Adult Education and Literacy

PSC offers free adult education and literacy classes to eligible individuals needing basic education skills. 

Participants are preparated for the Illinois high school equivalency exam, English language proficiency, and one-on-one and small group tutoring in math, reading, and writing.

Classes are held in the Adult Training and Outreach Center (ATOC), and flexible hours are offered, including mornings and evenings, online and in person.

The Adult Literacy Project was made possible by the Illinois State Library (ISL), a division of the Office of the Secretary of State, using state funds designated for literacy.

Offerings

 
Adult Basic Education (ABE) classes offer learning opportunities for non-high school graduates, ages 16 and older, a chance to improve their reading, writing, and math skills.

ASE/GED classes prepare students for the high school equivalency (GED®) exam. The course focuses on the four areas of study: social studies, science, language arts, and math. Writing prompts are included in the four areas of study. Preparation for the Illinois and federal constitution exams is offered in the course. Students must be at a ninth-grade reading and math level to qualify.


Classes offer Spanish-speaking students an opportunity to complete their high school studies and earn the high school diploma (GED®) certificate. Classes are taught in Spanish. Preparation for the Illinois and federal constitution exams is offered in the course. Students must be at a ninth-grade reading and math level to qualify.


Classes allow non-English speaking adults to develop listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills in English. This five-level program is designed to help students learn English for work, community participation, and education. U.S. citizenship preparation is available to students enrolled in an English class.


Classes offer individuals who are non-high school graduates, ages 16 and older, an opportunity to complete their high school equivalency studies that prepare them to take the GED® exam offered at Prairie State College. This certificate verifies the attainment of high school-level academic knowledge and skills. Classes are offered in English and Spanish and prepare students to take the (GED®) exam, the nationally accepted equivalent of a high school diploma. Students must be able to read at a high school entry level for placement in a high school level class.

The Constitution exam is offered in English and Spanish for students who must fulfill this requirement to receive their high school equivalency certificate.

 


PSC offers tutoring on-site and at locations throughout the PSC district. Students are matched with trained volunteers for one-on-one or small-group math, reading, and writing instruction.


  Forms and Online Resources

 

Adult Education Request for Information

ESL/ GED en Español Interest Form

HSE/GED Interest Form


Adult Literacy Learner Intake Form

Volunteer as a Tutor


www.ged.com 

Get your GED using official GED test study material, classes, and practice questions. 


http://ilconstitution.org/  

Successfully passing this test exam satisfies the Illinois Constitution requirement necessary to receive a State of Illinois High School Diploma or equivalent.

 


https://www.thewelcomenet.org/ 

A local network of legal experts accredited through the Board of Immigration Appeals.

 


https://www.howardtutor.com/


Frequently Asked Questions

 
Classes are free to eligible students.
Registrations are held ahead of the fall and spring semesters. Complete the interest and registration forms above.
Math, reading, and English as a Second Language classes meet twice weekly. Classes are offered morning (9:30 am - 12:20 pm) and evening (6:30 pm - 9:20 pm).
No. Books and other class materials are provided by the Adult Education and Literacy program.
  • Complete the interest or registration form.
  • Provide a valid state ID with a photo
  • Arrive on time for assessment/orientation
  • Do not bring children (for on-campus registrations)

Individuals 16 years and older with or without a high school diploma are eligible.

Bridge courses prepare students to improve their reading, writing, and English skills while learning about various careers.


Yes, we offer classes both online and on campus, morning and evening.


English as a Second Language.


Adult Basic Education.


High School Equivalency. GED is often used in place of HSE.


Language learning is different for everyone.


Six ESL levels are offered, each taking approximately one year to complete.

  • Beginning 1
  • Beginning 2
  • Intermediate 1
  • Intermediate 2
  • Advanced
  • Advanced Reading and Writing

A Citizenship Training class is also offered.

 


Non-native English-speaking adults 18 and older may attend ESL classes regardless of immigration status. Youths ages 16-17 who have not completed high school may register but must provide a Letter of Separation from a US high school.


  • Adult Basic Education classes in math and reading/writing (eligible to individuals with or without a high school diploma)
  • Adult Secondary Education classes (GED) in math, reading, writing, Science and Social Studies
  • Bridge to Careers programs (contextualized instruction while learning about various careers)
  • College preparation reading classes
  • College preparation math classes (pending)
  • GED en Espanol

 


  • Youth 16 years and older who do not have a high school diploma. Youths aged 16-17 who have not completed high school may register but must provide a Letter of Separation from their high school and attend an orientation session.
  • Adults with a high school diploma who want to improve their reading, writing, and math skills.
  • Adults who want to improve their English speaking, writing, and listening skills (ESL).

Go to www.gedtestingservice.com and set up a myGED account.
Adults 18 years and older who do not have a high school credential. Youths aged 16-17 who have not completed high school may register but must provide a Letter of Separation from their high school and attend an orientation session.

If you're looking to start near and go far, consider visiting the Adult Education and Literacy team. We offer free classes and personal advising to help you feel more confident about applying for a job or returning to school, whether it's college or any other educational institution. Our goal is to help you reach a brighter future by providing you with the tools and resources you need to succeed.

For more information or to get started, email adulted@prairiestate.edu.