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Adult Education and Training

Project Connect adult education classes take place throughout the year.
Limited seats. High-impact careers. Apply today to YMCA Project Connect.

Your Future Starts Here

This is more than a class. It’s a path to a better job — and a better life. Seats are limited, and employment is our goal.

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A participant in a Project Connect Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) program

Take the First Step

NOW REGISTERING FOR THE HIGH SCHOOL EQUIVALENCY (HSE) PROGRAM. Please complete the form below.

For other programs, please JOIN OUR WAITLIST. Enrollment for current classes has already begun. Share a little information below to be added to our waitlist, and we’ll be in touch with more details soon!

Thank you for your interest in Project Connect adult education programs at the YMCA. Share a little information below, and we'll be in touch with more details soon!

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Explore Your Career Path

woman in healthcare attire supporting man walking

Make a Difference Every Day

Build a meaningful career in healthcare, starting with just one credential. Get the skills you need to care for others—and find a job that cares for you.

Indiana Needs You—Right Now

Skilled workers are in high demand, and we’ll help you get ready. Whether it’s construction, customer service or child care, we’ll train you to stand out and step into a career.

Not Just a Job. A Better Future.

With support from the Y, you’ll gain skills, confidence and credentials that open doors. Apply today—spots are limited and jobs are waiting.

Project Connect: Adult Education Programs

High School Equivalency Program (HSE)

Earn your high school diploma and unlock what’s next. The YMCA’s HSE program gets you ready to pass the GED® with support in reading, math, test prep and more. You’ll also build confidence, life skills and a plan for what comes after—whether it’s college, training or a new job.

Classes are offered virtually or in person and length varies by student.

Earning Potential:

On average, workers with a high school diploma earn over $8,000 more per year than those without a diploma.

HSE Eligibility Requirements

  • You must be at least 18 years old.
  • You must not be enrolled in another educational program
  • You must not already have a diploma from an accredited U.S. high school.

Applicants must meet program qualifications before enrolling. For more information or to apply, click the “Sign Up” button.

Sign Up

Certified Professional Coder (CPC)

Ready for a challenging and rewarding career in healthcare that does not involve interacting with patients? Then medical coding and billing could be for you!

Certified professional coders (CPCs) translate patient medical records into standardized medical codes. CPCs must possess technical knowledge of anatomy and medical terminology, a keen attention to detail, and great analytical skills. Students participating in this course will be on a steep learning curve for this in-demand job that has an average salary of $45,000/ yr.

Earning Potential:

  • Starting pay rate: $35,700 per year
  • Upper pay rate: $51,860 per year

CPC Training Details

  • Course length: 14 weeks
  • Required materials: laptop
  • Prerequisites: Must be 18 or over and not enrolled in another educational program; attention to detail and strong math skills preferred.
Learn More

Child Development Associate® (CDA) Credential™

Shape young minds with CDA certification!

The Child Development Associate® (CDA) Credential™ is the most widely recognized credential in early childhood education (ECE). Our CDA program gives you the knowledge to help young children grow, learn and thrive. You’ll study child development, health, classroom practices, and more. After certification, you’ll be ready to advance your career in childcares, schools or early learning centers.

CDA Training Details

  • Course length: 12 weeks
  • Required materials: none
  • Prerequisites: must be 18 or over and not enrolled in another educational program

Indiana Non Formal CDA® Project Eligibility Requirements

  • Be a resident of Indiana who is at least 18 years old.
  • Be employed in a childcare center, childcare home or childcare ministry that is licensed, registered or certified as a LLEP CCDF provider by OECOSL.
  • Hold a High School Diploma OR High School Equivalency Diploma (HSE).
CDA Brochure
CDA Application

Community Health Worker (CHW)

Community Health Workers (CHW) bridge the gap between providers and people. The CHW program trains you to support others in finding doctors, staying healthy and solving barriers to care. You’ll work in clinics, nonprofits or neighborhoods, and be the voice that helps others live better.

Earning Potential:

  • Starting pay rate: $36,200 per year
  • Upper pay rate: $55,190 per year

CHW Training Details

  • Course length: 10 weeks
  • Required materials: none
  • Prerequisites: Must be 18 or over and not enrolled in another educational program
Learn More

Certified Nursing Aide (CNA)

Become a Certified Nursing Aide and make a difference. This program prepares you for a rewarding role in healthcare.

Our CNA program gives you the skills to support patients with daily tasks, communicate with medical teams and work in healthcare settings. It’s a great first step toward a long-term health career.

Earning Potential:

  • Starting pay rate: $36,400 per year
  • Upper pay rate: $52,000 per year

CNA Training Details

  • You must complete 105+ training hours, including 75+ hours of clinical training and 30+ hours of classroom education.
  • You must pass the written and skills test on the state competency evaluation, as well as a physical and TB test.
  • You must maintain a good standing (no instances of abuse or neglect) on the Indiana Nurse Aide Registry.
  • You must pass the exam within two years of your program if you’re not currently working in the field.
  • Must be 18 or over and not be enrolled in another educational program.
  • Eligible participants do not incur any expenses for program tuition, provided they meet certain qualifications. We’re grateful to the Indiana Department of Workforce Development and EmployIndy for their generous funding. Valued at $1,500, the scholarship includes instructional fees and state examination fees.

Applicants must meet program qualifications before enrolling.

Learn More
two workers on a construction site talk, one man, one woman

NCCER Core Construction Class

The NCCER Core class teaches the fundamentals: safety, blueprints, math and tool use. You’ll also develop soft skills like teamwork and communication. After completing the class, you’ll be NCCER Core Certified and ready for a construction career or further trade training.

Earning Potential:

  • Starting pay rate: $29,190 per year
  • Upper pay rate: $61,250 per year

NCCER Training Details

  • Course length: 12 weeks
  • Required materials: none
  • Prerequisites: must be 18 or over and not enrolled in another educational program
Learn More
woman behind desk handing materials to hotel guest job career professional

Customer Service & Sales (CSS)

Prepare for roles in retail, hospitality, or call centers with real-world communication tools.

The CSS course teaches essential skills like solving customer problems, handling feedback and making sales. Employers in many industries look for this credential—it’s a great way to grow your confidence and your paycheck.

Earning Potential:

  • Starting pay rate: $19,507 per year
  • Upper pay rate: $53,288 per year

CSS Training Details

  • Course length: 8 weeks
  • Required materials: none
  • Must be 18 or over and not be enrolled in another educational program.
Learn More
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