To motivate, educate and prepare adults to develop the academic and essential skills necessary to become more effective leaders at home, work and in the community.  

Adults age 19 and older who no longer are enrolled in K-12 educational programs and need to upgrade academic skills. (Youth ages 16, 17 and 18 may be served by Aspire, but they must first be officially withdrawn from high school.)

Aspire helps people:

• Prepare for the High School Equivalence Exam (HiSet and GED)
• Upgrade academic skills to prepare for college or other training programs
• Develop or enhance essential skills to succeed in the workplace
• Learn to speak English or improve English language skills
• Earn a post-secondary credential in Culinary, Construction, Phlebotomy or Medical Assistant.

Aspire sites are offered in partnership with community agencies and are located throughout the city of Cincinnati. Classes are free and available year-round during the day and evening. Online study is available to individuals with access to reliable internet and compatible technology.

• CityLink Center
• East End Adult Education Center
• Community Matters Center — Lower Price Hill
• Mercy Neighborhood Ministries
• Queen City Vocational Center
• The Healing Center
• River City Correctional Center
• Tyson Foods, Inc.

Enroll by attending a New Student Registration Session. New Student Registration Sessions are three hours long and offered twice each week when Cincinnati Public Schools are in session. Participants must arrive on time and stay for the entire three hours. 

• When — Thursday at 5 p.m. or Friday at 9 a.m. or by appointment
• Where — Queen City Vocational Center, 425 Ezzard Charles Drive, Cincinnati, Ohio, 45203
• To schedule an appointment, call (513) 363-6100

(513) 363-6100
Email  

HSE (High School Equivalence) offers a second chance to complete high school education. Obtaining an HSE will open doors to many opportunities in employment, and entry into technical schools and colleges.

The HSE exam consists of multiple parts and takes about seven hours to complete. HSE prep classes are designed to prepare adult students for the exam, including study of math, reading/writing, social studies and science. Instruction and materials are provided at no cost to students.

HSE Test Voucher

Ohio uses a computer-based and paper/pencil HSE testing process. The state gives first-time test-takers vouchers to off-set the cost of the exam. Cincinnati Public Schools is a Career-Technical Planning District and is therefore eligible to issue HSE vouchers.

Visit the links below for more information:

• Information on the test
• Information for test takers
• Demo for test takers

Contextualized skill upgrade is designed to provide practical and relevant knowledge, workforce readiness and workforce training. Participants engage in a wide range of academic experiences that build academic foundational, employability and occupational skills.

Course content will assist students to:

• Upgrade academic skills
• Identify and explore career interests
• Gain better understanding of college and work culture
• Enhance technology skills
• Build confidence for successful futures
• Occupational skills training to earn a post-secondary certification

ESOL classes are available to assist adults who do not speak English as their native language. Group, individualized and computer-assisted instruction are available in:

• Reading, writing and conversational English
• American culture and traditions
• Citizenship preparation  

Call (513) 363-6100 for ESOL New Student Intake information.

For more information on CPS' Aspire program

(513) 363-6100
Email  

• Ohio Means Jobs
• O*NET Career Pathways 
• Ohio Department of Education
• Ohio Department of Higher Education