Empowering Education: Discover the New ASPIRE Program Transforming Steubenville’s North End Community

STEUBENVILLE, Ohio — A new educational program has launched in Steubenville’s North End. The ASPIRE program, offered by the Jefferson County Educational Service Center and the Jefferson Metropolitan Housing Authority, is located in the JFK Building at 815 N. 6th St.

This initiative aims to grow educational opportunities in the community. Over the past two years, planning included surveys that highlighted a need for better access to education, largely due to transportation issues.

“With ASPIRE opening here, those barriers have been removed,” said Melody McClurg, executive director of JMHA.

The program provides several resources for individuals looking to earn their GED, advance their education, or get ready for the job market. It also supports those interested in technical trades. Participants aged 16 to 18 need to show they are no longer enrolled in school to join.

There are plans to introduce a family literacy program as well. This will help parents understand different learning styles, making it easier for them to support their children’s education. Hayden Martin, the ASPIRE Director for curriculum and family literacy, emphasized the importance of this support.

Additionally, the program supports offenders reintegrating into society. Cameron Bonds, ASPIRE’s director for correction education and workplace literacy, mentioned the focus on preparing individuals for their new jobs, including communication skills for the workplace.

ASPIRE serves not just Jefferson County but also Mahoning, Belmont, Harrison, Carroll, and Columbiana counties in Eastern Ohio.

For enrollment details, visit this link or call (740) 283-3347.