State approves 2 Mahoning County sites to host diploma program

YOUNGSTOWN — The Ohio Department of Education has approved two Mahoning County sites to host the state’s Adult 22+ Diploma program.

The closest state sponsored sites until now, were in New Philadelphia and Cleveland.

The two local approved sites are the Mahoning County High School, Bryn Mawr Avenue on the city's East Side and the Unlimited Classroom at the Southern Park Mall in Boardman

The two local alternative schools will host adult-learning programs after school hours until 5 p.m.

Adult 22+ is free to adults 22 and older who live in Ohio and do not have a diploma or GED certification. Counselors work with the adult learners to develop individual plans to identify the courses and assessments needed to graduate and earn a diploma.

“This 22+ program can take into account someone’s work or life experience, and in many ways can be more flexible for the adult learner,” said Jennifer Merritt, Mahoning County’s director of alternative education. “Prior to this new opportunity, once a person passed the age of 21, the only option was a GED program. With 22+, you get an actual high-school diploma.”

For information on 22+, or to apply to the local programs, contact Merritt at J.Merritt@mahoningesc.org.