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Education

To prepare for work, it helps to have your high school diploma or High School Equivalency (HSE/GED). After high school, you can also explore higher education with the City University of New York (CUNY).

On this page, you can find free or low cost ways to further your education. You can also find free English classes available to all skill levels.

Last updated Last updated يناير 29, 2023 6:03 ص

Find HSE or English classes

If you never finished high school, you are eligible for free classes to help prepare for and get a high school equivalency (HSE) diploma. Getting your HSE helps you take the first step towards finding a job, enrolling in some job skills trainings, or to going to college. There are programs in every borough to help you prepare for the HSE exam.

Many of these programs also offer English instruction if you want to improve your English.

NYCDOE Adult Education

Free classes for adults 21+. Classes include Adult Basic Education (ABE) to build your reading and math skills, and High School Equivalency (HSE) prep classes.

DYCD Adult Literacy Program

Free classes for people 16+ who aren’t in school, are low income, and do not have a high school diploma.

CUNY Adult Literacy Program

Free pre-HSE and HSE classes are available on some CUNY campuses.

Youth Employment and Opportunities Locator

Young people ages 14-24 can find HSE and education opportunities near them. Employment, paid training, and more are available.

See more programs

Finishing high school

Transfer High Schools are small, academically focused schools for youth between 16-21 who want to complete high school requirements. They offer small, part-time, or evening learning settings if you never finished high school or are behind in credits.

Learn more about Transfer schools if you are behind on credits, learning English, or have never attended high school. Virtual classes are also available.

Learn more about Transfer Schools

Job training with HSE or English instruction

These programs help you prepare for work while teaching English or preparing for the HSE.

Help for fathers to get their HSE or prep for college

CUNY Fatherhood Academy by City University of New York (CUNY) and Young Men's Initiative (YMI)

Now enrolling.

For ages 18-30. Includes GED help, college prep, job placement assistance and more. For Adults, Youth and young adults.

  • Services Provided Help with finding work, High School Equivalency (HSE or GED) prep
  • Duration and Length 10-16 weeks, virtual
  • Support Provided Stipend, MetroCards, financial counseling, and other supports
Learn more about CUNY Fatherhood Academy

Job training and employment for low-income youth

Train & Earn by NYC Department of Youth & Community Development (DYCD)

Now enrolling. Disability accommodation details are available. View this program to learn more. Disability accommodation details are available. View this program to learn more.   Language access details are available. View this program to learn more. Language access details are available. View this program to learn more.

Short-term program for ages 16-24 who are not working nor in school. For Justice-impacted individuals, Low-income New Yorkers, Out-of-school youth, People with disabilities, Public assistance recipients, Youth and young adults, Youth in foster care.

  • Services Provided High School Equivalency (HSE or GED) prep, Improving English skills, Internship or short-term job, Training for a new job
  • Duration and Length schedule varies
Learn more about Train & Earn

Advanced job training and employment for youth ages 16-24

Advance & Earn by NYC Department of Youth & Community Development (DYCD)

Now enrolling.

Training and employment program for youth who are not working nor in school. For Out-of-school youth, People with disabilities, Youth and young adults.

  • Services Provided High School Equivalency (HSE or GED) prep, Internship or short-term job, Training for a new job
  • Duration and Length 6 months
Learn more about Advance & Earn

Higher education at CUNY

It’s never too early to prepare for college! Earn college credits through CUNY while in high school.

After high school, you can continue your education with CUNY’s undergraduate programs (and continue further with graduate programs), or continue your education through certificate programs.

If you’re in high school, you can enroll in dual credits with CUNY to propel your academic career forward.

Learn more about College Now

If you’re an incoming CUNY student, there are programs to help you brush up on English and Math skills too.

Resources for all

Career Services

Job training

Learn new skills to work in fields like technology, construction, and more.

  • Last Updated Updated يناير 29, 2023 6:03 ص
Work

Finding work

Explore paid opportunities, and services that help you find work.

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Health

Social services

Find programs to get help with childcare, food, and other expenses.

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