Correctional Library Services > Connections 2007 > Education

Education

A wide variety of opportunities exist for continuing education in New York City. A range of literacy programs help adults learn to read and improve their reading, usually on a oneto- one basis. Vocational Training programs are designed to prepare students for entry-level positions in a number of different industries. Alternative Degree programs allow a person to work toward a degree without necessarily having to attend classes. There are innumerable college-level programs in which you can enroll, either as a part- or fulltime student, and there are organizations that can help you explore what college options are available and the right choice for you.

As with exploring employment opportunities, good counseling can be of great help. Counselors can help you choose an educational program and help make you aware of possible funding sources such as scholarships, grants, and special loans.

Some of these educational programs have age, income or ethnic eligibility requirements, and many will require you to provide some kind of ID or other documents when you register. You should call ahead to any program you're interested in and ask about these requirements, to save yourself multiple visits. Or, if you have Internet access, check the agency's website for a description of classes, eligibility and registration information.

Information, Counseling

THE NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY CAREER AND EDUCATIONAL INFORMATION SERVICE

Bronx Library Center
310 East Kingsbridge Road, Bronx 10458
Telephone: 718.579.4260
Offers one-to-one assistance on returning to school, choosing vocational programs or continuing education programs, tutoring, college choices and financial aid. Also offers resume critiquing, advisement in job search skills and strategy, and Individual Career Interest Testing. Serves people from all five boroughs. Call for an appointment. Mon., Tues or Thurs. 10-6, Wed. 10-8, Fri. 12-6, Sat. 10-5, Sun. 1-5. Accessible to people with disabilities.

BROOKLYN PUBLIC LIBRARY,
EDUCATION AND JOB INFORMATION CENTER

Grand Army Plaza, Brooklyn 11238
Telephone: 718.230.2177
www.brooklynpubliclibrary.org/adult_literacy.jsp
Provides information on careers, vocational training, continuing one's education, and finding financial aid for school. Supplies college applications for CUNY and SUNY, applications for the GED, SAT and GRE tests, FAFSA financial aid applications, and more. Mon., Fri. 9-6, Tues, Wed., Thurs. 9-9, Sat. 10-6, Sun. 1-6. Accessible to people with disabilities.

QUEENS LIBRARY, ADULT LEARNING CENTER

91-14 Merrick Boulevard, 6th Floor, Jamaica 11432
Telephone: 718.480.4222
Offers information and referrals to ESOL, Adult Basic Education, Literacy Training, and GED classes and resources. Mon.-Thurs. 10-8:30, Fri. 1-5:30, Sat. 10-5. Accessible to people with disabilities.

In addition to the educational counseling offered by these special units of the city's public libraries, most neighborhood branches have collections of materials that can help you in choosing an educational program. These often include college directories, information on scholarships and loans, and exam preparation guides.

GODDARD RIVERSIDE COMMUNITY CENTER,
OPTIONS CENTER FOR EDUCATIONAL & CAREER CHOICE

2161 Second Avenue, Manhattan 10029
Telephone: 212.873.6600
www.goddard.org/options
Offers one-to-one assistance with SAT preparation, choosing and applying to college, financial aid, scholarships and internships, essay-writing and portfolios. Call or walk-in Mon.-Fri. 9-5 to schedule an appointment. Spanish also spoken. Accessible to people with disabilities.

THE HARLEM CENTER FOR EDUCATION,
EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITY CENTER

593 Columbus Avenue, Manhattan 10024
Telephone: 212.348.2762
www.harlemctred.com
Offers free tutoring sessions in math, essay-writing, GED or college admissions test preparation, and English for Speakers of Other Languages to adults ages 19 and over. Call or visit Mon.-Fri. 10-6 to schedule an appointment; call or write for more information.

Literacy

In the case of Adult Literacy classes, there are three levels: Beginning programs help adults learn to read and write. Intermediate programs help those who read below a sixth-grade level improve their reading and writing skills. Advanced programs assist people who read at a sixth- through eighth-grade level. Sometimes literacy programs are called Adult Basic Education (ABE) programs. Advanced adult literacy programs can be called pre-General Educational Development (pre-GED) programs and include reading, writing, math, social science and other subjects.

