Finding Your Way: Education for Adults

Free Programs

English, HiSET, GED, Basic Education, Citizenship


Framingham Adult ESL+
P.O. Box 4860, Framingham, MA 01704 (Mailing Address)
Framingham Adult ESL PLUS, Fuller Middle School, 31 Flagg Drive Framingham, MA 01702 (Physical Address)
Telephone: 508-626-4282 
The Framingham Adult ESL Plus (FAESL+) Program provides free English language instruction and life skills training with seven levels of ESL classes. The program provides Adult Basic Education (ABE) classes at beginner, intermediate, and HiSET (GED) levels. The program also provides counseling, conversation groups, computer classes, citizenship classes, speakers, field trips, and other enrichment programs. 

Joan Brack Adult Learning Center, SMOC
7 Bishop Street, Framingham, MA 01702 
Telephone: 508-620-2677 
Offers HiSET (GED) classes.

Literacy Unlimited, Framingham Public Library
49 Lexington Street, Framingham, MA 01702
Telephone: 508-532-5574 
Literacy Unlimited is a nonprofit organization in the Framingham Public Library and the Morse Institute Library in Natick. It provides free, confidential, one-on-one tutoring for adult learners in the MetroWest area in basic reading, writing, math, HiSET (GED) preparation, citizenship, and English as a second language. There are also conversation groups and survival English classes. Visit or call the office. 

Hudson-Maynard Adult Learning Center
69 Brigham St. Hudson, MA 01749 
Telephone: 978-567-6250 ext. 15102
The Maynard Adult Learning Center provides free ESL, pre-GED, and HiSET (GED) classes to approximately 200 students each year in their morning and evening programs. Counseling and technology are also incorporated into the curriculum. 

Quinsigamond Community College at Assabet Valley
670 West Boylston Street, Worcester, MA 01606
Telephone: 508-853-2300
Call for more information. HiSET classes available in Spanish.

Young Parents Program, SMOC
7 Bishop Street, Framingham, MA 01702
Telephone: 508-872-4853
HiSET (GED) for young parents receiving DTA assistance and under the age of 22. Childcare and transportation provided


Massachusetts Adult Literacy Hotline
Telephone: 800-447-8844
The Massachusetts Adult Literacy Hotline provides referrals to over 300 adult education programs that offer one-on-one tutoring, small-group or classroom instruction to adult learners. We provide information about basic reading, math, adult basic education, English language training, family literacy, High School Equivalency Test preparation or testing sites.

 

 

 

Fee-Based Programs


Brazilian-American Center (BRACE)
560 Waverly St, Framingham, MA 01702
Telephone: 508-628-0360
Portuguese, ESL, and music programs. 

Continuing Education Office, Keefe Tech Regional High School
750 Winter Street, Framingham, MA 01702
Telephone: 508-416-2170
Email: continuinged@jpkeefehs.org
Offers ESL classes in the fall and spring. Classes run for 10 weeks, meeting twice weekly. 

ESL program, Framingham State
100 State St., Framingham, MA 01701
Telephone: 508-626-1510
Email: esl@framingham.edu
Intensive English, community ESL, TOEFL preparation, business English, writing, pronunciation and accent reduction, oral communication skills. 

Mass Bay Community College
490 Franklin St., Framingham, MA 01701
Telephone: 508-270-4000
esl@massbay.edu
ESL levels 1-4.

 

 

Higher Education

Community Colleges

Some communities have community or two-year colleges that enable students to begin their college careers. These programs provide education in specialized areas that do not require a four-year degree, for example, dental technology, or computer programming. They can also start a student on the path to a four-year degree. These colleges often offer English as a Second Language classes for a fee. Taking community-college courses can be a good way for new arrivals to review their subject areas and learn what is expected of students in American colleges. 
 

Universities and Colleges

The usual college program of study is four years, which results in a bachelor's degree. If a student wishes to continue his/her education, they then apply to a graduate school for a higher degree. Massachusetts has a large number of four-year colleges and universities. 

Immigrants planning to study in American colleges or universities should remember that fluent English is required by most schools. Students who do not have a bachelor's degree from their own country will have to take the SAT (Scholastic Aptitude Test). Students at all levels must take the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) exam. Books for preparing for these exams can be found in any library or large bookstore. 

The library has information on American colleges and universities and a variety of tests. For in-person college and career planning services, the closest Massachusetts Education and Career Opportunities (MassEdCo) location is in Worcester: https://www.massedco.org/locations/worcester/worcester-area-educational-opportunity-center

 

Massachusetts has a transfer program where you can start at a community college and transfer to a State University or UMass campus. Find more information on their webpage: https://www.mass.edu/masstransfer/

Financial aid is available at many colleges for low income students who qualify - that is, those who are citizens or legal residents of the United States. Applications are available through the school you are applying to. Much of the financial assistance is determined by income and other financial resources. The Financial Aid Officer for each school can best assist you with these applications. College courses for senior citizens-people over the age of 60-are available for very low cost at all state colleges. Senior citizens may sit in on courses but do not receive college credit for them. Interested senior citizens should contact the school they wish to attend or the Callahan Senior Center (508-532-5980) for more information.

 

 

 

April 2024