The Cultural Development & Wellness Center Adult Education Program at Aurora Mental Health & Recovery helps immigrants, refugees, non-native English speakers, and others to gain the skills and knowledge they need to be self-sufficient in their community. Beginning in 2003 as a program of Asian Pacific Development Center (APDC), our Adult Education services have helped thousands of adult students to learn English, pass the General Education Development (GED) test, apply for citizenship, adjust to the workforce, and more. Our goal is to assist adult learners in obtaining the skills and knowledge needed to meet their goals and be self-sufficient. We have a welcoming school community for all adult learners, regardless of their language, educational background, or immigration status.
Aurora Mental Health & Recovery’s Adult Education Program also provides learning opportunities through workforce training, tutoring, and more! Students can receive support from our Wraparound Services Program, Victim Assistance Department, and Behavioral Healthcare Clinic.
English as a Second Language (ESL)
We offer free English as a Second Language (ESL) classes for adults from preliterate to advanced levels (levels 0 to 6). Classes include reading, writing, speaking, and listening. Classes are offered in the morning, afternoon, and evening, and are in person or online.
We also offer special classes like computer class and family class. Students do not need to have previous school experience.
Family Literacy
Our Family Literacy program helps families with young children (ages 6 months – 5 years) prepare for elementary school. This free class teaches preschool skills for young children. Children and parents learn together one day each week and go on field trips.
We also host monthly educational events, summer camp, and a class to help parents be more involved in their child’s schooling.
Adult Basic Education/Adult Secondary Education (ABE/ASE)
Students with more advanced skills can enroll in our ABE/ASE/GED program (Adult Basic Education/Adult Secondary Education/General Education Development). This free program focuses on Mathematics, Language Arts, Social Studies, and Science – the four subjects covered on the GED test.
Citizenship
Our Citizenship program helps students prepare for the United States citizenship exam (also known as the U.S. Naturalization Interview and Test). We have in-person and online classes for learners who are at a level 2 or higher in both speaking and reading English. Citizenship classes are $40 with $20.00 refunded after you complete the test.
We also host Citizenship Workshops to help community members complete their application.
Workforce Services
Our Workforce Services provide students with the skills and resources they need to get a job and succeed in the workplace. We provide free classes for Workplace English and English for Healthcare Jobs. We also assist students with their career goals, preparation, and job searching.
Additionally, we have a Student Navigator program that gives currently enrolled students the opportunity to help their communities through paid on-the-job training.
Adult Education Volunteers
The Adult Education Volunteer program seeks classroom assistants and tutors for our English as a Second Language (ESL), Adult Basic & Secondary Education, and Citizenship Classes. Our program helps adult students – particularly immigrants, refugees, and their families – to learn English, pass the General Education Development (GED) test, apply for citizenship, and more.
How to Register for Adult Education
Adult Education registration is in-person only at 1537 Alton St. Aurora, CO 80010. (If you are unable to register in-person, call (303) 923-6320 to see if we can make an exception).
The registration process takes two days*:
Day One: Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday of Registration Week.
- Fill out paperwork and take a test.
Day Two: Thursday or Friday of Registration Week.
- Complete Orientation. You will receive your schedule, supplies and online platforms. Bring an identification card (ID) if you have one.
*Students must come in person for two days to register for classes.
November Registration
Test Days:
- Monday, November 4, 2024, 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.
- Tuesday, November 5, 2024, 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.
- Wednesday, November 6, 2024, 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Orientation Days:
- Thursday, November 7, 2024, 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.
- Friday, November 8, 2024, 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Adult Education Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Yes, you must come to AMHR to register. However, in certain limited circumstances, you may be allowed to register online. Contact us at (303) 923-6320 if you cannot attend both days of registration.
ESL, ABE/ASE/GED, Workforce, and Family Literacy classes are free. Citizenship classes are $40 with $20.00 refunded during post-testing.
In-person classes are at 9 a.m. and 12 p.m.
Online classes are at 9 a.m., 12 p.m., and 6 p.m.
Our classes are thirteen weeks long. We offer three thirteen-week trimesters each year.
The next trimester is from November 18 – February 28, 2024.
No. We have Family Literacy, an early childhood education program for children between 6 months and 5 years old. This program is for parents who take Adult Education classes and attend a weekly class for both children and parents. For more information, contact Cassie Leutz at (303) 617-2306 or at [email protected].
Yes, they can. For more questions, contact Beckie Graham at (303) 617-2416 or by email at [email protected].
Yes. We welcome individuals with disabilities and provide reasonable accommodations. To request accommodations, please contact Lizbeth Jacobs, Accessible Design Coordinator, if possible, before registration at (303) 923-6503 or by email at [email protected].
Yes. We provide 3 citizenship workshops per year. Workshops are open to all eligible students and community members. Students also have the option of hiring an immigration attorney for $50.00. For more information, contact Kristen Perales at (303) 923-6944 or by email at [email protected].