Adult Education in New York City
Higher Education Articles March 13, 2013Adults who want to take classes for vocational and educational goals or personal enrichment have a plethora of opportunities in New York City. The City University of New York (CUNY) and New York City’s Office of Adult and Continuing Education provide comprehensive course offerings throughout the five boroughs to adults who need to acquire job skills, learn English, earn a General Educational Development (GED).
Adult Education Programs at New York City’s Office of Adult and Continuing Education (OACE)
Under the guidance of New York City’s Department of Education, the Office of Adult and Continuing Education has established over three hundred adult learning centers at community centers, religious organizations, and public schools. With locations throughout the Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens, and Bronx, the OACE offers diverse adult education programs for survival in New York City. Adult career preparation, English skills, and basic education are emphasized.
Basic Adult Education
The Office of Adult and Continuing Education offers many extensive literacy services to adults throughout the state of New York. Teachers who are certified use genuine materials in contextualized situations to facilitate adult learning of math, writing, and reading. Programs include vocational training options, GED preparation, and pre-GED.
English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL)
Incorporating core themes such as work and family along with student interests, English for Speakers of Other Language classes help students develop their writing, reading, speaking, and listening skills in English. Students are prepared for citizenship, college, and job training requirements through the ESOL program.
Technical and Career Education
OACE’s technical education and career programs can be pursued by adult learners while they take basic adult education courses and English language classes to earn a GED. Website design, Microsoft Office Specialist certification, carpentry, and electrical installation are offered on the job-training programs.
Health Career Education
Adult education leading to certification for in-demand healthcare careers is offered by the Office of Adult and Continuing Education. The certified nurse assistant (CNA), emergency medical technician (EMT), and licensed practical nursing (LPN) programs include classroom instruction and clinical experience to prepare graduates for professional New York State certification examination.
Contact Information
•Address: 475 Nostrand Avenue, Room 105, Brooklyn, New York 11216
•Phone Number: (718) 638-2635
City University of New York (CUNY)
City University of New York is a network of campuses in the five boroughs, which comprises twenty-three institutions, including graduate and professional schools, senior colleges, and community colleges. Collectively, CUNY offers more than 4,000 adult and continuing education courses. Several popular New York City adult education programs available at different campuses are as followed:
English as a Second Language (ESL)
LaGuardia Community College’s English Language Center is the largest English as a Second Language program in New York City. Each year, there are around 7,000 students who participate in workshops and programs that are offered during the evenings, weekends, and days at the Center.
Healthcare Interpreter Program
Healthcare interpreter certification programs are offered to bilingual adults at different CUNY campuses. Three levels of courses in cultural communication, interpretation skills, the healthcare system and medical terminology prepare graduates for the professional national certification examination.
Green Education Programs
CUNY’s adult education degree and certificate programs along with non-credit and credit courses, in green education will be part of their commitment to sustainability. Green training certificate programs for adults include a few options in business, design, real estate, construction, solar technology, and building operations.
Professional and Certificate Programs
Lehman College has created an award-garnering model to train underemployed and unemployed adult workers for in-demand healthcare careers. Lehman’s pathway program train adults for careers as electrocardiography technicians, healthcare office administrators, and pharmacy techs; it is recognized by the New York City Employment and Training Coalition.
Contact Information
•Address: 250 Bedford Park Boulevard West, Bronx, New York 10468
•Phone Number: (718) 960-8000
