This fall, the Library started partnerships with the City Colleges and UIC's Center for Literacy to offer GED and ESL (English as a Second Language/English Language Learning) classes at some libraries. New classes have been added for the spring. 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. These are pilot programs and partnerships, so please visit this post for updates about start dates and other details.
The Bezazian branch will offer ESL classes through Truman College starting on January 12th. Classes will be held at Bezazian on Mondays and Wednesdays from 4:30-7:30pm. Learn more about the advantages of enrolling through the city college program and register on December 11th between 10am-2pm or December 17th between 3:00pm and 7:00pm.
Woodson Regional Library will be holding Illinois High School Diploma (formerly known as GED) / high school equivalency prep classes through Olive Harvey College this winter and spring. To learn more about the program and to register for classes, please visit Woodson on Wednesday, December 3rd from 12-3pm or Wednesday, December 17th from 4-7pm. Classes are scheduled to start on January 12th and will be held on Mondays and Wednesdays from 11am-2pm. The West Pullman branch will also be offering GED classes in the spring. Dates and times will be posted here once they are confirmed.
Archer Heights Library started ESL classes this fall (through Daley College). Enrollment is closed for this season, but please let the branch know if you're interested in winter and spring classes. You may also email adultservices@chipublib.org. This winter, classes will be held online for one session, and then in-person classes will resume in the spring (after early voting ends). Dates will be posted here once they are confirmed.
Legler started ESL classes on October 25th with Malcolm X College. If you're interested in future classes, please let the branch know, or you may email adultservices@chipublib.org.
Back of the Yards is offering GED classes in Spanish this fall through UIC's Center for Literacy. Classes take place on Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 5-8pm beginning on September 22nd. Please contact the Center for Literacy if you want to enroll.
UIC's Center for Literacy also started adult literacy classes at Back of the Yards on Mondays from 4-6pm. Tutoring for children is available at the same time. Please find out more information here.
Little Village is hosting UIC's GED classes in Spanish. Classes started on September 22nd and will be held from 1-4pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Please contact UIC's Center for Literacy if you want to enroll.
Be sure to check out the ESL classes and conversation groups offered by nonprofit organizations at other libraries. If you need some help studying for the GED, 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.