Adult Opportunity Center

Aspire. Learn More. Earn More.

Aspire. Learn More. Earn More.

Register now by calling the Adult Opportunity Center at 800.628.7722 x2687

The AOC will continue to register students and will contact students when Orientation dates become available.
Currently registered students will be notified when Orientation dates are rescheduled and classes resume. Please notify us if your contact information has updated.

The Adult Opportunity Center (AOC) provides Aspire classes on each campus and at several off-campus locations. The program is offered FREE to any individual who is at least 16* years of age. All books and materials are provided and no fees are charged for instruction.

Morning, afternoon and evening classes are scheduled with fully qualified instructors present at each site. A variety of services are offered including:

  • Adult literacy
  • College refresher/readiness courses
  • GED® preparation including practice testing (only offered at the GED® Test Centers)
  • Reading, writing and math improvement
  • Workforce education

The Aspire program offers services for improving the basic skills of reading, writing and math. Parents will enroll to be better equipped at helping their children with homework. Other adults enroll just for self-improvement. Enrollment is open to any adult who has a deficiency in any of these areas.

Following assessment, students work with the Aspire staff to establish an Individualized Learning Plan (ILP) to assist in defining goals and developing activities. ILPs are designed to assist you in meeting your own educational or career objectives.

*Because compulsory school attendance is to the age of 18 in the state of Ohio, additional requirements are in place for those who are under the age of 19. Please Contact us for information.

College Readiness

For college or college-bound students who need extra assistance in math or English, the Adult Opportunity Center offers college readiness classes. The classes, which meet twice a week for one semester, are free and the materials are furnished. Since no tuition or fees are required, financial aid can be reserved for college-level classes.

The classes are designed specifically to help students prepare for college. Students may enter prior to college enrollment or as they are taking college classes. Students cannot be enrolled in college level and AOC college readiness courses in the same subject area at the same time. Enrollment is limited to students who have a high school diploma/GED® yet need a refresher before registering for college math or English. Class size is limited allowing for ample opportunity for individualized instruction.

Contact the Adult Opportunity Center for more information or to enroll!

GED® Preparation

The GED changed significantly in 2014, but we are here to assist you in getting ready to test!

GED® Testing

Official GED® Testing is located on Southern State’s Central Campus. The test is computer-based, not online. Pre-approval is required. Advanced registration is required and seats are limited. The testing fee is $120. Registration and payment are done via ged.com. Contact the Adult Opportunity Center for more information.

GED® Fraud

Many testers have been fooled by false GED® tests and have paid hundreds of dollars for a worthless piece of paper. They are devastated when they go to apply for a job or enroll in college and learn that the document they have is not valid. Below is some crucial information regarding GED® Fraud.

  • In Ohio, the test currently costs $120 for the full battery.
  • The Official GED® test is not available online.
  • You do apply to take the test online, but the test is computer-based at approved test sites.
  • The GED® test must be taken in-person at an Official GED® Test Center.

GED® Resources

Class Locations

Adult Basic and Literacy Education classes are available on every campus and are also scheduled at various off-campus sites. Contact the Adult Opportunity Center for more information.

Batavia
  • Clermont County Dept. of Job and Family Services
  • 2400 Clermont Center Dr.
  • T & Th, 5:30pm–8:30pm
Georgetown
  • Adams Brown Community Action Partnership
  • 406 W. Plum St.
  • M & W, 8:30am–11:30am
Greenfield
  • The Jefferson Street Business Center
  • 1300 Jefferson Ave
  • T & Th 5:30–8:30pm
Hillsboro
  • Central Campus
  • 200 Hobart Drive
  • M & W, 9am–12pm
  • T & Th, 5:30–8:30pm
Mt. Orab
Washington Court House
  • The Carnegie Public Library
  • 127 S North Steet
  • M & W 10am–1pm
West Union
  • Church of the Nazarene
  • 108 N Pleasant St
  • T & Th 8:30–11:30am
Wilmington
  • Laurel Oaks
  • 300 Oak Dr.
  • M & W 5:30–8:30pm

Student Stories

Meet Alexandra

Alexandra "In all honesty, my intentions for the GED® program was to get in and get out as quickly and quietly as possible. Only a few people in my adult life even knew that I hadn't finished high school, and I had no desire to share that information with anyone new. When I initially dropped out of high school, I told myself I would immediately go get my GED® and be done with it. But then life sets in. I found myself making excuses. Before I knew it I was married, with two children, and still no GED®. I started wondering how I could push my children to succeed in school when I had never bothered to push myself. I decided to enroll at Southern State's Adult Opportunity Center.

I remember driving to my first class. I was so scared I actually turned the car around once. I had no idea what to expect, but I knew how much I hated high school, so how different could this be? It had been nine years since I had attended school, and I knew I had a huge amount of catching up to do. Regardless of my anxiety, I walked into the classroom and took a seat. My teachers were already there, and my nerves were immediately calmed by simply watching their demeanor. The room was filled with other adults, some older, some younger, but all there for the same reason. There was no judgment, as I had feared. It was actually the opposite.

As my classes progressed, my confidence level rose, and I realized that I actually enjoyed learning again. Who knew? I barely knew my teachers, and yet I really felt as though they were right behind me, pushing me to succeed. I am proud to announce that I have earned my GED® and am now enrolled in my second semester of classes at Southern State. I couldn't be happier with the direction of my life.

The Adult Opportunity Center at Southern State encourages adults who may have lost their way, and reminds us that it is never too late to start learning again. I am capable of anything, which awoke in me a passion for learning that I never knew I had. For that, I am eternally grateful."

–Alexandra Marion

Annual Recognition Ceremony

An annual Aspire/GED® Recognition, sponsored by area businesses, organizations and individuals, is held in June. The evening is a way of recognizing students who have received their GED® or achieved other significant goals.

The GED® Trustees Honors Scholarships are awarded during the ceremony. The time is also used to honor those in the community who have been especially supportive of the Aspire program. All students are invited to attend. Family, friends and members of the community are encouraged to participate.

2014 ABLE/GED Class
26th Annual Recognition Ceremony

34nd Annual Recognition

Thursday, June 8, 2023 | in the Edward K. Daniels Auditorium, Central Campus | Prelude starts at 6:45pm

Enroll / Contact

Orientation is the first step for all enrolling students. Pre-registration is required. The process includes registration, assessment, development of student goals and information about the program.

For additional information, please visit the Aspire Student Portal that allows students to find Adult Education Programs and submit an Application to the Program Provider(s) to receive further information.

Aspire Student Portal