Adult-Focused Programs

Ohio Options for Adults: Aspire and Adult Diploma Program

Ohio Options programs offer free classes for adults who need help acquiring the skills to be successful in college, training or employment.

Aspire

The Aspire program offers classes to help adult students:

• Improve their academic skills
• Prepare for the workforce
• Prepare for the High School Equivalency (HSE) test
• Prepare to earn a high school diploma
• Improve their English skills (ELL/ESOL)
• Prepare for a job, college or training

Morning and evening classes take place at Tri-C's Eastern, Metropolitan, Western and Westshore campuses, at Corporate College® West in Westlake and at other locations throughout Cuyahoga County. The program is for students ages 16 and older whose skills are below a 12th-grade level. Orientation is required.

Adult Diploma Program

The Adult Diploma Program offers an opportunity for adults ages 20 and older to earn a high school diploma. The program includes:

• Career advisement
• National career readiness certificate
• Certification for an in-demand career in health care, manufacturing, logistics or construction

Students must complete an Ohio Options orientation session before enrolling in the Adult Diploma Program. During orientation, you'll be assessed to determine if you meet program requirements. If your scores need improvement, you will enter Aspire classes until your assessment scores qualify for the Adult Diploma Program.

For more information, or to register for orientation, visit tri-c.edu/ohio-options-for-adults/index.html or call the office nearest to you.

• Metropolitan Campus: 216-987-3029
• Eastern Campus: 216-987-2135
• Western Campus: 216-987-5693
• Eastern Suburbs and Cleveland East: 216-371-7138 (Euclid only: 216-732-2742)
• Western Suburbs and Cleveland West: 216-529-4240

Ohio Options for Adults is funded by the Ohio Department of Education, Cuyahoga Community College and local philanthropic organizations.

Interfaith Community Service Initiative

The purpose of this initiative is to engage faith-based institutions so they can assist parishioners and community members in achieving their academic, educational, and workforce-related aspirations.

The desired outcome of this initiative is to strengthen connections between Tri-C and the faith-based community. Similar programs at other colleges have recognized that individuals who receive critical information about education and jobs in a familiar location from someone they know are more likely to enroll and finish high school/GED, college or workforce programs. Visit tri-c.edu/community/community-services/faith-based-community-initiative.html or call 216-987-0496 to learn more.

Educational Opportunity Center (EOC)

The Educational Opportunity Center is a federally-funded TRIO program that offers free enrollment assistance to more than 1,200 Cuyahoga County adults annually. The program is open to individuals ages 18 and over who wish to further their education. EOC advisors provide information, workshops and services to individuals and groups.

Advisors help participants:

• Enroll in college, certificate or vocational training programs
• Enroll in Ohio Options for Adults (Aspire/GED or Adult Diploma) programs
• Learn about academic and career opportunities
• Obtain college admissions information
• Address student loan defaults
• Apply for federal student aid and scholarships 

EOC also provides referrals to social services and community resources. All services are available to participants at no cost to them through funding by the U.S. Department of Education and Cuyahoga Community College. Call 216-987-0291 or visit tri-c.edu/eoc to learn more.