Adult Education Centers |
Pursing an education may not have been an option for you until adulthood. Family responsibilities, financial obstacles, language barriers, or personal challenges can put education on hold. Fortunately, there are Adult Education Centers in most communities that provide access to books, technology, and interactive classrooms to help you achieve your educational goals. Learn more about opportunities in your area.
Adult Education Centers for Learning provide free resources to enhance your education. You can work at your own pace and visit at times convenient for you. Centers are located in community organizations, libraries, community colleges, and the cost for programming is often free. Online classes are also available at reduced rates.
The National Literacy Directory
The National Literacy Directory https://www.nld.org/ is a great place to find opportunities in your area
Libraries
Libraries are funded by local and state governments and offer adult education programs nights and weekends, usually free of
charge. Various programs include:
Others
National Center for Family Learning (NCFL) is an online resource for intermediate and advanced learners. The website uses generational learning to promote literacy and family unity.
Check out the NCFL’s free resource, “Learn to Earn,” This website uses generational learning to promote literacy and family unity. Classes include:
Family Literacy Program
Adults and children learn literacy together to support the development of both ages. Programs address the importance of effective communication within the family unit and provide adults with skills and resources to teach their children.
Basic Literacy
Classes help adults with minimal education learn and/or improve reading, writing, and math skills.
High School Equivalency (HSE)
To learn about exams that are available, visit our page here
Adult Basic Education (ABE) These programs are for adults and youth over the age of 16 who are not enrolled and school and want to improve basic skills in math, writing, and reading. Some programs also teach basic financial skills and may include banking and budget planning.
English as a Second Language (ESL)
Programs teach basic English to individuals that do not use it as their primary language. Attention is paid to grammar and vocabulary, speaking, reading, and writing to improve the experience with everyday activities and social situations.
Citizenship Classes/Prep
Classes offer assistance with the naturalization process and provide an introduction to citizenship.
Basic Computer Literacy
Programs teach the basic computer skills needed to function in everyday life. Courses demonstrate how to use the internet and provide entry-level program skills.
Educational Workshops
Libraries provide classes, seminars, and workshops held in a wide range of topics. Search our map to find a library in your area.
Financial Aid
Most Adult Education Centers offer the above training free of cost at libraries and community centers, as they are funded by local and state governments. Many online sites also offer courses free of charge, or at a very low cost. Adult schools at a high school offer programming at reduced prices as well.
To pursue adult education at a community college, when seeking financial aid, please follow the steps on this page:
Application Process – Community Colleges
In order to be considered for financial aid, you will most likely have to submit a Federal Student Aid® (FAFSA). This helps determine your financial aid eligibility and is usually the first step in seeking financial aid on the federal or state level. It is important to have a social security card number and any additional paperwork on hand to prove your identity. To begin your application on the FAFSA site: Click Here.
The application can be complicated, so getting assistance from the school or from those familiar with the financial aid process is very helpful. Also, if you are applying for federal financial aid, check with your financial aid advisors to see if your state has any options to supplement the aid.