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Free citywide ABE, GED, and ESOL programs

DYCD Adult Literacy Program by NYC Department of Youth & Community Development (DYCD)

Services Provided English classes, High School diploma and HSE/GED prep

Eligibility Out-of-school youth

Schedule No fixed amount of time, Schedule varies

Last Updated Last updated on Jun 15, 2023

Next Steps

Adults and out-of-school youth age 16+ can take free classes to learn English and prep for HSE/GED exams.

Free ESOL classes are available to New Yorkers who want to learn to speak, read, and write in English. There are also HSE/GED test preparation programs for those who want to earn a high school equivalency diploma.

Who it's for Who it's for

Classes are free to those who:

  • Live in New York City
  • Are low-income
  • Are 16 or older
  • Are not enrolled in school right now
  • Do not have a high school diploma, unless it’s a Foreign or IEP Degree
  • Cannot, speak, read, or write the English language well enough to participate in education or training programs in English

You’ll also need to take a basic test to find out if you’re eligible.

Duration and Length Duration and Length

The program runs in the summer, June-July.

Next Steps

Find a program near you on discoverDYCD.

  1. Select „Educational Services” and click „Search”.
  2. To find a provider near you, search for „Adult Literacy” in the Keyword Search.
  3. Contact a provider to learn more about their programs and how to apply.

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