The HSE/GED Fall 2023 registration is now closed. Please complete the registration interest form below to receive information on our Spring 2024 semester.
The ESL/ GED en Espanol Fall 2023 registration is now closed. Please complete the registration interest form below to receive information on our Spring 2024 semester.
ADULT EDUCATION OVERVIEW
Prairie State College offers adult education classes free of charge to eligible individuals
in need of basic education, preparation for the Illinois high school equivalency exam,
English language proficiency, or one-on-one tutoring. Classes are available morning
and evenings in the Adult Training and Outreach Center (ATOC).
ADULT LITERACY OVERVIEW
The adult literacy project is free of charge to eligible individuals who prefer one-on-one
or small group tutoring in math, reading and writing. The Tutor Center is located
in the Adult Training and Outreach Center (ATOC) in A142.
Office Hours: Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Directions to Adult Training and Outreach Center (ATOC)
Adult Education Faculty and Staff
Kim Marisa Kunce
Dean, Adult Education and Literacy
kkunce@prairiestate.edu
Phone: (708) 709-3684
Office: ATOC 105
Elda Godinez
Administrative Assistant, Adult Education and Literacy
egodinez@prairiestate.edu
Phone: (708) 709-3719
Office: ATOC 104
Vicky Garcia
Career Pathways Advisor, Adult Education and Literacy
vgarcia2@prairiestate.edu
Phone: (708) 709-3721
Office: ATOC 129
Kisha Brown
Adult Literacy Coordinator, Adult Education and Literacy
nbrown1@prairiestate.edu
Phone: (708) 709-3724
Office: ATOC 138
Adult Literacy Request for Information
Jennifer Eick-Magan
Associate Professor / Coordinator, English as a Second Language
jeick-magan@prairiestate.edu
Phone: (708) 709-3722
Office: ATOC 124
Angioletta Maltbia
ABE/GED Student Services Specialist, Adult Education and Literacy
amaltbia@prairiestate.edu
Phone: (708) 709-7931
Office: ATOC 127
ABE/High School Equivalency Request for Information
Yesenia Garcia
ESL Student Services Specialist, Adult Education and Literacy
ygarcia2@prairiestate.edu
Phone:(708) 709-3790
Office: ATOC 125
ESL Request for Information/Para más información
Laura Guill
Assistant Professor / Coordinator, Adult Basic and Secondary Education
lguill@prairiestate.edu
Phone: (708) 709-7910
Office: ATOC 126
How much do classes cost?
$0
When is registration?
Registrations are held before the Fall and spring semesters. To complete the Interest
Form or Registration Form, please click here.
When do classes meet?
Math, reading, and English as a Second language classes meet twice per week. Classes
are offered morning (9:30 am - 12:20 pm) and evening (6:30 pm - 9:20 pm).
Do I need to buy books for my class?
No. Books and other class materials are provided by the Adult Education and Literacy
program.
What do I need to register for classes?
- Complete the Interest or Registration form
- Provide a valid state ID with a photo
- Arrive on time to assessment/orientation
- Do not bring children (for on campus registrations)
Who is allowed to take basic math and reading courses?
Individuals 16 years and older with or without a high school diploma are eligible.
What are Bridge courses?
Bridge courses prepare students to improve their reading, writing and English skills
while learning about various careers.
Do you offer online classes?
Yes, we offer classes both online and on campus, morning and evening.
What does ESL mean?
English as a Second Language.
What does ABE mean?
Adult Basic Education.
What does HSE mean?
High School Equivalency (*GED is often used in place of HSE).
How long will it take me to learn English?
Language learning is different for everyone.
What ESL classes do you offer?
Six levels of ESL:
(Note: Each level takes approximately one year to complete.)
- Beginning 1
- Beginning 2
- Intermediate 1
- Intermediate 2
- Advanced
- Advanced Reading and Writing
- Citizenship Training
Who is allowed to register for ESL classes?
Non-native English speaking adults 18 and older may attend ESL classes regardless
of immigration status. 16-17 year olds who have not completed high school may register
but must provide a Letter of Separation from a US high school.
What Adult Education classes do you offer?
- 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
- Adults 16 years and older who do not have a high school diploma. 16-17 year adults who have not completed high school may register but must provide a Letter of Separation from their high school and must 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).
How do I take the GED test?
Go to www.gedtestingservice.com and set up a myGED account.
Who is allowed to register for GED classes?
Adults 18 years and older who do not have a high school credential. 16-17 year olds
who have not completed high school may register but must provide a Letter of Separation
from their high school and must attend an orientation session.
