Adult Educations and ESL

Free Adult Education classes are intended for people who live in Lake County or work full time in Lake County. They are not appropriate for students with B1, B2, F1, F2, J1 or J2 visas, nor are they appropriate for short term visitors to the U.S. In general, students must be at least 18 years old in order to enroll in Adult Education classes. However, 16 and 17 year olds may register with an official Secondary School Reference Form signed by their local high school authorized representative. U.S. high school graduates and 16-year-olds must meet additional eligibility requirements. New students must attend an orientation session before attending classes. The Adult Education and ESL division provides several specific types of educational opportunities and is funded in part by grants from the federal government representing 12 percent of the total cost of the program. For more information contact Adult Education and ESL Division, (847) 543-2485 or adultedtesting@clcillinois.edu.

Adult Basic Education

Adult Basic Education (ABE) provides individualized and class instruction in reading, general language development, writing, mathematics and workforce skills. Students proceed at their own pace.

Adult Secondary Education

Adult Secondary Education (ASE) classes prepare Lake County adults who have not completed high school to take a high school equivalency exam (GED, HiSET or TASC). In addition to the high school equivalency exam, students must pass the Constitution Test before they are awarded a high school equivalency certificate. Exam and classes are offered in English and Spanish.

English as a Second Language

English as a Second Language (ESL) classes are for students whose primary language is not English. Speaking, listening, reading, writing, digital literacy and workforce skills are taught. Students may enroll at the beginning, intermediate or advanced level.

Step Up Program

Step Up helps adult education students prepare for college, succeed in college and find a career and job. Students begin with an introduction to a career field through a pre-bridge and bridge program, they then step up to a CLC ICAPS program and move on to find a career or job. For more information contact Adult Education Student Success (847) 543-2024, (847) 543- 2021or AED.StudentSuccess@clcillinois.edu.

Prebridge and Bridge Programs

Prebridge (PBRA) and Bridge Programs (BRGA) are offered for Adult Education students who are interested in pursuing a career in healthcare, manufacturing, computer information technology, criminal justice, administrative management and technology or early childhood education. The curriculum familiarizes students with the terminology, skills and standard practices of their field of interest. Students who enroll in PBRA or BRGA are required to meet certain prerequisites such as qualifying for the program with a TABE placement test score.

ICAPS Programs

The ICAPS program facilitates the transition from adult education to college and allows students to earn a career certificate in one year or less. Students interested in the ICAPS program must meet the career program’s requirements as well as apply and get accepted

into the ICAPS program. Students accepted into the ICAPS program receive academic support, guidance on job seeking and opportunities to apply for financial aid or scholarships.