Adult Education

Adult Education is learning and re-learning the knowledge, skills, and attitudes for adults to transition to postsecondary education and/or find family-sustaining jobs. The Adult Education program at Doña Ana Community College provides opportunities for members of the Doña Ana community to improve their quality of life through the acquisition and improvement of academic, English language, and workplace readiness skills at no charge to the individual.

Adult Education instructional programs include English as a Second Language (ESL), and academic skills in Math, Reading, and Writing.  This comprehensive program includes instruction in many different areas including Civics, computer literacy, financial literacy, health literacy, and workplace readiness/literacy. Student support services include skills assessments, an Introduction to Adult Education course, advising and referral services, individual and small group tutoring, and assistance with college transition.

Free, Noncredit Instructional Programs

High School Equivalency (HSE). Those 16 years of age or older who want to improve or gain academic skills may attend classes that teach math, reading, and writing. These classes focus on Language Arts and Math, with supplemental instruction provided in Social Studies, and Science. Classes prepare adult learners to sit for a high school equivalency test such as the General Educational Development GED® test or the High School Equivalency Test HiSET®. Don't like tests? Adults can also earn a high school equivalency credential by demonstrating high school-level skills by completing a portfolio of life and academic tasks. This is an independent study program supervised by instructors within our program.  

Adults who have an HSE or high school diploma may attend classes for career and workplace development or brush up on basic skills in order to keep or get a better job. Additionally, the Adult Education (AE) program provides Spanish-speaking adults classes to sit for the Spanish GED® exam. Students who are under 18 may attend this program with an official withdrawal notice from the public schools.

ESL—English as a Second Language (ESL). This program helps improve English language skills for non-native English speakers. Adult learners acquire academic English skills (reading, writing, and grammar), build their vocabulary, and increase conversation fluency and listening comprehension. English Language Learners who are ready to exit the program and transition to college are assisted with the process to help them experience success.

Integrated Education Training programs (IET). These programs build pathways to sustainable, in-demand careers regionally, within Doña Ana County, state-wide, and nationally. Our approach provides education and literacy services concurrently and contextually with workforce preparation activities and training. Adult learners can prepare for specific occupations or occupational clusters while improving their basic skills, English language skills, and/or earning their high school equivalency diploma. 

Enrolling in Classes

Each fall, spring, and summer, AE offers classes in the ESL and HSE programs in English and Spanish, and IET programming. Courses are provided in-person, remotely through zoom, and/or through independent study.  Classes meet at Doña Ana Community College and at several other locations throughout Doña Ana County. Class times and locations vary each semester. 

New or inactive adult learners must attend the required Introduction to Adult Education class. This course meets over several days and includes discussions of program requirements, an introduction to our online software, goal setting, workplace literacy, and a review of program expectations.  Adult learners are assessed to determine their Educational Functioning Level and determine which class best meets their individual goals and needs.  

Adult learners should pre-register four to five weeks prior to the beginning of each semester. After pretesting is completed, adult learners are advised regarding their pretest scores. Together, the adult learner, an enrollment coach, and an instructor, create a plan to address the adult learners' specific goals, learning needs, and educational strengths for continued enrollment and successful completion.