Adult Career Center Success Stories

Adult Career Centers are changing lives across Ohio by assisting Ohioans in gaining their high school diploma or equivalent and achieving the training needed to find employment in in-demand fields. Below are just a few examples of what’s happening across Ohio to fuel this success.

Madison Adult Career Center (MACC)

Heather Mosier graduated from the Madison Adult Career Center’s Welding Technology Adult Diploma program, earning her adult high school diploma and a welding certification. She continued her education, with advanced standing, in MACC’s 630-hour welding technology program, earning three additional welding certifications and gaining full-time employment as a certified welder.

Heather Mosier

“I found out about MACC’s Adult Diploma Program through a friend and employee at Madison. I have overcome several challenges including drug addiction, low employability, and felony conviction. Earning my high school diploma has impacted my life because now I have a good-paying job that allows me to provide for my daughter, own my first car, and I recently moved into a house I'm renting. I pursued welding because at the time it’s what was available that interested me. I love working with my hands. Advice I would give, especially to females, would be stick to it. Some people will say things to discourage you and say we females do not belong in the field. Stay strong. I have a great support system among my church, family, and God. A lot of people encouraged me through my ups and downs. I have people and family that believed in me when I didn't believe in myself. I've accomplished being three years sober of drugs and having the support I need. This program has made a huge impact in my life.”

Katelynn Biggs enrolled in Madison Adult Career Center’s Medical Assisting Technologies program. Prior to enrolling at MACC, this single mother obtained her GED despite a lack of basic skills and transportation. Through supportive services at Catalyst Life Services and her instructors and staff at MACC, Katelynn graduated from MACC with certifications in STNA, phlebotomy, and medical assisting. Shortly after graduating, she obtained full-time employment at Pediatric Consultants of Mansfield as a medical assistant. She credits her Catalyst team and her MACC instructors and staff members for helping her succeed by making a big difference in her life and helping her family tremendously.

Katelynn Biggs

EHOVE Career Center

Monica Hancock dropped out of high school when she was 16 years old. In the fall of 2020, at the age of 33, Monica began the Adult Diploma Grant Program at EHOVE Career Center. She chose the 232-hour EMT program. Monica excelled in her EMT class and passed her National Registry to become an EMT, earning her high school diploma at the same time. Monica was quickly hired by North Central EMS, a local ambulance service. By fall of 2021, Monica was back at EHOVE pursuing her paramedic credential while working as an EMT. She is doing well in her program and is on track to finish in the fall of 2022.

Monica Hancock

Cuyahoga Valley Career Center (CVCC)

Bartholomew Hahn is enrolled in CVCC’s heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) program instructed by Dan Hunter. He chose to enroll in the HVAC program to learn the inner workings of heating and air conditioning systems.

Bartholomew Hahn

“With the help of my instructor, Dan Hunter, I have acquired indepth knowledge and a skill set that I look forward to putting to use out in the field,” Hahn said. He has enjoyed the opportunity to learn from a highly knowledgeable and experienced instructor who still works in the field. He said he is thankful to Dan for sharing personal experiences and tips on how to solve challenges he may have to face out in the field.

Hahn, along with fellow CVCC student Stephen Boersma, received the Trade Academy HVAC Scholarship, which includes a $2,500 scholarship for tuition and tools.

In addition to going to school, Hahn works for the Brecksville- Broadview Heights City School District as a mechanic in the transportation department. He said it can sometimes be difficult to get motivated when arriving at CVCC after a long day at work. However, he said once class starts and he is in a hands-on lab setting, it brings about a great deal of inspiration. Hahn said he appreciates that CVCC is a place that brings students of all ages, demographics, and backgrounds together to learn a quality trade.

Looking ahead, Hahn plans on utilizing the HVAC skills he has learned at CVCC in his current job, as well as to open new doors for future job opportunities. His dream is to one day have his own business.