Northern Berkshire Adult Basic Education Program at MCLA

Program Overview

The Northern Berkshire Adult Basic Education Program has been based at Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts for more than 30 years. In that time it has continuously helped many area adult learners achieve their academic goals. That is the continuing mission of the program.

The program offers classes in: Adult Basic Education (ABE), preparation for the official High School Equivalency Exam (GED), Pre-College Skills and English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL). New initiatives include, Adult Career Pathways, classes and advising to help adult learners plan and build skills for success in college and career and Distance Learning, an option to prepare for the High School Equivalency Exam using online resources and classroom support.

The academic year consists of 32 weeks of classes from September through May, although for most classes, students can enroll at any time. All area residents 16 years of age or older (and officially withdrawn from high school) are eligible for classes. Classes meet ADA accessibility and accommodations standards.