Adams County residents seeking to improve basic skills or complete a high school equivalency credential can now enroll in free Aspire classes offered at the Adams County Training & Business Center in West Union. The center, located at 107 E. Walnut St., will host weekly sessions on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m., targeting adults age 18 and older with instruction in adult literacy, GED preparation, college-readiness refreshers, and reading, writing, and math anchored to workforce skills.

Classes are provided at no charge and include books and materials, removing a common financial barrier for adult learners. Registration is available through Southern State Community College’s Adult Opportunity Center at 800-628-7722 ext. 2687 or in person at the training center’s office, making sign-up accessible by phone or directly in the community.

The program represents a partnership between the county training center and Southern State Community College, reflecting a broader local strategy to align educational offerings with labor market needs. By emphasizing workforce skills alongside basic academics, the Aspire classes are designed to help residents qualify for entry-level jobs, bolster on-the-job performance, and prepare learners for further education opportunities at community college and other training providers.

For Adams County, the initiative addresses persistent local challenges: limited access to adult basic education and practical barriers to credential attainment, such as cost and transportation. Free materials and a weekday morning schedule could particularly benefit adults seeking to re-enter education while balancing work or family responsibilities. The program’s community-based location aims to reduce commute times and make adult learning more feasible for residents in West Union and surrounding areas.

Economically, expanding access to GED preparation and literacy instruction can have meaningful implications. Adults who obtain a high school equivalency or strengthen foundational skills are typically better positioned to access higher-wage positions, vocational training, and apprenticeships. Local employers may see a wider pool of candidates with the literacy and numeracy needed for manufacturing, retail, healthcare support, and other sectors present in the regional economy, potentially easing recruitment pressures and increasing productivity over time.

The Aspire classes also fit into long-term trends in workforce development that emphasize upskilling and lifelong learning. Community colleges and county training centers increasingly serve as hubs for this work, offering flexible, low-cost pathways for adult learners to advance. For Adams County, sustaining such programs can be a strategic investment in household incomes and business competitiveness.

Adults interested in enrolling should contact the Adult Opportunity Center at Southern State Community College, 800-628-7722 ext. 2687, or visit the Adams County Training & Business Center at 107 E. Walnut St., West Union, to register and learn more about class schedules and materials.