Adult Basic Education / GED Preparation
Free adult education classes including GED prep and basic literacy.
About This Program
Adult Basic Education programs funded through WIOA provide free instruction in foundational reading, writing, and math skills to adults who have not completed a high school education or who read below a 9th-grade level. GED and HiSET preparation programs help adults earn a high school equivalency credential, which opens doors to employment, postsecondary education, and many training programs that require a diploma. Classes are offered at community colleges, adult education centers, libraries, and through nonprofits — often in the evenings and on weekends to accommodate working adults. Some programs offer online or hybrid options. Class sizes are typically small and instruction is tailored to individual skill levels rather than age cohorts. Adults who have recently immigrated often combine ABE with English as a Second Language (ESL) instruction, which is offered through many of the same providers. Integrated education and training programs pair basic skills instruction with vocational training in sectors like healthcare, manufacturing, or construction — allowing adults to build both foundational skills and job-specific credentials simultaneously. There is no income requirement for ABE/GED programs in most states — services are available to any adult who meets the educational criteria. To find programs near you, contact your local community college, American Job Center, or your state's adult education agency.
Eligibility Requirements
| Age | 16 or older |
| Other | Not enrolled in secondary school |
| Other | Lacking high school diploma or basic skills |
Related Programs
WIOA Job Training
Free job training, education, and placement services.
Pell Grant
Federal grant for low-income undergraduates that does not need to be repaid.
Adult Education and Family Literacy Act (AEFLA)
Federally funded adult literacy, ESL, and workforce readiness education.
Vocational Rehabilitation (VR)
Job training, education support, and employment services for people with disabilities.
Eligibility requirements may have changed. Verify at the official source before applying.