Adult Education and Literacy
Beyond PSC
making an impact
We live up to the pioneering promise by serving all aspects of the local community.
Take part in positive change at Prairie State.
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.
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.
Learn about our partner program at Howard and Evanston Community Center: https://www.howardtutor.com/
Interested in making a difference? Volunteer as a tutor today!
Adult Basic Education
Adult Basic Education (ABE) classes provide opportunities for non-high school graduates aged 16 and older to improve their reading, writing, and math skills, as well as prepare for the Illinois high school equivalency exam and English language proficiency. The program includes personalized tutoring in math, reading, and writing, along with English as a Second Language classes, which meet twice weekly in the mornings (9:30 am - 12:20 pm) and evenings (6:30 pm - 9:20 pm).
All classes are held at the Adult Training and Outreach Center (ATOC), offering flexible options including online and in-person sessions to accommodate different schedules.
The Adult Literacy Project is supported by the Illinois State Library (ISL), a division of the Office of the Secretary of State, funded through state literacy grants. Request Information
Avaliable Courses
- 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
Eligibility Requirements
- 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).
Register for Classes
Registrations are held ahead of the fall and spring semesters.
- 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)
Classes are free to eligible students.
PSC offers free adult education and literacy classes to eligible individuals needing
basic education skills.
Adult Secondary Education (ASE/GED®)
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 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.
HSE/GED Interest Form
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.
Successfully passing this test exam satisfies the Illinois Constitution requirement necessary to receive a State of Illinois High School Diploma or equivalent. http://ilconstitution.org/
Go to www.gedtestingservice.com and set up a myGED account. Get your GED using official GED test study material, classes, and practice questions. www.ged.com
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.
ESL/ GED en Español Interest Form
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.
Go to www.gedtestingservice.com and set up a myGED account. Get your GED using official GED test study material, classes, and practice questions. www.ged.com
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.
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.
Avaliable Courses
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
The Welcome Network offers a Citizenship Training class and is supported by a local network of legal experts accredited by the Board of Immigration Appeals. To learn more, contact us today! https://www.thewelcomenet.org/
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.
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.