Adult Literacy/GED/EL

Southwestern Community Colleges provides a number of programs for adults to brush up on reading, writing, and/or English skills.  All adult literacy classes are free and books and materials are provided at class.  Southwestern serves an eight county area and provides adult literacy services at a number of locations throughout.  Registration is taken at the class site the first night you attend. 

Adult Basic Education (ABE)
The Adult Basic Education (ABE) program provides basic skills enhancement to enable adults to increase self-sufficiency, improve employability, and/or prepare for continued learning. Instruction is designed for adults functioning at eighth grade or below in reading, writing and/or math skills.  

Southwestern also provides a program, Steps to Success for new or low level readers.   SWCC recruits volunteers, trains them in literacy teaching techniques and matches them with adults wanting instruction in reading skills development. Books and materials are provided at an appropriate level for the student.  If you are interested in being a Steps to Success tutor, please click here. (link)

English as a Second Language (ESL)
English as a Second Language classes are designed for people who speak, write and read best in their native language and desire to learn and/or improve English language skills. The classes are available to adults 17 years and older and focus on English for daily living and communication skills in the workplace.

General Educational Development (GED) Preparation
The GED Tests provide adults who did not complete a formal high school program the opportunity to certify their attainment of high school-level academic knowledge and skills. GED preparation classes prepare adults for the five GED tests: reading, writing, math, social studies, and science. This program is directed towards adults who are 17 years of age and older who have not graduated from an accredited high school or who have not received a high school equivalency diploma, and are not currently enrolled in a regular high school.

• GED Fact Sheet
• Important GED information about online testing
• GED Testing Service

Coming in 2014!
The current 2002 series is scheduled to end on Dec. 31, 2013.  If you have not passed one or more parts of the 2002 series, you have until Dec. 31, 2013, to pass.  Beginning Jan. 1, 2014, you will need to take the entire test to receive your GED.  Prior scores will not be counted.  The cost of the 2014 series will increase and that cost has not yet been determined.