LITERACY ASSISTANCE CENTER, INC.
LITERACY REFERRAL HOTLINE

Telephone: 212.803.3333 or 888.683.7323
www.lacnyc.org/hotline
Provides information about free classes in reading, writing and mathematics throughout New York City for adult English speakers ages 16 and over. Call Mon.-Fri 9-5. Operators also speak Spanish, French and Haitian Creole. The LAC web site includes the Adult Education Locator, an online search tool to help you find a class that meets your needs.

THE NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY,
CENTERS FOR READING AND WRITING

Telephone: 212.340.0918
www.nypl.org/branch/local/crw

The New York Public Library Centers for Reading and Writing provide small group instruction for English-speaking adults ages 16 and over who read below a sixth-grade level. Locations exist in the Bronx, Manhattan and Staten Island, each with a relaxed atmosphere where you learn at your own pace. Each Center also offers computer-assisted instruction (computer experience is not required) and a collection of easy-to-read books for adults. Some locations accessible to people with disabilities: call the main office first, Mon.-Fri. 9-5, or visit the website or any branch of the library to inquire.

BROOKLYN PUBLIC LIBRARY LITERACY AND PRE-GED PROGRAM

Grand Army Plaza, Brooklyn 11238
Telephone: 718.832.3560
www.brooklynpubliclibrary.org/adult_literacy.jsp
Offers group tutoring sessions in reading and writing for adult English speakers 17 or older who read below a sixth-grade level. Also offers computer-assisted instruction. The pre-GED program offers classes in reading, writing, mathematics, social sciences, and natural science for adult English speakers 17 or older who read at a sixth-grade through eighth-grade level. Sessions are held at selected branches across Brooklyn. Visit the website, phone Mon.-Fri 9-5, or go to any branch of the library for locations, schedules and registration information.

QUEENS LIBRARY,
ADULT LEARNER PROGRAM

91-14 Merrick Boulevard, Jamaica 11432
Telephone: 718.480.4222
www.queenslibrary.org
Offers group tutoring sessions in reading and writing for adult English speakers who read below a sixth-grade level. Also offers computer-assisted instruction. Classes in reading, writing, mathematics, social sciences, natural sciences and literature are available for English speakers who read at a third- through fifth-grade level. Family literacy classes are also offered. Sessions are held at six Adult Learning Centers in selected Queens Library branches. Visit the website, call Mon.-Fri. 9-5, or visit any branch of the library for locations, schedules and registration information.

CITY UNIVERSITY OF NEW YORK (CUNY)
ADULT LITERACY AND GED PROGRAM

Telephone: 212.794.5302
www.literacy.cuny.edu
Reading, writing and mathematics classes for adult English speakers. Classes are held at CUNY campuses throughout the five boroughs. Some sites also offer programs assisting adult Spanish speakers who are learning to read and write in Spanish. Visit the website or call Mon.-Fri. 9-5 for more information.

LITERACY PARTNERS

30 East 33rd Street, 6th Floor, Manhattan 10016
Telephone: 212.725.9200
www.literacypartners.org/programs
Classes and tutoring sessions are offered in reading, writing and mathematics for adult English speakers ages 16 and over who read at an eighth-grade level or below. Also offers financial literacy and health literacy sessions. Classes are held in the Bronx and Manhattan. Visit the website or call Mon.-Fri. 9-5 for locations, schedules, and registration information.

NEW YORK CITY DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION,
OFFICE OF ADULT AND CONTINUING EDUCATION

www.adultednyc.org
The Office of Adult and Continuing Education offers free day, evening, and Saturday Adult Literacy courses for adult English speakers 21 or older. Classes are held at schools and community institutions throughout the five boroughs. Use the list below to find your nearest office and call Mon.–Fri 9–5, or call 311 for general information.

