Adult and Community Education

ADULT AND COMMUNITY EDUCATION CENTER

The NJC Adult and Community Center (ACE) offers adult learners the opportunity to develop and strengthen their basic academic and/or language skills to pursue higher education or advance in the workforce. The ACE center provides standards-based and assessment-driven instruction to provide high quality learning environments that are tailored to the needs and goals of the adult learners in the program. 

The ACE program incorporates digital literacy education into our GED and ESL programs. Adult learners have the opportunity to expand on their digital literacy skills by joining the ACE Microsoft Office courses offered in fall and spring. 

GED (HIGH SCHOOL EQUIVALENCY DIPLOMA)

Adult Basic Education (ABE) is available to anyone 17 years of age or older who is not enrolled in another school under the department of education. ABE guides students in the development of their skills in reading, writing, mathematics, social studies, and science and prepares them to test for the General Education Development (GED) diploma.

Students begin a program of study leading to GED completion by attending an assessment and orientation day that places them at the appropriate beginning academic level. The length of time to GED completion varies from student to student. Students utilize traditional classroom and individualized instruction. Distance learning options are available for students who meet eligibility requirements. The Adult and Communication Education department houses a Family Friendly study space for parents. 

The Adult Basic Education program is also designed to assist students in making the transition from GED completion to enrollment in degree or certificate programs at Northeastern. Contact (970) 521-6793.

The GED Testing Center, located in Hays Student Center, serves as an authorized center for the High School Equivalency Diploma Test for Northeast Colorado. Satisfactory scores on the GED tests will be accepted as the equivalent of the high school diploma. Students can call 877-EXAM-GED to schedule GED exams. Go to GED.com to create a profile or call (970) 521-6605.

ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE

English as a Second Language (ESL) classes are available to students whose first language is not English. Students learn to speak, read, and write English in a classroom setting. Students will participate in conversation with their instructors and classmates. The English language program utilizes computer programs designed to help students acquire written English skills and build confidence in their digital literacy skills.

A language skills assessment places students in beginning, intermediate, and advanced ESL courses that are taught by experienced ESL instructors. Students from countries all over the world are enrolled in ESL classes and instructors strive to create an inviting, comfortable environment in which to learn. Distance learning options are available for students who meet eligibility requirements. Childcare is available for adult education students enrolled in the English as a Second Language program. 

In addition to English language skills, students are supported in exploring GED completion options or degree translation to transition to Northeastern certificate and degree programs.

PATHWAY TO CERTIFIED NURSING ASSISTANT (CNA)

The Pathway to CNA program is an integrated education and training program that combines industry-focused language instruction with industry workforce training. English language learners with advanced English proficiency participate in English language instruction that is focused on language kills needed to perform the duties of a CAN while concurrently attending the CNA technical training at NJC offered through the NJC Nursing program.  Through this join partnership, English language learning develop English language skills needed for their CNA, obtain technical training to prepare for pursing a career as a CAN and for passing the state exam, and participate in on-the-job training through clinicals in a health care facility.