Chris Ramage
Cleveland State Community College Adult Education program and Workforce Development department provide courses to prepare individuals for future employment and training programs to upskill and learn new trades.
The Adult Education program delivers free classes to prepare students for the High School Equivalency Test (HiSET). These classes are offered in all five counties of the college’s service area: Bradley, McMinn, Meigs, Monroe and Polk. Passing this test is often the first step to a new future, better employment opportunities and college admissions.
Short term Workforce Development bootcamps are offered in high-demand fields such as plumbing, HVAC and welding.
These training programs include industry recognized certifications so that students who complete the program are prepared for the workplace. Eligible students can receive Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) funding assistance for the bootcamps.
One student participated in three of these programs this year. Eight years after dropping out of high school, Chris Ramage was determined to earn his high school diploma. He said, “I was never a big dude on education, but I’ve learned it will actually help. I grew up poor with a single mother. Growing up that way, it gave me a different perspective.”
“Ms. Tami Durrigan helped me through the English part of the (HiSET) test,” continued Mr. Ramage. “That was the part that was hardest. I had to relearn a lot of math and other things too. Ms. Tami was a good luck charm. I wanted to give up, but I didn’t.”
“Chris is a very determined and motivated student,” said Tami Durrigan, Adult Education Lead Instructor. “Chris' learning journey began with HiSET, completing it for a better future. I'm very excited to see where all my students go after earning their HiSET, but Chris' story will always be impressive. I can't wait to see what he accomplishes next.”
Mr. Ramage was also able to complete the Workforce Development plumbing and HVAC bootcamps this year. With the guidance of Adult Education and Workforce Development, he secured funding for the bootcamps through the American Job Center, a non-profit partner, City Fields and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Employment and Training (E&T).
Completing these three programs has given Mr. Ramage the confidence to start college this fall at Cleveland State. He plans to major in entrepreneurship, with a goal of owning a construction company, a mechanic shop and his own clothing brand.
Mr. Ramage has been growing his hair to donate to wigs for children with cancer. “My grandmother and mother inspired me because they are both breast cancer survivors. My dream and goal in life is to give back to people who grew up like I did who don’t have the opportunities. Even if it’s a wig for a kid, it's something, and it puts a smile on their face.”
For more information about the Adult Education program, call 423-614-8763. For more information about Workforce Development programs, call 423-614-8793.