It's Back-To-School Time -- for Adults

USA - English

• Latin America - español

WASHINGTON, Aug. 2, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- August is the time when parents across the country get their children ready for the new school year. It's a good time to get the kids up to date with their immunizations, and to buy the supplies they need for school.

In the rush to get everything ready for their kids, parents might forget that they might benefit from going back to school too. The federal government offers affordable adult education classes and programs throughout the United States.

Most classes and programs are free, and are offered in locations like community centers, public schools and community colleges. Government-sponsored adult education classes include:

• GED preparation. A GED diploma is equivalent to a high school diploma and is essential for getting a better job. Several adult education programs offer prep classes to help you get a GED diploma. These programs teach basic algebra, physics, civics, and history and are ideal for people who didn't finish high school. You can find the nearest GED testing center by typing in your ZIP code at gedtestingservice.com.
• Career and technical education. Adult education classes and programs can also help you get practical education and training through work certifications. You can take classes on plumbing, office administration, electronics, mechanics, carpentry, health and even computers. Some of these classes are developed with local employers to help students develop skills that local employers need.
• English classes. These classes are designed for adults who want to learn how to speak, read or write in English. There are courses for beginners and advanced students, but also for native speakers who would like to improve their English skills. If you enroll in these classes you might have to take a test to determine your level of proficiency. These classes offer flexible schedules to accommodate people who work and have family obligations.
• Citizenship classes. If you are a legal permanent resident and are trying to become a U.S. citizen, you might be interested in taking a citizenship prep class at your local adult school. These classes offer everything you need to know to take the history and civics tests required by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. You will also have the opportunity to practice the required citizenship interview.
• Education orientation and help for disabled students. Adult education schools are staffed with counselors who can help students figure out which classes to take and which certifications may help them get a better job. They also have tools to help people with disabilities access classes and programs to take full advantage of the resources available.

Find out more information about adult education classes near you by visiting literacydirectory.org.

USA.gov and GobiernoUSA.gov are the U.S. Government's official web portals in English and Spanish, and part of the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA).

SOURCE GobiernoUSA.gov/USA.gov