Clark State to hold graduation for Aspire students

Clark State Community College will hold graduation ceremonies for 26 Aspire students and will recognize nine English as a Second Language (ESOL). Bill Lackey/Staff

Clark State Community College will hold graduation ceremonies for 26 Aspire students and will recognize nine English as a Second Language (ESOL). Bill Lackey/Staff

Twenty-six students are expected to graduate tonight from Clark State Community College’s Aspire program.

The college will also recognize nine English as a Second Language (ESOL) students.

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The ceremonies will be held at 5:30 p.m. at the Hollenbeck Bayley Creative Arts and Conference Center.

Aspire - formerly the ABLE/GED program - includes high school equivalency; ESOL for English speakers of other languages; Adult Diploma program (ADP); Bridge programs (basic skills training including math, reading, writing and computer); 22+ program for high school credit recovery; and the Quick Start program for career exploration and goal setting, according to a news release from the college.

“Attaining a high school credential is key to economic mobility and pursuing higher education,” said Dr. Jo Alice Blondin, president of Clark State. “Clark State’s Aspire students are highly motivated achievers who have made the first critical step in unlocking their earning potential.”

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Aspire classes are held in Clark, Champaign, Greene and Logan counties. “Once a student begins, it is individualized as to how long he or she takes to complete,” said Mary Bower, coordinator of Adult Basic Education Programs for Clark State, said in the release.

New programs are scheduled to begin this month, Bower said. Aspire is open to anyone age 16 or older who is not enrolled in K-12 public education, according to the release.

“Students needing to pass college entrance exams can enroll in Aspire college prep classes in reading, writing and math to help them pass required tests,” Bower said. “Other adults needing to improve their skills for tests, employment or personal interest, can also attend college preparatory classes.”

Clark State’s Aspire programs are designed to help students achieve their goals through free career exploration, education and training, according to the release.

For more information or to register for an orientation, contact the Aspire program at 937-328-6473 or 937-599-3010 ext. 1432. Aspire orientation dates can be found on the Clark State website.

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