Community & Business
Adult Education
Adult Education 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, and to non-native English speakers. 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 and reading/writing.
- Levels range from basic literacy to pre-GED.
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)
The ESL program is open to adults whose native language is not English. Classes teach speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills in a friendly, communicative environment dedicated to helping students achieve their personal, academic, and professional goals.
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 preparation is 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 preparation is 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 Computer Classes
PSC offers free computer education courses when available to students enrolled in and actively attending an adult education ESL, reading/writing, and/or math course. Students receive a certificate upon completion.
For More Information
Adult Basic Education (ABE)/General Education Development (GED® ): (708) 709-7880 or (708) 709-7931
Adult Literacy Institute: (708) 709-3724
English as a Second Language (ESL): (708) 709-7922 or (708) 709-3790
General Education Development (GED®): Spanish: (708) 709-3790.
The grant funded portion of Adult Education and the Family Literacy Program at Prairie State College for Fiscal Year 10 is 30 percent financed with federal funds totaling $166,315.
It is the policy of Prairie State College to provide, on a flexible and individualized basis, reasonable accommodations to students who have disabilities.