These free classes in the New Orleans area provide instruction for adult learners, including instruction for the HiSET (formerly the GED), English Language Learning, reading, math, and general skill building.

Local Adult Education Providers 

Catholic Charities Archdiocese New Orleans – Provides English Language Learning, citizenship, and family literacy services. Se habla español. Call 504-310-6978 or email shughson@ccano.org.

Delgado Community College 

• Adult Education – A free, open enrollment program that offers a variety of courses designed to help you to earn a high school equivalency diploma, get ready for college, improve your English language skills, or become prepared for the workplace.
• English Language Learners – working on my English language skills / Trabajando en mis habilidades del idioma Inglés

First 72 Plus – Free assistance with re-entry for formerly incarcerated people, including direct services with public benefits, life skills and peer mentorship. Call 504-324-8859 or visit 2915 Perdido St., New Orleans, 70119. 

Hope House – Neighborhood center in St. Thomas / Irish Channel area of New Orleans. Programs include adult education and digital literacy instruction. Hope House prepares students for the HiSET, which Louisiana uses as the basis for earning its alternative high school diplomas.  No fees and no tuition. Call 504-524-7353 or visit 919 St. Andrews St., New Orleans, LA. 

JOB 1 Youth Works – The YouthWorks program is designed to help young adult career-seekers remove the obstacles to employment through a variety of services, including (but not limited to) career advising, mentoring, and leadership development. Call 504-658-4500. You are eligible if you identify with one or more of the following:

• Are you an in-school or out-of-school youth?
• Are you between the ages of 14 – 24?
• Are you looking to build your career while earning money at the same time?
• Do you need a high school or HiSET diploma?
• Do you want to attend college or earn a credential?

Kedila Family Learning Services  – Free training programs for ages 18 – 24, including HiSet prep, basic construction training. Call 504-723-8831, email dipo@kedila.org, or walk in at 1922 S Salcedo St., New Orleans, LA 70125. 

The New Neighbor Project – This 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization provides support to our immigrant neighbors through donation-based ESL classes and citizenship classes, as well as citizenship application assistance and scholarship opportunities to help provide a holistic pathway to citizenship for people in our community. Call 504-475-4658, email thenewneighborproject@gmail.com or visit 335 Vallette St. New Orleans, LA 70114.

New Orleans Family Justice Center – Provides free and confidential services to any survivor of domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking. Services include HiSET preparation, college counseling, resume building, job search, benefits assistance, housing, and more. NOFJC is located at 701 Loyola Ave. Please call 504-592-4005 or walk in for an intake appointment.

Nunez Community College – Community College co-enrollment and training opportunities for adult education students. Free High School Equivalency (HiSET) and English Language Acquisition (ESL) classes. Adult Education classes every 8 weeks. Call 504-278-6321, email adulteducation@nunez.edu, or visit 3710 Paris Rd Chalmette, LA 70043. 

Opportunities Academy – Serves 18 – 22 year olds with intellectual disabilities in a public school setting. They focus on building skills in the areas of employability, independent living, and community access, with the goal of students achieving their maximum independence in activities of daily living as they enter adulthood. Students participate in a paid internship experience, take community trips, and engage in social and recreational activities throughout the school day. Located at 2625 Thalia St. New Orleans, LA 70113.

Operation Restoration – Creates new career pathways and removes barriers to education for currently and formerly incarcerated women through four programs. Programs include Women FIRST Clinic, College-in-Prison, Lab Assistant Program, and STEM Program. Call 504-684-9222 or email info@or-nola.org.

Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office New Orleans Day Reporting Center – The NODRC is a 90-day program for individuals on Probation and Parole with East Jefferson and Orleans Districts. Call 504-493-2156 or visit 819 S. Broad St. New Orleans, LA. Three criteria to enroll in the program:

• Must have at least 6 months remaining on their supervision.
• May not be a registered sex offender.
• May not have a pending felony.

St. Vincent de Paul – Offers one-on-one tutoring and small group instruction for all students in reading, language, math, science, and social studies. Contact Sr. Bonita Sniegowski at 504-827-2999 or visit 3500 Canal Street NOLA 70119.

WorkReady-U – Free online classes to help students in Louisiana prepare to successfully earn a high school equivalency diploma (HiSET, formerly the GED) and get ready for college and career options. In-person orientation at one of 7 local campuses is required to begin using this resource. 

Youth Empowerment Project (YEP) Educates – Enroll online or call Mid – City at 504-658-9221, or Westbank at 504-658-4577. Services include the following:

• HiSET (formerly GED) classes
• College counseling  
• Adult education Classes in Spanish & English  
• Free Instruction & Testing  
• Day and evening classes available 
• In-person instruction 
• Free HiSET testing 

YMCA Educational Services - The YMCA of Greater New Orleans offers classes for adults at the Main Library. Whether you want to improve your reading, writing, math, and job-readiness skills or prepare for the HiSet exam, YMCA Educational Services can help. Registration is required. Call 504-596-3842.

Scholarship Information

Delgado Community College Financial Aid – Financial aid is money to help pay for college. Aid can come from the U.S. Federal government, the state where you live, the college you attend, or a nonprofit or private organization. Learn more with Delgado. 

BestColleges – List of Best Online Colleges and Top Online Universities 2022. Online degree programs make college more accessible to a much larger population than traditional on-campus options. If your students have additional questions about higher education, submit questions to our education experts.

Louisiana Office of Student Financial Assistance (LOFSA) – Find information on TOPS and other local grants and scholarships.

WorkReady-U Scholarships – Scholarships, grants and other assistance are available for adult learners. Find out which program is right for you. Don’t see what you’re looking for? Email workreadyu@lctcs.edu or call our offices at 225-922-2800.