Illinois Adult Education Hotline

09/04/2026

Ashley dropped out of school in 8th grade. Read her success story below! And when you're ready to start YOUR success story, the Illinois Adult Education Hotline can help you get started for FREE.

Find a program near you at https://Directory.ILAdultEdHotline.org or text/call us at (800) 321-9511.

I dropped out of school in the 8th grade after losing my father, struggling with bullying, and going through a difficult time. For years, I doubted myself and didn’t believe I was capable of getting my GED. In 2024, with the encouragement of someone who believed in me, I finally decided to try. We searched nearly five bookstores for a GED book before finding the exact one I needed. I passed my first three exams, but failed math on my first attempt. I wanted to give up, but I studied harder, tried again, and passed.

The GED resources and practice tests were incredibly helpful and gave me confidence throughout my journey. Today, I have my GED and am ready for a fresh start. I plan to pursue cosmetology, with hopes of exploring business or psychology afterward. If you feel behind or think it’s too late, remember: your timeline is your own, failure isn’t the end, and you are capable of more than you think.

- Ashley, GED grad

09/01/2026

change lives, and Addie at The Literacy Connection in Elgin is living proof! Thank you, Addie, for spending your summer helping English learners improve their language skills.

Are you interested in with adult learners? No teaching background is necessary--programs across Illinois offer FREE training and support to help volunteers be confident and successful!

Want to learn more? Check out our FAQs, then visit our Directory to find a program near you: https://alrc.thecenterweb.org/other/volunteer-literacy-tutors/

08/24/2026

Congratulations to Jennifer at The Learning Center on completing her High School Equivalency (HSE)!

Do you want to get your HSE like Jennifer? Text or call us at (800) 321-9511 to find a FREE program in to help you improve your reading and math skills. You can also search for a program at https://Directory.ILAdultEdHotline.org.

Free classes and tutoring are available thanks to the Illinois Secretary of State office with funds designated for literacy.

🎓💙 Congratulations, Jennifer!

We are so proud of Jennifer for reaching her goal of earning her High School Equivalency Diploma before welcoming her second baby! 🎉 She worked hard and made it happen!

We’re so happy to celebrate this accomplishment with her and wish her and her growing family all the best! ✨

08/21/2026

Did you know? Public libraries across have free computers and internet access for community members to use! And, if you need to brush up on your computer skills, many libraries also offer classes.

08/20/2026

Looking for a new job? Join a FREE virtual workshop next Wednesday, August 26 to make the most of your next job fair! See below for more information from our friends at WorkNet Batavia Serving Kane, Kendall and DeKalb Counties.

Job Fair season is around the corner!
Want to feel more confident and prepared at your next job fair?

Join us for How to Navigate a Job Fair, a free live virtual workshop open to anyone interested in learning how to make the most of a job fair experience.

📅 Wednesday, August 26, 2026
⏰ 6:00–7:30 p.m.
💻 Virtual via Zoom

Learn practical tips to help you prepare, speak with employers, make a positive impression, and follow up after the event.

Register here: https://forms.gle/8iqeuBPkM1e6yE5J6

Participants are also invited to attend the Kendall County Career & Resource Fair on Wednesday, September 2, from 1:00–3:00 p.m. at the Kendall County Fairgrounds in Yorkville.

Questions? Contact workNet Batavia at 630.762.2120 or [email protected].

08/19/2026

Are you preparing to become a U.S. citizen? Northern Illinois Justice for Our Neighbors-NIJFON has FREE classes starting soon!

08/17/2026

We love seeing what adult learners can achieve at The Learning Center! Improving your reading, writing, and English skills can open the door to so many opportunities. Congratulations!

08/10/2026

Do you have trouble remembering how to spell words like "weird," "forfeit," and "ceiling?" You're not alone. Here is a not-so-helpful guide from the folks at Merriam-Webster Dictionary.

08/03/2026

Interested in ? Literacy Chicago is looking for warm and welcoming folks like you to help adults learn English and improve their literacy skills!