Adult Education
1,000 +
Students served through Adult Education classes
250
Students improved at least one reading level
16
Students earned CPR & First Aid Certifications
What We Do
CMAA’s Adult Education Program provides free education to adult immigrants and refugees in both our Chicago and Elgin locations. We offer free English as a Second Language classes (ESL), civics, citizenship, healthcare bridge, and computer literacy classes as well as individual ESL tutoring. Our goal is to help adults obtain the skills necessary to become successful in entering employment or postsecondary education, to become self-sufficient citizens, and to achieve their individual ambitions.
Services
Free English Education for Immigrants & Refugees in Chicago & Elgin
Funded by the Illinois Community College Board
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CMAA provides free English Language classes for adult immigrants and refugees with limited English proficiency in Chicago and Elgin. Adults of all speaking levels are welcome. Students gain skills to prepare for new careers, better opportunities, and pursue further education. Classes include civics education so that all learners can be better informed, engaged, and aware of cultural differences that make adjusting to life in the US more difficult.
Classes are available Monday through Friday in the morning, afternoon, and evening. We offer four terms: summer, fall, winter, and spring. Students who attend every class in the term have the most success. We encourage students to discuss their schedule with CMAA program staff to make sure they choose the class term that is best for them.
CMAA offers classes at our offices in Chicago and Elgin.
Free Contextualized Healthcare Literacy Education for Immigrants in Chicago
CMAA’s Healthcare Employment Preparation Program offers healthcare literacy courses aimed at adult learners pursuing a career in healthcare. This program strengthens students' employability skills and English skills to prepare them for healthcare jobs with living wages. Students who attend classes will earn CPR and First Aid Certifications. During classes, students will receive individual support to make sure their next steps lead to success.
Free English Tutoring for Adult Learners in Chicago
Funded by the Illinois Secretary of State
CMAA offers free English tutoring to adult English language learners in Chicago. Tutors work with students one-on-one for two hours per week to achieve each learner’s goals. The tutoring program helps students improve their basic reading, writing, math, and English language skills, preparing them to better navigate Chicago's workforce and daily life.
This service is supported by a grant from the Illinois State Library, a division of the Illinois Office of the Secretary of State.
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Career Advancement & Development
Training and Support We Offer
Industry-Specific Pathways​
• Hospitality (more industries coming soon!)
Career Foundations Training​​
• Workplace skills & communication
• Professional etiquette & time management
• Resume, cover letter, and job application tips
• Job search strategies & interview prep
Digital Skills
• Computer & internet basics
• Using online tools for job hunting
Career Growth Skills
• Goal setting
• Career planning for the future