Two alternative school sites approved for Adult 22+ diploma program

By Denise Dick

denise_dick@vindy.com

YOUNGSTOWN

Distance no longer has to be a barrier to Mahoning Valley adults who want to secure their high-school diplomas.

The Ohio Department of Education recently approved Mahoning County High School on Bryn Mawr Avenue and the Unlimited Classroom at the Southern Park Mall to host the state’s Adult 22+ Diploma program.

“I think it’s absolutely huge,” said Jennifer Merritt, director of alternative education at the Mahoning County Educational Service Center.

Before the state’s approval, Valley residents 22 and older had to travel about an hour-and-a-half to either New Philadelphia or Cleveland, the closest state-sponsored sites, for the program.

“Kids, when they’re 18 or 19, they have a certain mindset that [earning a diploma] is not a big deal; it’s not significant,” said Merritt who also is superintendent of Mahoning County High School and the mall site. “But our students find, when they’re 20 or 21 years old and they’re trying to get competitive employment, a high-school diploma is crucial.”

People older than 21, however, have aged out of the public-education system, and their opportunities to earn a diploma are limited.

“They can seek a GED [General Educational Development certification], but the GED program is more difficult than they actually realize,” Merritt said.

Both Mahoning County High School and the Unlimited Classroom will offer adult learning programs after school hours until 5 p.m. Applications are being accepted at both sites.

“The state came through,” Merritt said. “For people 22 and above who have aged out of public education, this opportunity is huge.”

An individual 22 or older can come into one of the sites where school personnel can help them determine what they need to graduate. The graduation requirements in effect at the time an individual was in school must be followed to secure a diploma.

There is no age limit.

Merritt acknowledges more challenges in tracking down records for someone who has been out of a school for many years. She said the state continues to work out such kinks.

The Rev. Dr. Lewis W. Macklin II of Holy Trinity Missionary Baptist Church, who has been active in community and education groups, views the approval as a benefit.

“Anything that provides pathways to allow people to become life-long learners” is a positive step, the Rev. Mr. Macklin said.

It provides additional access for a vulnerable population, he said. “It’s better for the person, the family and the community.”