05/08/2026
At the beginning of April, the Ashtabula County Technical & Career Center Special Grant Programs were recognized at the Coalition on Adult Basic Education National Conference with the Advancing Workforce Development for Adult Learners Award.
This national award recognizes organizations and programs that advance workforce development for adult learners through best practices that integrate workforce skills training with adult education while responding to regional and local workforce needs.
Special Grants Supervisor Shaelynn Ballard and Special Grants Manager Jenna Wayman traveled to Indianapolis to accept the award on behalf of the program.
This recognition is not about one program or one person. It is about partnership. Through collaboration between FuturePlans, GRIT, Aspire, and countless local and state partners, the Special Grant Programs have built a grassroots coalition in Ashtabula County that has helped change more than 150 lives by creating real pathways to lasting, meaningful employment.
But the heart of this work is the people.
Participants who show up every day determined to rewrite their story.
Staff who go above and beyond and refuse to give up on anyone.
This work is about more than jobs. More than education.
It is about second chances, real support, and building futures.
This award belongs to our partners, our staff, and most importantly, our participants.
Thank you for believing in the power of opportunity, partnership, and people.
