Adult Education and ESL

Free Adult Education and ELA classes and services are available to individuals 18 years old or older who live in Illinois or work full-time in Illinois.

In general, students must be at least 18 years old to enroll in Adult Education and ELA classes. Students age 16-17 may enroll with an official Secondary School Reference Form signed by an authorized representative of their local high school. U.S. High school graduates and 16-year-olds must meet additional eligibility requires. (requirements) New students complete a testing and registration process and will attend an orientation session during the first week of the semester with their class.

Adult Education and ELA programs are partially funded through federal grants, which represent approximately 50% of total program costs. For more information, contact the Adult Education and ELA Division at (847)543-2485 or adultedtesting@clcillinois.edu.

Adult Basic Education (ABE)

Adult Basic Education provides instruction in reading comprehension, vocabulary development, writing, mathematics, digital skills, and workforce preparation. Classes support leaners from basic levels through intermediate academic skills.

Adult Secondary Education (ASE) High School Diploma Preparation

Adult Secondary Education prepares adults to complete requirements to earn a State of Illinois High School Diploma with the successful completion of the HiSET® or GED®.  Classes offer academic preparation for the tests. The classes and tests are offered in English and Spanish.

English Language Acquisition (ELA)

English Language Acquisition (formerly ESL) serves adult English language learners. Students develop speaking, listening, reading, writing, digital literacy, and workforce skills. Multiple levels are offered and students advance based on placement and progress assessments.

Bridge Programs

These programs help students gain a foundational understanding of prospective career pathways at CLC. They are designed for Adult Education and English Language Acquisition (ELA) students interested in fields such as healthcare, manufacturing, early childhood education, and many more. Bridge courses introduce career-specific terminology, foundational skills, and practical practices relevant to various career pathways, along with workforce preparation. Students must meet program prerequisites, including qualifying placement scores.

ICAPS Programs (Integrated Career and Academic Preparation System)

ICAPS is an accelerated college-and-career pathway in which students are co-enrolled in Adult Education & ESL classes and a college credit program to earn certificate in various fields. They typically complete a career certificate in one year or less.  Students must meet entry requirements for the career program as well as apply and be accepted in ICAPS. Participants receive academic support, career guidance, and assistance with financial assistance.

Eligibility Restrictions

Individuals are not eligible to participate in Adult Education or ELA classes if they are:

• Under 16 years old

• Short-term visitors to the U.S.

• In the U.S. on the following non-immigrant visa types:

  • B1 / B2

  • F1 / F2

  • J1 / J2

  • E-1 / E-2 / E-3