Bronx Office
Bronx Adult Learning Center
3450 East Tremont Avenue, Room 323, Bronx 10465
Telephone: 718.863.4057

Brooklyn Office
Brooklyn Adult Learning Center
475 Nostrand Avenue, Brooklyn 11216
Telephone: 718.638.2635 or 718.622.3000

Manhattan Offices
Mid-Manhattan Adult Learning Center
212 West 120th Street, Manhattan 10027
Telephone: 212.666.1919 or 212.666.1920

Alternative Education Complex
500 Eighth Avenue, 7th Floor, Manhattan 10018
Telephone: 212.868.1650

Queens Offices
Queens Adult Learning Center
42-15 Crescent Street, 7th Floor, Long Island City 11101
Telephone: 718.361.9480

Jamaica Chamber of Commerce Building
89-31 161st Street, Suite 508, Jamaica 11432
Telephone: 718.658.26260

Staten Island
(Contact the Alternative Education Complex in Manhattan)
Telephone: 212.868.1650

GED

NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
GED TESTING OFFICE

PO Box 7345, Albany 12224
www.emsc.nysed.gov/ged
Provides information about the GED test, including the application process, eligibility criteria, documentation requirements, test sites and test schedule. The test application can be downloaded and printed from the website. The office, in Albany, can be reached Mon.-Fri. 8-4:30 at 518.474.5906.

The Literacy Assistance Center's Literacy Referral Hotline can provide information about free GED test preparation classes throughout New York State. Call 212.803.3333 or use the Adult Education Locator on the LAC's website at www.lacny.org.

NEW YORK CITY DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION,
OFFICE OF ADULT AND CONTINUING EDUCATION

www.adultednyc.org
The Office of Adult and Continuing Education offers GED
test preparation classes in English and Spanish for adults ages 21 and over. Classes are held in schools and community institutions in all five boroughs. See the list of offices in the Literacy section. Call Mon.–Fri. 9–5 for class locations, schedules, and registration information, or visit the website.

CITY UNIVERSITY OF NEW YORK (CUNY)
ADULT LITERACY AND GED PROGRAM

Telephone: 212.794.5302
www.literacy.cuny.edu
Offers GED test preparation classes for adults. Classes are held at CUNY campuses throughout the five boroughs. Visit the website or call Mon.–Fri. 9–5 for more information.

LITERACY PARTNERS

30 East 33rd Street, 6th Floor, Manhattan 10016
Telephone: 212.725.9200
www.literacypartners.org/index_programs.shtml
Offers GED test preparation classes for adults ages 16 and over. Classes are held in the Bronx and Manhattan. Visit the website or call Mon.–Fri. 9–5 for locations, schedules, and registration information.

DIANE ARMSTRONG FAMILY LEARNING CENTER

Goodwill Industries of Greater New York & Northern New Jersey
4-21 27th Avenue, Astoria 11102
Telephone: 718.777.6440
Provides free Adult Basic Education classes, GED preparation, English as a Second Language and computer skills instruction. Toddlers can learn and play in an enriched Discovery Room while their parents are in class. Goodwill also offers adult education classes at local schools in the after-school hours and on weekends in Jackson Heights, Long Island City and Astoria. Call 718.728.5400 for more information.

MAKE THE ROAD BY WALKING

301 Grove Street, Brooklyn 11237
Telephone: 718.418.7690
www.maketheroad.org
The Adult Education Program includes ESOL, GED and computer literacy classes for residents of Bushwick and its surrounding communities in Brooklyn. Call for more information Mon.–Fri 9:30–7:30. Spanish also spoken.

YOUTH DARES

2857 West 8th Street, Brooklyn 11224
Telephone: 718.996.5551
Services include an alternative high school program, evening GED classes, free computer training classes, court advocacy, college and career counseling, and job development. Ages 15 through 20. Call Mon.–Fri. 9–5.

Vocational Training Programs

The Literacy Assistance Center's Literacy Referral Hotline can provide information about free job training and computer skills classes throughout New York State. Call 212.803.3333 or use the Adult Education Locator on the LAC's website at www.lacny.org.

