Community & Business
Adult Education
Adult Education and Family Literacy at Prairie State College
The Adult Education Program at Prairie State College (PSC) serves a diverse population of adult learners both on campus and in the community. Classes provide learning opportunities to non-high school graduates, 16 and older. PSC’s mission is to teach basic skills needed to function effectively as a family member, citizen, worker, and lifelong learner in a changing world. Adult education classes are available during the day and evening. Registration and assessment are required for all programs.
Adult Basic Education (ABE)
Adult Basic Education classes offer opportunities for students to improve their basic skills.
- Classes are offered in math, reading, and writing.
- Levels range from basic literacy to pre-GED.
- Students meet with an advisor to develop a schedule.
Adult Literacy Institute
The Adult Literacy Institute matches students with trained volunteer tutors for one-on-one and /or small group reading, writing, and math instruction.
- Students work with trained volunteers.
- The program stresses proven methods for teaching reading.
- Tutors adapt a variety of techniques and materials to accommodate different learning styles and interests.
English as a Second Language (ESL)
ESL classes offer non-English speaking adults an opportunity to develop listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills in English. This program is designed for adults who need to learn English for their jobs and for their daily activities.
- Students learn English skills for work, community participation, and education.
- Preparation is offered for the citizenship test.
- A certificate is awarded upon completion.
- Classes are available on campus or in the community
Family Learning Institute
The Family Learning Institute provides GED classes in English and Spanish as well as ESL classes to parents with children from birth to 13 years of age. Parenting discussions and parent and child activities (PACT) complete the program.
- Classes are held at Washington-McKinley School in Chicago Heights.
- Parents can study English and/or prepare for the GED exam.
- Parents discuss parenting issues and learn ways to be their child’s first teacher.
- Parents and children participate together in learning activities.
- Students’ children (one year and walking to 12 years) receive free childcare services (space permitting) during class sessions.
General Education Development (GED)
GED classes offer students an opportunity to complete high school studies and receive an equivalency certificate. The GED certificate is accepted as a substitute for a high school diploma.
- Classes review the five areas of study on the exam: language arts-writing, social studies, science, language arts-reading, and math.
- Constitution classes are offered for students who must still pass the test in order to receive a GED certificate.
- Students must be at a ninth grade reading level or above.
General Education Development (GED)—Spanish
GED classes offer Spanish speaking students an opportunity to complete high school studies and receive an equivalency certificate. The GED certificate is accepted as a substitute for a high school diploma.
- Classes are taught in Spanish.
- Constitution classes are offered for students who must still pass the test in order to receive a GED certificate.
Community Outreach Program
Community outreach program offers multi-level off campus GED and ESL classes. This program provides students in the community an opportunity to study English, to improve their basic skills and/or complete their high school studies, and receive an equivalency certificate.
- Students can study English and/or prepare for the GED exam.
- Classes are held at various locations throughout the community.
Adult Education Vocational and Computer Classes
PSC offers free vocational/computer education courses to all students enrolled in adult education. Students receive a certificate upon completion. Classes include:
- Keyboarding
- Introduction to Computers
- Introduction to the Internet
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office
- Career Discovery
- Communicating to Build Self-Esteem
- Introduction to Entrepreneurship
For More Information
Adult Basic Education (ABE)/General Education Development (GED):
(708) 709-3720
Adult Literacy Institute:
(708) 709-3724
English as a Second Language (ESL):
(708) 709-3790
Family Learning Institute:
(708) 756-4353
Community Outreach Off Campus Classes:
(708) 709-3684
General Education Development (GED):
Spanish: (708) 709-3685
Adult Education Vocational and Computer
Classes: (708) 709-3722
The grant funded portion of Adult Education and the Family Literacy Program at Prairie State College for Fiscal Year 08 is 30 percent financed with federal funds totaling $210,714.
It is the policy of Prairie State College to provide, on a flexible and individualized basis, reasonable accommodations to students who have disabilities.