Education and Literacy

Education

• Montgomery College Workforce Development and Continuing Education
  Montgomery College partners with the State Administration on Skills2Compete - Maryland, a major initiative aimed at increasing the skills and competetiveness of Maryland's workforce. Montgomery College has more than 150 credit and noncredit programs which help prepare students for middle-skill jobs (those with more than a high school diploma, but less than a four-year degree) which are the backbone of the state's economy, making up half of Maryland's labor market. These programs may lead to industry certification and credentialing, college certificates, and college degrees.


• RSVP Virtual Tutoring Program
  This resource offers math tutoring for high school students needing help in Algebra using a virtual classroom. Tutoring is usually done in groups or as part of an after school program for multiple students. They also help with medicaid and medicare enrollment. The program coordinator can be contacted at anabella_myfreetutor@rsvpmc.org or 610-834-1040 ext. 26.


• Vocational training
  CASA partners with local community colleges such as Prince George’s Community College and Montgomery College to offer a range of vocational training courses. Current topics include: electrical, building maintenance, drywall installation and painting, computer repair, cabinetry, HVAC installation and repair, blueprint reading, power tool usage, sewing and dress-making, child development, security, solar paneling, and hospitality. Vocational training graduates receive industry-recognized certification from the community college and CASA, and CASA conducts follow-up to track improvement in employment status or income.

English Literacy

• Literacy Council of Montgomery County
  The Literacy Council of Montgomery County (LCMC) provides educational programs that strengthen language proficiency, build life skills, and foster community involvement. Programs include one-on-one tutoring; intensive, standards-based ESL classes; iPathways online learning program for GED® test preparation; workplace literacy; and computer-based instruction.


• CASA Citizenship Classes
  Many of their affiliates offer English and Citizenship classes. If you are seeking citizenship, it is strongly recommended that you enroll in citizenship classes before submitting your N-400 Application in order to prepare yourself to take the required U.S. civics and history exam given during your interview. If you would also like to improve your English skills, many of their organizations also offer English classes at many levels.


• IDENTITY English as a Second Language classes
  Identity offers basic English as a Second Language classes to out-of-school youth to support their educational, work and life goals.


• Intensive Life Skills ESOL Program
  CASA has opportunities for English and adult education. An intensive life-skills course focuses on improving participants’ listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills in English so that they may become more financially independent, increase their employability, better integrate into U.S. society, and achieve their personal goals. The Workforce ESOL Program is aimed at improving workers’ listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills in English in order to expand their employment prospects and increase their earnings.


• Refugee Center at Montgomery College
  The Adult ESOL & Basic Skills for College and Careers unit, under the Workforce Development & Continuing Education Unit of Montgomery College, offers special programming for Refugees and Political Asylees. The Refugee Program mission is to provide refugees and asylees residing in Prince George’s and Montgomery counties vocationally-focused English language instruction and assessment, and scholarship opportunities in order to facilitate successful integration and full participation in the community; to provide a supportive learning environment; and to promote the development of inter-cultural competence.


• Adult ESOL and basic skills courses
  The Adult ESOL and Basic Skills for College and Careers unit provides classes to support students who need additional help with basic academic skills and GED® test preparation; English language development; computer literacy; and U.S. citizenship in order to access college and entry-level employment. Program participants may receive additional guidance and advising services to assist with transitioning to college and careers.


• Students Engaged in Pathways to Achievement (SEPA) Program
  The Students Engaged in Pathways to Achievement program (SEPA) is a career-based instructional program for Spanish-speaking high school ESOL students who have experienced interrupted or limited formal education. To be eligible for the SEPA program, students must be at least eighteen (18) years of age at the start of their first school year in the SEPA program. The SEPA program is currently available to students at a limited number of high schools.


• Career Readiness Education Academy (CREA)
  CREA allows students to learn English language skills, basic work skills, and industry certifications who are Language Learners (ELLs) in Montgomery County Public Schools who are not on track to meet the graduation requirements before turning 21 as a result of limited or interrupted formal education. Students who study in the program are students who would otherwise drop out of school in order to work to support themselves and/or their families. The program is offered in the evening as an alternative option since many of these students work during the day.

• No information is available for this region.

GED Services

• IDENTITY Crossroads Youth Opportunity Center
  The GED program provides youth with an alternative pathway to a high-school diploma. This program is offered at Youth Opportunity Centers in Takoma Park and Gaithersburg.


• GapBuster
  GapBuster offers some programming for people beyond their school years or who do not attend school, including a GED program, several ESOL classes, workforce development and HIV Testing/Counseling/Referral.


• Literacy Council of Montgomery County
  The Literacy Council of Montgomery County (LCMC) provides educational programs that strengthen language proficiency, build life skills, and foster community involvement. Programs include one-on-one tutoring; intensive, standards-based ESL classes; iPathways online learning program for GED® test preparation; workplace literacy; and computer-based instruction.


• Maryland Department of Labor, Licensing, and Regulation
  GED Testing in Maryland information and resources.


• Maryland Multicultural Youth Center
  GED preparation classes and tutoring for out of school youth. Classes are small and are only held at the Silver Spring location.


• Montgomery College Workforce Development and Continuing Education
  GED® Test Preparation Program is for Montgomery County Adults who need to get their High School Diploma. GED® Test Preparation Classes include three levels: Adult Basic Education (ABE) is for those students who need basic skills in reading and math; Pre-GED® Test Preparation is for students who have stronger skills, but need more work in all of the content areas; and GED® Test Preparation is for students who are ready to focus on the academic areas covered by the official State test.


• Online Pathway to Graduation Program
  The Online Pathway to Graduation (OPTG) is a year-long program that enables current Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) seniors and former MCPS high school students needing three credits or fewer, in addition to their daytime classes, to meet the academic requirements for a Maryland high school diploma. The instruction is delivered online. In addition, a teacher is in a centrally located computer classroom who monitors participant progress and facilitates individual instruction when needed.


• WorkSource Montgomery Young Adult Opportunity Program
  The Youth Program assists eligible young adults ages 17-24 to gain the skills needed to succeed in today’s workforce. Available services include GED & High School Completion Options. For more information on Youth and Young adult program call: 443 808 1021