The Library is partnering with the City Colleges and UIC's Center for Literacy to offer GED/HiSet (Illinois High School equivalency) and ESL (English as a Second Language/English Language Learning) classes at some branches. These classes are free and open to Illinois residents ages 18 and over. Students who are 16 and 17 can take city college classes if they show a high school separation form. Once you're registered for the city college classes, you're able to use any of the college's resources and services for students including the wellness centers, food pantries, and gyms.
The Library will also be piloting Brainfuse's personalized GED prep program this winter. This is a free, online, self-paced program with live tutors available 24/7. Please visit the West Englewood branch from 2-4pm or the Gage Park branch from 4-6pm on January 27th for more information and to register. You may also register for more information here.
Woodson Regional Library will be holding Illinois High School Diploma (GED) / high school equivalency prep classes through Olive Harvey College this winter and spring. Classes will be held on Mondays and Wednesdays from 11am-2pm starting on Monday, January 12th. Please register at the college or online (choose "Olive Harvey" as the location and let the library know you registered). You can take the placement test at these times and dates: https://www.ccc.edu/site/OHTesting/
Archer Heights Library started ESL classes this fall (through Daley College). This winter, classes will be held online for one session from January 31-March 14th, and then in-person classes at the library will start later in March on Saturday mornings. You can visit the Archer Heights library on Wednesday, January 21st from 5-7pm to receive assistance with registration and placement testing. You can also apply online (choose "Archer Heights" as the location and let the library know you signed up) and take the placement test at Daley or online. See the virtual testing schedule here.
Legler will continue ESL classes in February with Malcolm X College. Come learn more and register for classes on February 7th from 9am-12pm at Legler, and classes will begin the following Saturday, February 14th, from 9am-12:30pm at the library.
Back of the Yards offers GED classes in Spanish through UIC's Center for Literacy. Classes take place on Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 5-8pm at the library. Please contact the Center for Literacy if you want to enroll. You can join at anytime.
Little Village is also hosting UIC's GED classes in Spanish. Classes are held from 1-4pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays at the library. Please contact UIC's Center for Literacy if you want to enroll. You can start classes at anytime.
Be sure to check out the ESL classes and conversation groups offered by nonprofit organizations at other libraries. Literacy Chicago hosts several ESL conversation groups at branches throughout the city where you can practice your everyday English. Albany Park is starting a new group in January. Please register with Literacy Chicago.
If you need some help studying for the GED or high-school equivalency diploma, improving your reading or writing skills, or learning a language, then check out these online resources.
Information about future GED, ESL, and ABE (adult basic education; adult basic literacy like beginning reading and writing) will be posted here. Please contact adultservices@chipublib.org with any questions or if you need help finding a GED or ESL class or reading tutor.