Addictions
Haymarket Center (Chemical Dependence Treatment Programs) / http://www.hcenter.org. / 312.226.7984
Rosecrance Adolescent Substance Abuse, Frankfort, IL / 815.391.1000
Adult Literacy Services
Nikisha Brown / 708.709.3724 / nbrown1@prairiestate.edu
Cancer Support
Career Services/Unemployment Support
IDES / 708.709.7970 / chghts@nationalable.org
Charities
Childcare
Childcare and Assistance
Illinois All Kids Insurance Program / https://allkidscovered.com
WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) / https://www.womeninfantschildrenoffice.com/Illinois-wic-application-wa13
Counseling
Aunt Martha’s (provides various mental health services including psychiatric assessments and treatment) / 877.692.8686 (main line) / https://www.auntmarthas.org
Bloom Township (residents only), 425 S. Halsted Street, Chicago Heights,IL ($10 per session)
Governors State University (individual, group, family), University Park, IL / 708.534.4545 / 708.444.1012
Grand Prairie Services (individual and family counseling , sliding fee scale ) / 708.444.1012 (various locations) / gpsbh.org
Sertoma at The Living Room, Matteson, IL (provides FREE counseling from 4-8 pm) / 708.748.1951 / https://sertomacentre.org/services
Ingalls Memorial Drive / 708.333.2300 / ingalls.org/behavioral-health.aspx
Sertoma Center / 708.478.1951
Clothing (emergency need)
PSC Student Career Development Center / 708.709.3755
Childcare and Assistance
Illinois All Kids Insurance Program / https://allkidscovered.com
WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) / https://www.womeninfantschildrenoffice.com/Illinois-wic-application-wa13
Dating Violence
South Suburban YWCA (therapeutic help and advocacy for sexual assault ) / 708.754.0486
Dental
Prairie State College Dental Hygiene Clinic / 708.709.3707
Access and Disability Services
Vocational Rehabilitation / South Suburban Cook County American Job Center @ PSC 708.709.7970 /
Displaced Workers
Domestic Violence
South Suburban Family Shelter / 708.335.3028 (English and Spanish hotline)
Emergency Assistance
Jones Center, Chicago Heights, IL / 708.755.4357 / www.respondnow.org
Greater Chicago Food Depository Agency / https://www.chicagosfoodbank.org
Respond Now, Chicago Heights, IL / 708.755.HLP / www.respondnow.org
Employment/Career Services
National Able / South Suburban Cook County American Job Center @ PSC / 708.709.7970 / chghts@nationalable.org
Food Pantries
Chicago Heights Park District (every 4th of the month @ 9 am), 1400 Chicago Road, Chicago Heights, IL / 708.755.1351
Emmanuel Church (every 2nd Wednesday 4-6 pm), 22515 Torrence Avenue, Sauk Villiage, IL / Contact: Ted Young 708.758.3343
Greater Chicago Food Depository (search by zip code) / https://www.chicagosfoodbank.org/find-food
New Zion/BOOC Joseph Store HS, 14200 Chicago Road, Dolton, IL / M 11-1 pm, S 10-1 pm / Contact: Mary Wood 708.849.6904
Respond Now, 1439 Emerald Avenue, Chicago Heights, IL / M/F 10-5 pm / W 10-7 pm / 708.755.HELP
St. Irenaeus, 207 S. Orchard Park, Sauk Village, IL / M 10-12 pm / 708.748.6891
Grief and Loss
Homeless Shelter
Hotline Numbers
National Sexual Assault Hotline / 1.800.656.HOPE (4673)
Housing
Housing Authority of Cook County / https://thehacc.org
South Suburban PADS (emergency) / 708.332.7700 / http://www.sspads.org
Immigration Services
Illinois Coalition for Immigration and Refugee Rights (ICIRIR), 228 S. Wabash Avenue, Suite 800, Chicago, IL / 312.332.7360 Visa Services (TBD)
Legal
Illinois Legal Aid / 312.977.9047
Legal Assistance Foundation / 312.271.4950 / 312.341.1070
Medical Services
Aunt Martha’s Community Health Center, 1536 Vincennes Avenue, Chicago Heights, IL / Offers sliding scale with proof of income – Medicaid application assistance at clinic / 877.692.8686
Aunt Martha’s Women’s Health Clinic, 233 Joe Orr Road, Chicago Heights, IL / Offers sliding scale with proof of income – Medicaid application assistance at clinic / 877.692.8686
Aunt Martha’s Pediatric Health and Wellness Center, 500 Dixie Highway, Chicago Heights, IL / Offers sliding scale with proof of income – Medicaid application assistance at clinic / 877.692.8686
Mental Health/Disability Services
Reentry Services
Reentry Services
Rental Assistance
Substance Abuse
Illinois Institute for Addiction Recover @ Ingalls Health System / 800.522.3784
South Suburban Council (telephone screening required) / 708.647.3333
Suicide Prevention
Transportation
Pace (suburban bus system) / 847.364.7000
RTA (route for public transportation) / 708.836.7000
Utility Bills/Weatherization Programs
Respond Now (food, shelter, utility assistance) / 708.332.0100 Blue Island / 219.838.0380 Munster
Veterans Assistance
South Suburban Cook County American Job Center / 708.709.7970 / chghts@nationalable.org
PSC Directions
Congratulations to Prairie State College's GED Class of 2019!