NEW YORK CITY DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION,
OFFICE OF ADULT AND CONTINUING EDUCATION

www.adultednyc.org
The Office of Adult and Continuing Education offers free job training and certification classes for health, mechanical and technological careers for adults ages 21 and over. Also offers computer skills classes. See the list of offices in the Literacy section. Call Mon.–Fri. 9–5 for class locations, schedules, and registration information, or visit the website.

THE CHINESE-AMERICAN PLANNING COUNCIL
EMPLOYMENT AND TRAINING DIVISION

222 Church Street, 13th Floor, Manhattan 10013
Telephone: 212.941.0041
www.cpc-nyc.org
Offers job training classes for apparel, clerical, home attendant, and hospitality careers for Chinese-American adults. Call Mon.-Fri. 9-5 for more information.

PER SCHOLAS TECHNICIAN TRAINING PROGRAM

1231 Lafayette Avenue, Bronx 10474
Telephone: 718.772.0599
www.perscholas.org
Free technician training program offered by a non-profit group in refurbishing and recycling computers. Offers computer technician training (A+ Certification) and office equipment repair technician training. Paid internship and job placement services available. For unemployed or underemployed people ages 18-55. Must possess high school diploma or GED and reading and math skills at tenth-grade level or higher. Orientations 9am Monday through Friday. Call for further eligibility information Mon.-Fri. 9-5.

The New York City Yellow Pages is also useful for its listings of vocational schools, both alphabetically and by subject. Be sure when investigating private vocational schools to ask such questions as: What are the total tuition charges and the terms of payment? Is the school accredited? What governmental financial aid programs am I eligible for if enrolled in this particular program? Is there a job-placement service? Always read a contract carefully before signing.

Other training programs are offered by organizations listed in the Finding a Job chapter. Vocational training programs for women can also be found in the chapter Women.

English for Speakers of Other Languages
(ESOL)

The Literacy Assistance Center's Literacy Referral Hotline can provide information about free English classes throughout New York State. Call 212.803.3333 or use the Adult Education Locator on the LAC's website at www.lacny.org.

NEW YORK CITY DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION,
OFFICE OF ADULT AND CONTINUING EDUCATION

www.adultednyc.org
The Office of Adult and Continuing Education offers English classes for adults ages 21 and over. Classes are held in schools and community institutions in all five boroughs. See the list of offices in the Literacy section. Call Mon.–Fri. 9–5 for class locations, schedules, and registration information, or visit the website.

CITY UNIVERSITY OF NEW YORK (CUNY)
ADULT LITERACY AND GED PROGRAM

Telephone: 212.794.5302
www.literacy.cuny.edu
Offers English classes for adults. Classes are held at CUNY campuses throughout the five boroughs. Visit the website or call Mon.–Fri. 9–5 for more information.

LITERACY PARTNERS

30 East 33rd Street, 6th Floor, Manhattan 10016
Telephone: 212.725.9200
www.literacypartners.org/index_programs.shtml
Offers English classes and family literacy classes. Sessions are held in the Bronx and Manhattan. Visit the website or call Mon.–Fri. 9–5 for locations, schedules, and registration information.

THE NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY

Office of Community Outreach Services
Telephone: 212.340.0918
www.nypl.org/classes/esol.html
Offers English classes for speakers of other languages at 20 branches throughout the Bronx, Manhattan, and Staten Island. Classes take place in the fall, winter, and spring and are at beginning and intermediate levels. English conversation practice groups are available at three sites for more advanced speakers. For details and registration schedules, call the above number, ask at any branch or visit the Library's website.

The New York Public Library's Centers for Reading and Writing also offer opportunities for learning English. The Centers also feature technology-assisted learning at all levels with trained staff on hand. Call 212.340.0918. At the Library's Aguilar Language Learning Center (174 East 110th Street, between Lexington and Third Avenues), free use of computers and audio and visual equipment for the study of English for Speakers of Other Languages is available. Call 212.534.1613.

