Thanks for your interest in learning more about Getting Ahead!

We offer rolling applications, which means there is no single application deadline. Instead, applications are reviewed as they are received, and participants may be accepted into upcoming cohorts as classes become available.

Why apply early?

Even with rolling applications, spots can fill before the next class begins. Applying earlier may give you:

• More class options – classes are offered in multiple counties
• A better chance of getting into the next cohort
• More time to complete any required paperwork or orientation

When and where are classes?

Getting Ahead classes are typically offered twice each year:

• January through May
• August through December

Classes meet once a week for 16 weeks, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

We currently offer classes in Delaware, Henry, Jay, and Madison counties. Classes are hosted by local community organizations and are held in convenient, centralized locations within each county.

Class locations may vary from session to session. Specific details and meeting locations will be provided to accepted investigators before classes begin.

Getting Ahead is open to anyone who is ready for personal growth. You don’t need to meet a specific income level or other data point. We simply ask that you be willing to explore new ideas, discover your strengths, and learn more about the resources and opportunities in your community.

To get the most from the Getting Ahead experience, we ask that investigators:

• Attend the mandatory orientation and complete any necessary paperwork.
• Commit to participating in all 16 class sessions.
• Contribute to discussions and share in the learning process.
• Complete workbook activities and reflections in class.
• Participate in discovery work both inside and outside the classroom.
• Remain open to new ideas, insights, and opportunities for growth.

If a class is full, we will keep your application on file and may contact you when space becomes available in a future class. Occasionally, openings occur during the first week of class. When this happens, we may reach out to individuals on our interest list to fill those available spots.

We encourage you to apply even if a class is full, as future opportunities may become available sooner than expected.

Offering Getting Ahead classes requires careful planning, community partnerships, trained facilitators, and dedicated funding. It is more than simply scheduling a class—it involves building the support systems needed to help investigators succeed throughout the program.

If your organization is interested in bringing Getting Ahead to your community, the first step is to contact Second Harvest to discuss your goals, community needs, and readiness to implement the program. Together, we can explore what resources, training, and partnerships may be needed.

Because launching a Getting Ahead program involves significant preparation and investment, communities typically need to:

• Identify an organization to host the program.
• Secure funding for participant incentives, materials, meals, childcare, transportation, and other program expenses.
• Train facilitators and support staff.
• Develop community partnerships to support investigators during and after the class experience.
• Create a plan for recruitment, enrollment, and ongoing support.

Second Harvest is committed to expanding Getting Ahead opportunities throughout its service area and aims to have classes available in every county by 2029. If your community is interested in exploring a future Getting Ahead program, we encourage you to reach out and start the conversation. Together, we can discuss what it would take to bring this opportunity to your area.

Interested in learning more? Contact Carol Bradshaw, cbradshaw@curehunger.org or 765-287-2033 to begin the conversation.