Expanded CEU and Certificate Program returns to Ohio University Lancaster

Ohio University Lancaster is pleased to announce a comprehensive lineup of free Non-Credit Certificate and Continuing Education Unit (CEU) workshops for Spring 2026.

These offerings are designed to support lifelong learning, professional development and regional workforce needs. The workshops are open to students, professionals and community members and provide accessible, skills-based training led by Ohio University faculty, industry experts and local leaders.

Workshops begin in early February and continue through May 2026. Many respected area leaders have signed on as course instructors, offering hands-on expertise and local leadership insight drawn from their professional experience. These community-driven sessions focus on timely topics relevant to Fairfield County and the surrounding region, ensuring participants gain practical knowledge that can be applied immediately in their work and communities.

“By bringing together campus expertise and community leadership, we are creating learning opportunities that are practical, responsive, and deeply connected to the needs of our region,” said Dr. Pamela Kaylor, who coordinates the program. “These workshops are designed to meet people where they are and support their professional and personal growth.”

Each participant will receive a certificate of completion for non-CEU trainings. Eligible sessions offer Continuing Education Units for licensed professionals.

The OHIO Lancaster Non-Credit Certificate and CEU Program is a semester-long series of professional training opportunities serving learners across Fairfield, Hocking, Licking, Perry and Pickaway counties. Participants attend specialized workshops led by experts and earn either a non-credit certificate or Continuing Education Units, depending on the session.

The program is designed to serve a wide and diverse audience. It supports higher education students, including undergraduate and adult learners. It also serves professionals seeking continuing education units in fields such as law, nursing, social work and education.

In addition, the program welcomes community members pursuing personal or professional growth. Workforce leaders, supervisors and nonprofit staff benefit from the practical focus of the workshops, as do individuals preparing for or exploring career transitions.

“These programs reflect the role our regional campuses play in strengthening communities and advancing workforce readiness,” said Dr. Lewatis McNeal, vice provost for regional higher education. “By investing in accessible, high-impact learning experiences, we are expanding opportunity and supporting economic vitality across the region.”

Upcoming workshop sessions

Spring 2026 offerings include professional development sessions focused on:

• Social work and human services
• Mental Health First Aid certification
• Grant writing and community advocacy
• Financial literacy and homeownership education
• Resiliency and personal development
• Creative and digital skill-building tools.

Many workshops are offered at no cost to participants, further reducing barriers to professional learning and credentialing.

This expanded programming is made possible through a $4,550 Workforce Success Initiative award, which supports faculty and staff initiatives that enhance workforce development across Ohio University Regional Higher Education. The award is dedicated to improving opportunities for career advancement while strengthening the communities served by regional campuses.

Rooted in the success of Ohio University Lancaster’s Social Justice Week, the program delivers high-impact outcomes for students and community leaders while serving as a scalable model for workforce success across the region. By expanding CEU and certificate offerings, the initiative strengthens experiential learning opportunities, deepens community partnerships and supports evolving workforce needs.

Through the Workforce Success Initiative, Ohio University Lancaster aims to empower individuals, support professional growth and drive positive economic impact across local and regional communities.

Complete workshop schedules, session descriptions and registration details are available at ohio.edu/lancaster/certificates-ceus. 

Individuals with questions about registration or those interested in suggesting future workshop topics or coursework are encouraged to contact Kaylor at dawes@ohio.edu.