Aspire provides **free instructional services** to help adults build essential skills, secure high school equivalency diplomas, become **Workplace Ready**, master English literacy, and successfully transition to college or career paths.
Available Pathways & Classes
High School Equivalence (HSE)
Attend free classes specifically built to prepare you for the official GED® or HiSET® tests. We provide free practice testing tracks to all actively enrolled students to ensure confidence on exam day.
College & Career Readiness
Prepare for the WorkKeys® assessment or technical entrance labs. Join a free class that helps you earn career-focused credentials, including Rise Up® Customer Service, Microsoft® Excel, and Certiport® Entrepreneurship certificates.
Para Pro Course (6 Weeks)
A targeted, fast-tracked course designed to help you meet paraprofessional certification benchmarks. Registration and testing takes place directly at OhioMeansJobs. Seats are strictly limited.
English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL)
Learn English speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills in a collaborative environment. Features a multi-step intake and placement evaluation to position you on the right tier.
Online Student Testing Portal
Active students cleared for evaluations may access the secure Testing Management Systems below:
Testing Vouchers & Cost Reduction
While instructional classes are 100% free, official exams require testing fees. Financial assistance options are available to drastically lower your out-of-pocket costs:
| Test Platform | Standard Cost | With Voucher | Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| GED® Test | $144 | $64 | Get Voucher |
| HiSET® Test | $115 | $35 | Get Voucher |
Required Identity Registration Documents
To participate in Ohio Aspire programs, you must supply **one** valid form of identification from the lists below at intake:
U.S. Citizens (Provide One)
- U.S. Birth Certificate + valid state-issued photo ID
- Valid U.S. Passport
- Certificate of Naturalization (N-550 or N-570)
- Certificate of Citizenship (N-560 or N-561)
- Ohio REAL ID-compliant driver's license or state ID card
- Tribal Enrollment or Native American Membership Card
🌐 Eligible Non-Citizens (Provide One)
- Permanent Resident Card (Green Card, Form I-551)
- Form I-94 stamped with official Refugee or Asylee status
- Employment Authorization Document (Form I-766)
- Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Verification Letter
Frequently Asked Questions
How long will it take me to earn my High School Equivalence (HSE)?
Because our programs are fully customized, the timeline varies for every student. It depends entirely on your incoming skill level, performance on initial practice diagnostics, and your class attendance consistency.
How can I get a duplicate copy of my High School Equivalence (HSE) transcript or diploma?
In Ohio, official copies of your GED® or HiSET® diplomas and transcripts are handled directly by Diploma Sender. You can order copies online easily at diplomasender.com or by calling their support line.
Are Aspire classes completely free?
Yes. All instructional classes, study workbooks, learning materials, and practice diagnostic exams are funded through state and federal grants and are 100% free to eligible students.
Do I have to pay to take the official GED® or HiSET® exams?
Yes, the testing vendors charge a fee for official certification exams. However, because you are a WCCC Aspire student, you qualify for state-backed vouchers that reduce your out-of-pocket testing fees significantly ($64 for GED® or $35 for HiSET®).
How do I register for English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL)?
ESOL registration requires a scheduled orientation and placement appraisal. Since cohorts fill quickly, you must track specific opening dates on our dedicated Aspire Calendar page or contact our intake office directly.
Can I attend classes online or hybrid?
Distance learning tracks and hybrid modules may be available depending on programmatic updates, orientation milestones, and state grant permissions. Ask an advisor about current remote eligibility benchmarks during your intake interview.