BROOKLYN PUBLIC LIBRARY LITERACY PROGRAM

Grand Army Plaza, Brooklyn 11238
Telephone: 718.832.3560
www.brooklynpubliclibrary.org/esol.jsp
Offers English classes and conversation groups for adults ages 17 and over. The classes take place at the Central Library and selected branches throughout Brooklyn. Visit the website, phone Mon.-Fri 9-5, or go to any branch of the library for locations, schedules and registration information.

QUEENS LIBRARY, ADULT LEARNER PROGRAM

Telephone: 718.480.4222
www.queenslibrary.org
Offers English classes and conversation groups for adults, as well as family literacy classes. Classes and conversation groups are held at six Adult Learning Centers in selected Queens Library branches. Visit the website, call Mon.-Fri. 9-5, or visit any branch of the library for locations, schedules and registration information.

The Queens Library's New Americans Program provides coping skills and information for immigrants in Spanish, Chinese, Korean, and Russian (other languages sometimes available). It provides books by mail in seven languages to Queens residents and a Directory of Immigrant Serving Agencies. The program also sponsors cultural programs geared to various ethnic groups. Call 718.990.0894, Mon.–Fri. 9–5.

Continuing Education

CITY UNIVERSITY OF NEW YORK (CUNY)

1114 Avenue of the Americas, 15th Floor, Manhattan 10036
Telephone: 212.997.2869 or 800.286.9937
www.cuny.edu
City University of New York (CUNY) consists of 22 academic institutions located throughout New York City, including graduate and professional schools, undergraduate colleges, and community colleges. Offers programs leading to graduate degrees, undergraduate degrees, associate's degrees, and certificates. Also offers online degree programs. CUNY's open admissions policy ensures that any person who has a high school diploma or equivalency from a New York State school is eligible for admission into any of its community colleges. Specific eligibility requirements exist for admission into the senior colleges. Contact CUNY at the above address or telephone number to request the CUNY guidebook (it can also be downloaded from the website.) You may also request any of a number of publications tailored to your special needs, such as a guide to financial aid, a guide to the transfer of credits, a GED brochure, or a brochure on other educational opportunities for adults. Visit CUNY's Welcome Center at the address listed above, Mon.-Thurs 9-6, Fri. 9-5, and ask to speak with a College Admissions Counselor. Various languages spoken. Accessible to people with disabilities.

THE COLLEGE INITIATIVE

The Prisoner Reentry Institute
John Jay College of Criminal Justice
555 West 57th Street, Suite 604 Manhattan 10019
Telephone: 212.484.1175/1176/1177
Helps people coming home from prison begin or continue their college education at CUNY, SUNY and private colleges. Services include: bi-weekly orientation session at John Jay College; one-on-one academic counseling; assistance completing college applications and financial aid forms; free college preparation course to prepare for college placement exams; and access to undergraduate and graduate programs for non-traditional students. Serves all formerly incarcerated men and women in the NYC metropolitan area. Call Mon.-Fri 10-6 or visit the website for additional information, including orientation schedule. Contact people: Benay Rubenstein, Charlene Griffin, Cheryl Wilkins, Patricia Laufer. Accessible to people with disabilities.

THE CUNY (CITY UNIVERSITY OF NEW YORK) CATCH PROGRAM

Division of Adult & Continuing Education
LaGuardia Community College
31-10 Thompson Avenue C-232, Long Island City 11101
www.lagcc.cuny.edu/catch
Designed to help people ages 16-21 incarcerated in the NYC jail system in their transition back to the community as well as adolescents on probation or at risk of incarceration. The program operates within both detention and sentencing jails in New York City and at the following college campuses:

In the Bronx
Bronx Community College
718.289.5852

In Queens
LaGuardia Community College
718.482.5128

In Brooklyn (MEC Catch)
Medgar Evans College
718.270.6400

Once the participant is enrolled in college, the program offers a range of career development services, job search skills, help with family and entitlement issues, assistance in entry-job skills training, referral to substance abuse treatment, and other transitional services. Call the sites for more information, or write for brochure.

