Cuyahoga Community CollegeFrequently Asked Questions
Questions you may have about the Tri-C Aspire Program
Classes
How do I start Aspire classes?
When and where are classes offered?
How long can I stay in classes?
Can I attend Aspire classes if I have earned my High School or HSE (High School Equivalent) diploma?
Can I transfer classes once I am in the Aspire Program?
How old do I have to be to take Aspire classes?
Can I speak with someone for more information about the Aspire Program?
I used to take Aspire classes at Tri-C; can I just go back to class?
Class Registration and Orientation
What if I don’t have access to a computer to register for classes, or don’t know how to use one?
What should I do if the orientation I wanted to attend is full?
What should I bring to orientation?
Do I need to attend classes in the same place as orientation?
What are assessment tests in orientation used for?
Should I bring my parent or family member to orientation?
Can I bring children to orientation or classes?
Transition Services
Who can use transition services?
Who should I speak to about transition services?
Other Questions
If I am late to orientation or class, will I be allowed in?
Are Aspire classes under the same program as the Adult Diploma Program at Tri-C?
Classes
How do I start Aspire classes?
In order to start classes, you must attend an orientation session. During orientation you will learn about the program, complete paperwork, take a test and receive a class assignment. The entire orientation takes approximately 4 hours. When you leave orientation, you will know your class location and instructor. Register now for an orientation.
When and where are classes offered?
Aspire classes are held at multiple Tri-C campuses as well as other sites around Cuyahoga County. We offer a variety of day and evening classes. Check out our class locations: Academic (High School Equivalency) or ESOL (English As A Second Language) .
How much are Aspire classes?
Classes are FREE!
We offer a variety of class times in order to meet our students’ needs and schedules. When you go to orientation you will have the opportunity to pick from several different classes.
We do not host classes on the weekends.
How long can I stay in classes?
You can stay in class until your needs have been met! Some students have been regularly attending our classes for years. Everyone progresses at different levels.
Can I attend Aspire classes if I have earned my High School or HSE (High School Equivalent) diploma? Of course! We provide services to high school graduates who need additional skills (or want to improve existing skills) before enrolling in college. Adults ages 16 and older that have skills below a 12th level are eligible for Aspire classes.
I took the Official GED® test in 2014 or later and only need help with one or two subjects. Can I still attend classes?
Yes! We have “fast track” classes that are specifically designed for students who only have one or two subjects to pass. You will need to go through the mandatory orientation after which we will place you into the course that suits your needs.
Can I transfer classes once I am in the Aspire Program?
Transfers are allowed on a case-by-case basis.
How old do I have to be to take Aspire classes?
You have to be at least 16 years old and not enrolled in school. If you are between 16 and 18 years old, you must provide us with an official withdrawal form from your school district or a High School Diploma. Please review age requirements for the Official GED® test on the Ohio Department of Education website.
Can I speak with someone for more information about the Aspire Program?
Of course! Please call the Aspire program at one of our various locations:
Metro Campus : 216-987-3029
Lakewood : 216-529-4240
Euclid: 216-261-5006
Eastern Campus: 216-987-2135
Cleveland Heights: 216-371-7138
I used to take Aspire classes at Tri-C; can I just go back to class?
It depends on how long you have been away from classes. If you have been absent for less than 3 months, you can re-enter the same class. If you have not attended classes for more than 3 months, you will have to complete the orientation process again before you can re-enter classes.
Class Registration and Orientation
What if I don’t have access to a computer to register for classes, or don’t know how to use one?
We can always help you register on a computer at one of our main offices (at Metro Campus, East Campus, and Taft School at Lakewood, and Delisle at Cleveland Heights).
What should I do if the orientation I wanted to attend is full?
Your best option is to register for another orientation at the same site, or another site that is close to you.
We usually accept walk-ins at orientation, but please be advised that we do have the right to turn away walk-ins if there are too many students in the space.
What should I bring to orientation?
In most cases, just bring yourself! We will provide pens and pencils. You may want to bring water and a snack (if the site allows food and drink). You may also want to bring your social security card if you do not remember your number.
Do I need to attend classes in the same place as orientation?
In most cases, no – you will be given a list of classes to choose from at the end of orientation. However, some of our orientations do require you to attend classes at that site. You will find that these special orientations have a note beside them on our registration page, so please pay attention when you pick your orientation.
What are assessment tests in orientation used for?
The assessment test results are used to assist in the placement of students in the appropriate class and to measure improvement in the classroom. Don’t worry about achieving a certain score – we only use assessments to help you learn!
Should I bring my parent or family member to orientation?
If you are between 16 and 18 years old (and have an official withdrawal form from your school district), your parent or guardian must sign an age waiver. This can be done at orientation or later at home.
If you speak little English you may bring someone to translate for you during the registration portion of orientation.
Please note that parents and family members may be asked to wait outside the room during the assessment portion of orientation.
Can I bring children to orientation or classes?
Children are not allowed in orientation or classes because they may disrupt the learning process. We (and all of our partner sites) do not provide childcare or babysitting – please make prior arrangements for someone to watch your children.
Transition Services
What are Transition Services?
Transition services are an integral part of the Aspire program. They focus on providing students with the necessary resources to progress from obtaining a HSE (High School Equivalent) diploma. as a goal to any of the post-secondary goals below. Transition services include the following:
- Assisting with identifying Career Choices
- Provide information on two and four year colleges, including technical colleges or trade schools
- Provide information on jobs and employment opportunities
- Provide information and assist with enrollment into Cuyahoga Community College
Learn more about transition services.
Who can use transition services?
Any student currently enrolled in the Aspire program at Tri-C (you must have attended classes within the last three months).
When should I start thinking about what I am going to do after I obtain my HSE (High School Equivalent) Test Credential?
Right Now! Schedule an appointment with Ms. Sheila Manley, our Transition Coordinator, at 216-987-2976 or sheila.manley@tri-c.edu to start making future plans.
Who should I speak to about transition services?
Please call or email Ms. Sheila Manley, our Transition Coordinator, at 216-987-2976 or sheila.manley@tri-c.edu.
Other Questions
If I am late to orientation or class, will I be allowed in?
This is ultimately up to the orientation clerk and instructor’s discretion. We would highly recommend being early to orientation and class to not disturb other students, and for your own benefit. However, we do understand that “life happens”, and if you are a few minutes late you may be allowed in.
Are Aspire classes under the same program as the Adult Diploma Program at Tri-C?
No, Aspire classes and the Adult Diploma Program are two separate programs and departments within the University.
For more information about the Adult Diploma Program at Tri-C, click here.
Can I get financial aid for college credit classes at Tri-C without a high school or HSE (High School Equivalent) diploma?
No, all students receiving financial aid must have a high school or high school equivalent diploma.
Do you offer classes for students who are blind or visually impaired, or who have learning disabilites? Do you offer interpreters for students who are deaf or hearing impaired?
Yes, we provide services to students with physical, mental and learning disabilities. We work with the Tri-C Student Accessibility Services Program to provide equal access to education for everyone.