Adult Opportunity Center Honors GED and Workforce Diploma Graduates

Overview of the 36th Annual Recognition Celebration

The 36th annual Adult Opportunity Center’s Recognition celebration was held at Southern State Community College’s Central Campus in Hillsboro to honor area residents who successfully passed the General Education Development (GED) test or completed the Adult High School Workforce Diploma Program during the 2024-25 academic year.

Student Achievements and Program Impact

1. The Adult Opportunity Center served 162 students in the 2024-25 academic year.
2. 52% of these students improved by at least one academic level.
3. 37 students earned their GED® credentials.

Event Proceedings and Key Speakers

• The ceremony commenced with the Pledge of Allegiance led by Dr. Erika Goodwin, Vice President of Academic and Student Affairs at Southern State.
• Introductions and greetings were provided by Susan Armstrong, Director of the Adult Opportunity Center.
• Southern State President Dr. Nicole Roades delivered the welcome address.
• Senior Vice Chancellor Gary Cates from the Ohio Department of Higher Education and Ashley Kerr from the Ohio Department of Education Workforce addressed the graduates.

Recognition and Awards

• Outstanding Student Award: Vanesa Melendez of Highland County, who has continued her education at Southern State Community College after earning her GED®.
• Highest GED® Exam Scores: Recognized students from each county in the Aspire service area:
  • Ryder Land (Adams County)
  • Daniel Norris (Brown County)
  • Cody Pfeffer (Clermont County)
  • Jessica Daulton (Clinton County)
  • Cole Adam Prendergast (Highland County)
• Friends of Aspire Award: Presented to the Adams County Training and Business Center for outstanding partnership with the Adult Opportunity Center and Southern State Community College, accepted by Mr. Paul Worley, Director of Adams County Economic and Community Development.

Program Details and Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Adult Education Programs Supporting SDG 4: Quality Education

The Aspire program, directed by Susan Armstrong, and the 22+ program, coordinated by Anya Brennan of Graduation Alliance, provide adult education opportunities through Southern State Community College. These programs contribute directly to SDG 4 by promoting inclusive and equitable quality education and lifelong learning opportunities for all.

Program Features

• Free provision of all books and materials.
• Flexible scheduling with morning and evening classes.
• Focus areas include adult literacy, GED preparation, college refresher courses, workforce education, and basic skills in reading, writing, and math.

Funding and Accessibility

Both programs are funded through state and federal grants, ensuring no cost to participants, thereby supporting SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities by providing accessible education to underserved adult learners.

Contact Information and Enrollment

• For more information about the Aspire program, visit www.sscc.edu/specialized/aoc.shtml.
• For more information about the Graduation Alliance program, visit www.sscc.edu/specialized/22plus.shtml.
• To speak directly with the Adult Opportunity Center, call 937-393-3431, Ext. 2687.
• Enrollment is open for Aspire classes, with a new session starting in July 2025.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed in the Article

1. SDG 4: Quality Education
   • The article focuses on adult education programs such as GED preparation, adult literacy, and workforce education, which directly relate to ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education and promoting lifelong learning opportunities for all.
2. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
   • The workforce education and partnerships with economic and community development organizations highlight efforts to promote sustained, inclusive economic growth and productive employment.
3. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
   • Providing free education and resources to adult learners, including those improving basic skills and earning GEDs, supports reducing inequalities within and among communities.

2. Specific Targets Under the Identified SDGs

1. SDG 4: Quality Education
   • Target 4.3: Ensure equal access for all women and men to affordable and quality technical, vocational and tertiary education, including university.
   • Target 4.6: Ensure that all youth and a substantial proportion of adults, both men and women, achieve literacy and numeracy.
   • Target 4.4: Increase the number of youth and adults who have relevant skills, including technical and vocational skills, for employment, decent jobs and entrepreneurship.
2. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
   • Target 8.6: Reduce the proportion of youth not in employment, education or training.
   • Target 8.3: Promote development-oriented policies that support productive activities, decent job creation, entrepreneurship, creativity and innovation.
3. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
   • Target 10.2: Empower and promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied in the Article

1. Indicators Related to SDG 4:
   • Proportion of adults achieving at least a fixed level of proficiency in literacy and numeracy (Indicator 4.6.1) — implied by the percentage of students improving academic levels and earning GEDs.
   • Participation rate of youth and adults in formal and non-formal education and training in the previous 12 months (Indicator 4.3.1) — implied by the number of students served by the Adult Opportunity Center and participation in Aspire and Graduation Alliance programs.
2. Indicators Related to SDG 8:
   • Proportion of youth (aged 15-24 years) not in education, employment or training (Indicator 8.6.1) — implied by the focus on adult education and workforce readiness programs.
3. Indicators Related to SDG 10:
   • Proportion of people living below 50% of median income, by age, sex and persons with disabilities (Indicator 10.2.1) — indirectly implied through efforts to provide free education and reduce barriers to learning.

4. Table: SDGs, Targets and Indicators

Source: highlandcountypress.com