CITY COLLEGE OF NEW YORK (CUNY)
COLLEGE & COMMUNITY FELLOWSHIP

Graduate Center, 365 Fifth Avenue, Suite 5103, Manhattan 10016
Telephone: 212.817.2023
www.collegeandcommunity.org
Provides assistance to formerly incarcerated people earning undergraduate and graduate degrees. Their services include academic tutoring, mentoring, help choosing courses, and help with entrance/financial aid applications. Works to provide a supportive community of staff and students who are familiar with the challenges facing these students. Financial assistance available to those who maintain a 2.5 GPA after 12 college credits. Call Mon.-Fri. 9-5, visit the website, or write for more information.

STATE UNIVERSITY OF NEW YORK (SUNY)

Metropolitan Recruitment Center
420 Lexington Avenue, Suite 1640, Manhattan 10017
Telephone: 212.818.1204 or 800.342.3811
www.suny.edu
Consists of 64 academic institutions throughout New York State including universities, undergraduate colleges, technology colleges and community colleges. Also offers online degree and certificate programs. The SUNY Application Viewbook describes the 64 campuses and the programs they offer and can be downloaded or ordered from the Web site. The Metropolitan Recruitment Center provides one-on-one and group counseling on college selection and financial aid, assists with the admissions application and maintains a computer lab for completing and submitting your online application. Call or visit the Center Mon.-Fri. 9-5.

CORRECTIONAL EDUCATIONAL CONSORTIUM

500 Eighth Avenue, Suite 1207, Manhattan 10018
Telephone: 212.714.0600
Social service agency providing educational, vocational and counseling services to people reentering after incarceration. Programs include the Fast Forward College Program at Touro College for adults who are returning to school, Word Processing Clerk training, job placement services, tutoring, counseling and referrals. Some services are free and others are low-cost: call to inquire, Mon.-Fri. 9:30-5. Accessible to people with disabilities.

The YMCA offers a wide variety of educational programs at its various branches in everything from fitness to arts and crafts to creative writing and ESOL. Call your local "Y" for information.

Financial Aid

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION FEDERAL STUDENT AID

www.fafsa.edu.gov
FAFSA is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, the application required for most federal, state and college financial aid programs. The website describes eligibility requirements and gives step-by-step instructions for completing FAFSA online. Funding Education Beyond High School: The Guide to Federal Student Aid, is available in English or Spanish from the website or can be requested from the Federal Student Aid Information Center, P.O. Box 84, Washington, DC 20044.

HISPANIC SCHOLARSHIP FUND

55 Second Street, Suite 1500, San Francisco, CA 94105
Telephone: 877.473.4636
www.hsf.net
Provides scholarships to Hispanic U.S. citizens and permanent residents enrolled full time in a degree-granting college. Destination University: A Guide to College for Students and Their Families is available in English and Spanish by request. On their website you can access scholarship information, applications, and a downloadable copy of the guide.

UNITED NEGRO COLLEGE FUND

8260 Willow Oaks Corporate Drive
PO Box 10444, Faifax, VA 22031
Telephone: 800.331.2244
www.uncf.org
Provides financial assistance to students of all ethnicities enrolled in undergraduate and graduate institutions. Their website describes scholarships, fellowships and internships and includes applications.

GATES MILLENNIUM SCHOLARS

PO Box 10500, Fairfax, VA 22031
Telephone: 877.690.4677
www.gmsp.org
Provides scholarships to African-American, American Indian/Alaskan-Native, Asia Pacific Islander-American, and Hispanic-American U.S. citizens and permanent residents enrolled full-time in a degree-granting college. Visit the Web site, call or write for more information on the nomination process and eligibility requirements. Mon.-Fri. 9-5.

www.finaid.org
This site provides a comprehensive summary of financial aid information, advice, and tools. Describes scholarships, fellowships, grants, loans and other aid available to all students and specialized aid available to disabled students, minority students, older students, athletes and veterans. Includes glossary of financial aid terms and online calculators for estimating college costs and financial aid needs.

For more information on Education and Educational Counseling, see the chapter on Organizations for Formerly Incarcerated People.

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