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REAL PEOPLE. REAL PATHS. A BRIGHTER TOMORROW.WHEREVER YOU ARE TODAY, THERE IS A PATH FORWARD.
A parent and teenager considering their next steps together
Franklin County, Ohio

Your education and career Route in Columbus.

Explore personalized diploma, career training, healthcare, skilled trades, and community resources across Central Ohio. See what fits your schedule, goals, and real-life needs.

How we serve Columbus

A flexible route through Central Ohio

Columbus learners may be comparing several class locations, a changing work schedule and care for children at the same time. Start with the credential you need, then compare the actual campus and class times. A program elsewhere in Franklin County can look nearby online while requiring a very different daily trip.

Columbus City Schools describes Aspire options across the city, including in-person and virtual formats. Columbus State also provides English-language learning through Aspire. If you need both English support and a high school credential, ask each program which service to begin with and how to move between them.

Finish your education

Compare GED/HSE preparation, adult diploma options and re-engagement schools. Start with your school history and the credential you want to earn. Confirm age, enrollment and completion requirements with the provider.

Connect learning to work

Use the career training guide to compare the exact credential, prerequisites, schedule and full cost. Ask whether the course is enough for the role you want or whether an employer, licensing board or placement site has further requirements.

Build a Route you can follow

Your Onward assessment helps organize your goal, available time and support needs. Create one personalized Route with today's next step, milestones and 7-, 30- and 90-day plans. Request Navigator support when the choices feel unclear.

Local places to start

These are independently listed resources, not endorsements or confirmed partnerships. Check current eligibility, locations, costs and availability directly. Sources checked September 4, 2026.

Columbus City Schools Aspire

HSE preparation and English-language learning; confirm orientation and current class formats.

Visit official resource →

Support for the life around your goals

Planning for transportation, childcare, English learning, digital access or housing can help you keep moving. Search resources connected to Columbus and explain the help you need when you contact a provider. If you are returning after incarceration or facing barriers because of a record, explore education and work after a criminal record.

Alvis

Employment preparation and career support for people facing barriers, including justice involvement. The HIRE program helps participants build job-search skills; placement is not guaranteed.

View services and contact options →

Questions from Columbus learners

How can I fit Columbus GED classes around work?

Ask the provider about its current day, evening, weekend and virtual options. Columbus City Schools lists several formats, but availability depends on the class. Put the actual class and travel times next to your work schedule before enrolling.

How does Ready Set Onward serve Columbus?

Ready Set Onward offers online education and workforce navigation. Your assessment helps create one Route with a next step, milestones and a 7-, 30- and 90-day plan. You can explore providers and request Navigator support. Listed organizations make their own enrollment decisions; a listing does not mean they are a partner or that Onward has an office in the city.

Can I find help if I have a criminal record?

Start with the Ohio reentry guide and local support resources. Some organizations specifically support people with records. Training admission, employment and occupational licensing can have different requirements, so verify each separately before paying or enrolling.

Local Re-engagement directory

Schools in Franklin County

Search statewide schools
Website verified
IRN 022114
Educational Resource Consultants of Ohio

Empowered Tech High School

Ohio Re-engagement community school serving grades 9-12 through a site based school model.

Official school website View detailed profile
Website verified
IRN 142935
Buckeye Community Hope Foundation

Focus Learning Academy of Southeastern Columbus

Ohio Re-engagement community school serving grades 9-12 through a site based school model.

Official school website View detailed profile
Website verified
IRN 142927
Buckeye Community Hope Foundation

Focus Learning Academy of Southwestern Columbus

Ohio Re-engagement community school serving grades 9-12 through a site based school model.

Official school website View detailed profile

Ohio Adult Workforce Diploma providers

Ask each provider about current eligibility, schedule, cost, and available support.

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Ohio HSE testing centers

Testing centers are separate from GED preparation programs. Ask about preparation and current testing requirements.

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More than education

Support near you

Transportation, childcare, food, housing, technology, mental health, and mentoring can be part of your Onward Plan.

Tell us what would help
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Two sides. One movement.

Find support—or help someone find it.

Ready Set Onward connects people whose education was interrupted with real next steps, while giving schools, workforce programs, employers, and community organizations a trusted way to participate.

Learners & families

I need a path forward.

Tell us what you need, what is getting in the way, and what you want next. We will help organize education, training, work, and local support options around your life.

Build My Onward Plan I need support right now
Organizations

We want to join the movement.

Claim your organization, verify programs, help learners understand what you offer, and become part of a growing Ohio re-engagement and opportunity network.

Become an Onward Partner Claim our profile