Mission to Amish People

Program Overview

Please see: https://www.mapministry.org/ways-we-serve/get-your...

MAP Ministries provides adult education in a rural Amish & Mennonite area to Amish and Mennonite people who did not learn English as their first language. The program is open to anyone who did not earn a high school diploma or GED can take advantage of this program which offers people the opportunity to earn your GED at no cost.

Cost Info

Student and Volunteer Success Stories

There are many ways to get an education in today's world. Many changes have been made in recent months due to the pandemic that has allowed individuals to learn in various ways. Here at MAP we have had the opportunity to partner with the Ohio ASPIRE program for the past six years. This partnership has allowed students to take free classes at MAP as well as have their High School Equivalency (H.S.E.) exams paid for in full!

My name is Rachel Arnold and I have been working with MAP for the past six years. I have been able to help 40 formerly Amish or Mennonite individuals obtain their high school diplomas. Through the classes offered at the MAP office, students are able to earn their H.S.E. diploma (High School Equivalency) and learn about opportunities in different career fields and how to further their education.

When a student gets their H.S.E. diploma, they are able to get jobs in career fields that might have been out of their reach prior to passing the exam. Often times, when individuals come through the MAP office they are either leaving their Amish communities or are affiliated with the Mennonite church. Many of the students have only completed school through the 8th grade. Being able to have a secure, comfortable environment for students to study and learn has been instrumental for their success.

Students who earn their diplomas have gone on to many different career options. Henry S. began his journey in 2015. He started studying for his H.S.E. exam with hopes of going to college for Biology. He worked very hard to get his diploma in a few months. After being in college for a little while, Henry decided he wanted to be an airline pilot. He has achieved his goals and has been to many places around the world!

Each student is in charge of how long it takes them to get their diploma. Some students are able to get their diplomas in a few months, while others take longer. The key to success is hard work. Students must attend classes regularly and study at home as much as possible. One of the many things that I tell each student is, "This process can only go as fast as you are willing to work."

Besides Henry, there have been many other students who have passed through our program onto other exciting career paths. Some have become nurses, while others are in college studying for various degrees. It is important to have the H.S.E. diploma so that career paths can be open for students. This builds their confidence and allows them to believe in themselves.

As mentioned above, the pandemic has allowed for new opportunities in learning. Students are now able to attend classes online from the comfort of their homes through Google Classroom. This has been a challenge for many as we all try to adjust to new technology and ways of learning. However, it makes it possible to study for your H.S.E. exam from anywhere in the world. Currently, the state of Ohio is working towards the ability for students to take their H.S.E. exam online at home. Some students have been able to participate in this program, however, the state of Ohio has temporarily stopped allowing this. We are hoping they will have this back up and running before fall.