.”
The Aspire Program is open to any adult in Ohio.
“We’re here to help learners get to their next step—whether it’s college, a better job, or improved confidence in daily life,” Miltz said.
Support to Achieve a Student’s Goals
For those who struggled in high school, this is a program aimed to meet the students where they are and provide support to get them to their individual goals.
“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,” said Instructor Bobbi Wilds.
“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,” Miltz said.
The Power of Yet
“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,” Wilds said.
Another instructor echoed that sentiment.
“Anyone desiring to improve their circumstance by earning their GED or High School Equivalency should embrace the ‘Power of Yet,” recognizing that it is a journey that will take them to the places they want to go! The Aspire program is a fantastic resource to assist in that journey,” said Instructor Chimane Hess.
One of the Aspire leaders knows both sides of the coin.
“I was a non-traditional student who worked many jobs throughout my life – some pertaining to my degrees and some not – always feeling like I wasn’t doing the right job yet. Then I started working for Aspire and found the place where I was always meant to be. Even though it took me some time to reach my yet, it was worth all the hard work it took to get here,” Miltz said.
Convenient Aspire Classes at Multiple Locations at Student’s Pace
Aspire classes are offered at the Marion Campus, Marion Tech Downtown, and OhioMeansJobs in Mt. Gilead. There are daytime and evening sessions to accommodate busy schedules as well as a new digital option where students learn online and receive one-on-one instruction.
Students can learn and work at their own pace. If life gets in the way, they can pause and then restart classes when needed.
“You are always welcome. You can always leave and come back,” Miltz said.
“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,” Wilds said. “Growth isn’t measured solely by test scores. It’s seen in the way a student begins to believe in themselves again.” journey matters.
“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,” said Ron Meade, Workforce Administrator of OhioMeansJobs of Marion County.
College Readiness
College students can also take free math and English classes to brush up on their skills for college placement tests.
“Because it’s tuition-free, it’s a great resource for students looking to stretch their financial aid dollars.”
The classes incorporate life skills, computer skills and job skills.
“We try to relate what we teach to real life. It’s good for people, even those who’ve graduated from high school or currently hold a GED, if they need to brush up on skills for a new job,” Miltz said.
Aspire Classes For English Speakers of Other Languages
The Aspire program also offers classes for those individuals who are learning English as a second language.
“We have a fabulous instructor with more than 30 years of experience,” said Miltz.
Aspire classes begin every 10 weeks. Students can reach out to Miltz, register online or just show up to a class to enroll.
“There are not a lot of forms and red tape. We will get you started,” Miltz said.
Aspire in also seeking an English for Speakers of Other Languages instructor in order to hold classes in Upper Sandusky.
For more info:
To schedule an appointment or enroll, contact Amy Miltz at (740) 386-4123, email miltza@mtc.edu, or apply online at https://studentportal.literacypro.com/oh/providers/114.
Students can also stop by classes at Marion Tech Downtown, 107 N. Main, or on the Marion Campus in Bryson Hall, 1467 Mt. Vernon Ave., Marion, Ohio.
Find more details on the Marion Tech website: Aspire/GED®/High School Equivalency.
Statewide Aspire Programs
For info on Aspire classes outside of Marion, Morrow and Wyandot Counties, visit the state’s Aspire page.
Please note: this program is separate from Aspire Ministries.
MarionMade! is a program of Marion Technical College.
