Reading Connections serves any Guilford County adult over the age of 18 who wants to improve literacy skills. Our students usually have a goal in mind when they enroll. They may want to get their high school equivalency or get a driver’s license. They may want to improve their English skills or read to their children or grandchildren. Whatever goal they have in mind, we have a program that will help them achieve it.
High School Equivalency
This program is designed for adult learners who are preparing to take high school equivalency assessments (GED, HiSet, or TASC). We provide instruction in reading, science, social studies, and math. Our small group and one-on-one settings enable our learners to receive the academic attention they need in order to take the next step towards their college and career goals. Learn more about our GED prep program.
Adult Education
Our Adult Basic Education (ABE) program is designed to support students in improving their reading, math, or computer literacy skills. Our ABE students are typically native English speakers who were unable to graduate from high school, or high school graduates who find that they need to improve their basic literacy skills. In order to best serve our learners, we utilize an individualized approach that keeps their goals at the center of instruction.
English for Speakers of Other Languages
Our English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) classes are offered in small groups or with an individual tutor. Instruction is centered on student goals and interests–for example, improving spoken English to be able to communicate with a child’s teacher. All of our ESOL classes are facilitated by trained volunteer tutors. Learn more about our ESOL program.
Family Literacy
The Family Literacy Program provides three 10-week sessions during the school year at Title I elementary schools in Guilford County. This program provides parents an opportunity to support their children’s literacy development while improving their own literacy skills at the same time. Centered on the belief that parents are their children’s first teachers, the program incorporates focused literacy instruction for parents and children, fostering both a habit and a love of reading among the families we serve.
Job and Career Training
Our job and career training program helps students with the job training, computer skills, math, and literacy skills needed to get jobs with living wages and to meet the needs of the job market.
Programs are offered in workplace readiness, manufacturing, early childhood education, personal care assistant, and trades apprenticeships. Students’ needs are met by offering different levels of training and programming.