Adult Education
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
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.
1,010
Students served through Adult Education classes this year
440
Students advanced a minimum of 2 reading grade levels this year
20
Students who became U.S. Citizens this year
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38
Clients earned CPR and First Aid certification this year
Free English Education for Immigrants and Refugees in Chicago and Elgin
Funded by the Illinois Community College Board
CMAA provides free English as a Second Language (ESL) classes to adult immigrants and refugees with limited English proficiency in both Chicago and Elgin. Classes range from beginner to advanced levels, focusing on preparing students for workforce integration and participation in society. Higher-level students can attend civics-focused ESL classes that include information about citizenship, health resources, and community resources relevant to life in Chicago and beyond. All classes incorporate employability skills and workforce readiness, ensuring students are prepared for the Chicago job market or further education opportunities.
Classes are available mornings, afternoons, and evenings throughout the week, as well as on Saturdays. We offer four terms: summer, fall, winter, and spring. Students are encouraged to commit to the full length of the class term for maximum benefit.
CMAA offers classes at our site in Chicago and our site in Elgin. Please contact Shuang Huang at shuangh@chinesemutualaid.org or (773) 784-2900 ext. 140 for classes in Chicago and contact Udon Thao at udont@chinesemutualaid.org or call (224) 227-7499 for classes in Elgin. In addition to classes, CMAA offers transition services and career pathways to all adult education students by providing individualized case management.
For more information, please click the button below:
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 participants' employability skills and English proficiency, specifically tailored for those entering Chicago's healthcare industry. The curriculum also includes preparation for CPR & First Aid Certification (Adult/Pediatric) from the American Red Cross, providing crucial certifications for healthcare roles.
Students gain insight into various healthcare professions, with holistic case management to guide them toward employment opportunities or further education in the healthcare field.
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For more information, please click the button below:
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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 one to two hours per week, with sessions customized to meet the individual needs of each learner. This English tutoring program helps adults build English proficiency, enabling them to better integrate into Chicago's workforce and daily life.
This service is supported by a grant from the Illinois State Library (ISL), a division of the Illinois Office of the Secretary of State.
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For more information, please click the button below:
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Adult Education Programs in Elgin for Immigrants and Refugees
Funded by the Illinois Community College Board and the Grand Victoria Foundation
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At CMAA’s Elgin location, we offer free ESL classes to immigrants and refugees with limited English proficiency. The classes cover all levels, from beginner literacy to advanced English, preparing students for success in U.S. society and the workforce. Our Elgin ESL classes run throughout the year, with morning and afternoon options available. Students are encouraged to attend all sessions for maximum improvement.
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For more information, please contact :
Udon Thao at (224) 227-7499 or click the button below to send an email for ESL classes in Elgin. CMAA Elgin is located at 357 Division Street Unit #3 in Elgin, Illinois.
Free Office & Administrative Technology Bridge Program in Chicago
Funded by the Illinois Community College Board
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CMAA’s Office & Administrative Technology Bridge Program equips participants with essential technology skills necessary for success in the modern workplace. Students learn to handle basic computer settings, navigate workplace software like Excel, write professional emails, and manage data. These skills are critical for those looking to succeed in Chicago's office job market.
In addition to classroom training, students receive one-on-one guidance from a Career Advisor to set employment and education goals, update resumes, and apply for jobs in Chicago.
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For more information, please contact :
Ashley Roll at ashleyr@chinesemutualaid.org for more details.
Our Testimonials
Nikolay | From Ukraine
"For me, CMAA is very important because I can study English to communicate with American people, attend university or improve my professional skills in engineering and mechanics."
Gene | From Ethiopia
"When I come my first time here, I cannot speak, write, I cannot [do] anything. After that, CMAA helps me with my English class, computer class, and to get a job. Now I can talk to customers at [my work], my boss, and my doctor."
Xiaodong | From China
"I study English [at CMAA]. The teacher is very good. I want independence for myself. If I don't study English, I [can't] do anything."
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can enroll in CMAA's free English classes for immigrants in Chicago?
CMAA offers free English as a Second Language (ESL) classes for immigrants and refugees in Chicago. Our classes are designed to help adults improve their language skills, gain confidence, and prepare for workforce integration and everyday life in the U.S.
How do CMAA's healthcare literacy courses in Chicago prepare immigrants for healthcare careers?
Our healthcare literacy courses teach adult immigrants vital healthcare industry skills such as CPR and First Aid certification, job readiness, and English communication within the healthcare field. This program helps participants enter the workforce and pursue healthcare careers in Chicago.
Can I receive free English tutoring in Chicago through CMAA?
Yes! CMAA provides free English tutoring for immigrants and refugees in Chicago. Our one-on-one tutoring sessions are tailored to individual needs, allowing adult learners to improve their English proficiency at their own pace.
What adult education programs does CMAA offer in Elgin for immgrants?
At our Elgin location, CMAA offers free ESL classes to help immigrants and refugees of all skill levels improve their English language proficiency. These classes prepare students for the U.S. workforce and daily life.
How does CMAA's Office & Administrative Technology Bridge Program help immigrants gain employment in Chicago ?
CMAA’s Office & Administrative Technology Bridge Program equips immigrants with essential office and technology skills such as Excel, professional email writing, and data analysis. This free program helps students succeed in Chicago's job market and thrive in administrative roles.