MANSFIELD, OH (CRAWFORD COUNTY NOW)—The Mid-Ohio Educational Service Center (ESC) has officially assumed operation of an Ohio Aspire program, now known as Mid-Ohio Adult Education, ensuring the continuation of vital adult learning services across Richland, Ashland and Crawford counties. The program, previously overseen by Mansfield City Schools, provides free, high-quality basic education to help adults achieve success in employment, job training, college and high school equivalency testing.
Virtual and in-person classes are now available throughout the three-county region, with the primary site located at the North End Community Improvement Collaborative (NECIC) at 134 N. Main Street in Mansfield.
A key concern after Mansfield City Schools discontinued its oversight was the loss of the Mansfield Adult Education site on West 5th Street as a Pearson Vue GED testing center. This created a significant barrier for students, as the closest alternative centers were at least an hour away.
Recognizing this critical need, Andie Karpiak-Feasel, Adult Education Aspire Director, moved swiftly to restore local testing opportunities. While the original site was lost, the community gained two new GED testing centers: one at the Kehoe Center in Shelby and another at Ashland University. Both locations were already Pearson Vue testing centers and expanded their offerings to include GED testing, maintaining crucial access within the region.
“We saw a real need in the community and refused to let this vital service disappear,” said Kevin Kimmel, Superintendent at Mid-Ohio ESC. “Adults of all ages rely on these classes to move forward in life, whether that means earning a diploma, qualifying for college or reentering the workforce.”
These services are completely free to participants, funded through Ohio’s Aspire grant. Classes are tailored to individual learning goals and offer flexible formats to accommodate work and family schedules.
“Bringing this program under our roof is a direct response to the workforce needs employers articulate through our Business Advisory Council,” said Amy Wood, Director of Grants & Special Projects, Mid-Ohio ESC. “It’s a win for our community, our workforce, and most importantly, the individuals who now have a clear, supported path to a better career and a brighter future.”
The Mid-Ohio ESC team is already enhancing program offerings, including opening access to industry credential programs like TurboCert in Bucyrus and fostering new employer partnerships to support skill development.
“At Mid-Ohio Adult Education, we meet learners where they are academically, professionally and personally,” Karpiak-Feasel said. “Every individual who walks through our doors has a unique story, and we want to honor that. Our goal is to empower them, not just to pass a test or earn a credential, but to truly transform their future through education.”
Mid-Ohio Adult Education collaborates with several community partners to expand access and support for adult learners. Key partners include Altrusa International, Ashland West-Holmes Career Center, Catalyst Life Services’ Success Unlimited Program and New Beginnings, Madison Adult Career Center, Major Metals (ESOL worksite education site), North Central State College’s Success Center, Pioneer Career & Technology Center, Richland Area Chamber & Economic Development, and Workforce Development Board Area 10.
“Our partnerships allow us to create stronger pathways for adult learners — linking education with employment, wraparound services and career advancement,” Karpiak-Feasel added.
Karpiak-Feasel is also a proud member of Altrusa International, which champions literacy and education and annually donates to the Aspire program.
Mid-Ohio Adult Education offers free instruction in GED test preparation, basic literacy, job readiness and college and workforce entry preparation. For more details or to register for a class, call 419-521-9001 or visit midohioadulteducation.com.
Mid-Ohio Educational Service Center provides specialized academic and support services to 13 school districts and over 20,000 students in Crawford, Morrow and Richland Counties.