ABE Program Services

Gain the basic education you need to achieve your goals.

English Language Learner Program

Improve Your Everyday English Communication Skills

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TMCC's noncredit English Language Learner (ELL/ESL) program prepares you to communicate effectively in our multi-faceted society. If you are a non-native English speaker who wishes to improve your English skills, you'll explore all aspects of the English language through group and class discussions and by practicing dialogue, pronunciation, vocabulary and grammar.

We offer multiple levels of ELL/ESL from Low Beginning through Advanced. To participate, you must take a placement assessment and pre- and post-tests while enrolled in ELL/ESL. The assessment is a nationally recognized adult education standardized assessment. A combination of your scores, prior class history and instructor recommendation helps to determine your progression in the program.

Gain the necessary skills to access community resources and develop a foundation for your career and academic success.

High School Equivalency (HSE) Preparation

Pass the HSE and open doors to new, exciting opportunities!

A well-prepared student who passes the HSE can enjoy the following benefits:

  • Improved career prospects
  • The ability to pursue a college education
  • Increased self-esteem

If you've never finished high school, here's your chance to earn a nationally-recognized HSE certificate, recognized by virtually all government agencies, employers and universities. We'll prepare you for any of the three high school equivalency exams: GED, HiSET or TASC.

These courses cover the full battery of tests in:

  • Mathematics
  • English language arts: reading and writing
  • Science
  • Social studies

You must take pre- and post-tests while enrolled in the HSE Preparation Program. A combination of your scores, prior class history and instructor recommendation helps to determine your progression and readiness for the HSE exam.

See Also: HSE Testing for students who are ready to take and pass all five parts of the examination.

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Tutoring

If you need additional assistance in your ABE program of study, sign up for help during registration, or once you're in class, based on instructor recommendation. Tutoring times are based on subject matter and tutor availability.

Tutoring Room Hours

  • Mondays through Thursdays: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
  • Fridays: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Saturdays: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Drop-in hours are also available. Call the tutoring coordinator at 775-829-9033 for the schedule.

College and Career Transition Support Services

Upon completion of our programs, you can access resources to help you better succeed in college or the job market.

We offer:

  • Academic advising, educational planning and finding funds to pay for college
  • Career counseling, job search skills and job preparation
  • Experience College, an event where ABE students attend college for one evening
  • Weekly email filled with resources and opportunities
  • The Students Empowering Peers Professional Success Club (STEPS) for making connections to get ahead

Pre-Apprenticeship Program

The ABE Pre-apprenticeship Program is for ESL students (English Language Learners/ELL) and High School Equivalency (HSE) preparation students. This program is designed to prepare students to either apply for an apprenticeship at advanced standing, obtain employment, or transition into a degree, certificate, or training program. Eligible students can apply for one of five Pre-apprenticeship programs including healthcare, hospitality, information technology, manufacturing, or skilled trades. 

In addition to learning the basic skills and vocabulary associated with their Pre-Apprenticeship subject, students will participate in career exploration, resume writing, mock interviews, and interviews with local companies. Students will receive one-on-one advising sessions with the ABE Student Services Coordinator and Assistant Navigator to set career goals and create a customized transition plan. Students will learn valuable college and career readiness skills including note-taking, time management, study skills, and more.

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Combined College Learning Program

The ABE Combined College Learning Program is for ESL students (English Language Learners/ELL) and High School Equivalency (HSE) preparation students. This program is funded through the Project SANDI Grant and is designed to co-enroll students in an eligible TMCC Certificate Program and support them during enrollment and beyond. Throughout this program, students will receive one-on-one advising sessions with their personal navigator to set career goals, obtain employment, or transition into a degree program.

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Free Resources for ABE Students

We want you to succeed, so we'll ensure you have access to the free resources you need to meet your goals.

Once you enroll in one of TMCC's Adult Basic Education (ABE) programs, you can take advantage of:

  • Tutoring in any subject, in all levels
  • College and/or career transitions
  • Electives such as citizenship preparation

ABE Electives

Want more instruction? ABE students can select from citizenship preparation and conversation classes. Students must meet the minimum score range requirements in order to be enrolled in these classes and must be taking an English Language Learner (ELL/ESL) class at the same time.