Literacy Programs

Adult Basic Education (A.B.E.) Program

Adult Basic Education classes offer basic reading and math instruction to adults functioning from a second grade level to those reading on an eighth-grade level. All materials used in these classes are adult-oriented and address pertinent daily skills. Classes are free.

English for Speakers of Other Languages (E.S.L.) Program

The English for Speakers of Other Languages program offers speaking, reading and writing skills to non-English speaking adults. Classes are offered at beginning, intermediate and advanced levels. Classes are free.

General Educational Development (G.E.D.) Preparation Program

To prepare a student for the G.E.D. test of high school equivalency, the Reading Area Community College offers preparation classes, free of charge, to adults in our community. These classes meet both days and evenings at different locations throughout the county. An annual graduation is held in June. Tutors are available to help students achieve success in their class work.

General Educational Development Test (G.E.D.)

The G.E.D. test is administered at Reading Area Community College several times each month. Pennsylvania residents (adults 18 years and older, as well as 16 and 17 year old participants meeting specific qualifications) are eligible to take the eight hour exam. All registrations for the G.E.D. test are completed in person at RACC’s Schuylkill Hall (third floor). Payment is required at the time of registration.

To earn a G.E.D., candidates must demonstrate a specific level of competency in the following five subject areas:

Everyone who successfully meets the scoring requirements established by the state of Pennsylvania will receive a High School Equivalency Diploma from the Department of Education. This diploma is accepted, by law, as a legitimate high school diploma by business, industry, colleges, and most branches of the armed services.

Standard Evening High School

Students may enroll in the Standard Evening High School operated at Reading Senior High School, 13th and Douglass Streets, to earn a diploma issued by the Reading School District. Students receive credit for previously completed high school courses. Classes are taught Monday and Tuesday, and Wednesday and Thursday evenings from September to May. Graduates of the Standard Evening High School are awarded diplomas in the school's annual commencement exercises. Courses which the Standard Evening High School offer each academic year include clerical skills, typing, math, algebra, social studies, home economics, English, languages, art, law, consumer economics, health, biology, advanced biology, and chemistry.

Berks County Language Bank Services

Reading Area Community College is pleased to maintain a Language Bank in the Office of Workforce and Economic Development/Community Education for interested individuals, agencies, businesses, school districts, colleges, hospitals, and legal counsels. Language Bank: • Maintains files and resumes of over 25 resource people fluent in English and at least one other language - volunteers and professionals. • Conducts a referral service for interested clients. • Provides bilingual translators, tutors, teachers, and communication aides. • Offers assistance in over 15 languages.

Even Start Family Literacy Program

This family program, operated in conjunction with the Reading School District, is for parents and their children, 3 through 7 years. Parents can learn English or study for their GED while their children are in an early childhood class right next to them. Parents also learn parenting skills and different activities to do with their children which will help the children succeed in school. The program takes place mornings and evenings at three sites in the City of Reading.