Adult Education Programs
Adult Education (AE) programs are designed to assist students gain the literacy, numeracy and language skills needed to enter training or degree programs that lead to better employment opportunities. The department offers English as a Second Language (ESL), Illinois High School Diploma (formerly High School Equivalency) exam preparation (GED® or HiSET), Language Skills Enhancement (LSE), Access to Literacy (basic literacy) and Gear Up (transition to college). The AE department works closely with public libraries, school districts, community-based organizations and local employers to provide instructional services in the community.
For more information, please call (708) 456-0300, Ext. 3513.
English as a Second Language (ESL)
English as a Second Language (ESL) is designed to build the reading, writing, listening and speaking skills of non-native English speakers. Classes are offered in the morning and evening to meet the needs of working adults. Classes are held online and in person on campus and at local high schools. In addition, the Adult Education Department offers citizenship courses. All classes are free. As classes tend to fill up quickly, early registration is strongly advised. For more information, please call (708) 456-0300, Ext. 3513.
Illinois High School Diploma Programs
These programs are designed to assist adults who do not have a high school diploma and wish to prepare for the Illinois High School Diploma exam (e.g. GED® or HiSET). Classes are held in the morning and evening, online and in person. Classes are offered in Spanish and English.
For more information, please call (708) 456-0300, Ext. 3259.
Access to Literacy
This program helps students develop basic reading and writing skills in English. The goal is to help students with emerging literacies to transition into ESL or GED classes. Tutoring is offered one-on-one and in small groups. For more information, please call (708) 456-0300, Ext. 3730.
Gear Up (Transition Programs)
The AE department offers two types of transition programs that prepare students for college and a career.
1) Bridge to College: Students are enrolled in GED classes that help them improve literacy, language or numeracy skills while preparing to enter a variety of college courses with a career pathway. Bridge programs help students by applying learning to a career field.
2) Integrated Education and Training program: Students are co-enrolled in a GED course and a certificate program in the career and technical education (CTE) fields. The GED instructor helps students succeed in in the certificate course by team-teaching with the CTE instructor and teaching a support class to help with homework, test preparation, and review of class lessons and materials.
For more information, please call (708) 456-0300, Ext. 3837.