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CE - Adult Education and Literacy (AEL)

What is the CE Adult Education and Literacy Program?

The CE Adult Education and Literacy Program offers courses designed for native and non-native speakers who want to improve their language skills and/or gain the core skills they need to obtain a Texas Certificate of High School Equivalency ("TxCHSE"), also known as the GED. The program also provides pathways for adults interested in workforce education and training certificates in Allied Health, Business, and Trade Careers. 

Courses are offered at several locations at the Lone Star College System and are grant-funded, so eligible students take courses at NO COST
 

ATTENTION:
Orientation for NEW ESOL and GED students are open to enroll in Spring 2026 courses. These classes will include both foundational English skills and lessons to help bridge students to career and college readiness.

Funding support will soon be available again to NEW students seeking financial support for workforce programs in Spring 2026.  Funding will be offered to a limited number of students in select programs. For information, call or visit the AEL offices at the LSC-Greenspoint or LSC-Montgomery campus.

Atención:
Las sesiones de orientación para nuevos estudiantes de ESOL y GED ya están abiertas para la inscripción en los cursos de la primavera de 2026. Estas clases incluirán tanto habilidades básicas de inglés como lecciones para ayudar a los estudiantes a prepararse para el mundo laboral y la universidad.

Próximamente, se reabrirá el plazo para solicitar ayuda financiera para nuevos estudiantes que deseen participar en programas de formación profesional en la primavera de 2026. La financiación se otorgará a un número limitado de estudiantes en programas seleccionados. Para obtener más información, llame o visite las oficinas de AEL en los campus de LSC-Greenspoint o LSC-Montgomery.

High School Equivalency/GED orientations will open on the 15th and last day of each month. 
Las orientaciones para el Equivalencia de Preparatoria/GED volverán a abrir el 15 y último dia de cada mes. 

Struggling with everyday English? The Adult Education program at Lone Star College can help! Our program focuses on improving your skills in reading, writing, and speaking English to reach your goals of obtaining citizenship, a secondary school diploma, transition to postsecondary education or training, or employment.

Program Eligibility
  • Government-issued ID
  • Social Security Card or an Employment Authorization Document
  • 19 years old or older
  • Orientation
  • Initial testing on TABE
  • Post-test as required
Classes
  • ABE ESOL Basics
  • ABE ESOL Low Beginning
  • ABE ESOL High Beginning
  • ABE ESOL Low Intermediate
  • ABE ESOL High Intermediate
  • ABE ESOL Advanced/Civics
  • ESOL for the Workplace Beginning and Intermediate for Employers
  • *A minimum of 20 distance learning hours is required per enrolled course.
Class Options
  • Face-to-face OR Virtual, Synchronous
  • 8-16 weeks
  • Two or three times per week in the morning or evening
Locations
  • Lone Star College locations vary within Harris and Montgomery County.
Cost
  • Classes are grant-funded. No cost to eligible students.
  • Attendance is required.

¿Tienes dificultades con el inglés cotidiano? ¡El programa de educación para adultos de Lone Star College puede ayudarte! Nuestro programa se centra en mejorar tus habilidades de lectura, escritura y expresión oral en inglés para que alcances tus objetivos, ya sea obtener la ciudadanía, un diploma de secundaria, acceder a la educación superior o a formación profesional, o conseguir un empleo.

Elegibilidad del programa
  • Identificación del gobierno
  • Tarjeta del Seguro Social o un Documento de Authorizatión de Empleo
  • 19 años o más
  • Orientación
  • Pruebas iniciales en TABE
  • Prueba posterior
Clases
  • ABE ESOL Basics
  • ABE ESOL Principiante Bajo
  • ABE ESOL Principiante Alto
  • ABE ESOL Intermedio Bajo
  • ABE ESOL Intermedio Alto
  • ABE ESOL Avanzado Civismo
  • ESOL para el lugar de trabajo principiante e intermedio para empleadores
Opciones de clase
  • En persona
  • Virtual, sincrónico
  • 8-16 semanas
  • Dos o tres veces por semana por las mañanas o tardes
Ubicaciones
  • Las ubicaciones de Lone Star College varían dentro de Harris y el condado de Montgomery.
Costo
  • Las clases están financiadas por subvenciones. Sin costo para los estudiantes elegibles.
  • Se requiere asistencia.


Get Started

Schedule your in-person orientation/testing session at the campus nearest you. 
Click here to register for an appointment and upload your documents.  ESOL Students, please select an appointment for BRIDGE, not GED.



Empezar

Programe su sesión de orientación y evaluación presencial en el campus más cercano.
Haga clic aquí para registrarse y subir sus documentos. Los estudiantes de ESOL deben seleccionar una cita para BRIDGE, no para GED.

Do you have a degree or credential from your home country?  Let us help you apply your foreign credentials and training into local career options in our ESOL for Professionals course.  In addition, we will focus on improving your skills in reading, writing, and speaking English to reach your career goals on a path to obtaining citizenship, transition to postsecondary education and training or employment.

¿Tiene un título o credencial de su país?  Permítanos ayudarle a aplicar sus credenciales extranjeras y su capacitación en opciones profesionales locales en nuestro curso ESOL para profesionales.  Además, nos concentraremos en mejorar sus habilidades de lectura, escritura y conversación en inglés para alcanzar sus objetivos profesionales en su camino hacia la obtención de la ciudadanía, la transición a la educación y capacitación postsecundaria o al empleo.

Program Eligibility
  • Government-issued ID
  • Proof of Social Security Number or an Employment Authorization Document
  • 19 years old or older
  • Orientation
  • Intermediate level English Pre-Test
  • Post-test
Classes
  • ABE ESOL for Professionals
Class Options
  • Face-to-face
  • Virtual, Synchronous
  • 6-8 weeks
  • Two or three times per week in the morning or evening
Locations
  • Lone Star College locations vary within Harris and Montgomery County
Cost
  • Classes are grant-funded. No cost to eligible students.
  • Attendance is required.

Get Started
Schedule an Orientation/Testing appointment with an Adult Education and Literacy Program Advisor.  Orientations are first come, first served and provide students with an overview of the program's requirements. Please bring your government-issued Photo ID and Social Security Card (if applicable) to orientation.  A social security card is not required.  Children are not allowed to attend orientation, testing, or class sessions.

Contact an AEL Advisor for more information.

Don't miss your chance to participate in our next GED Graduation in May!  Improve your math and language arts skills to pass the Certificate of High School Equivalency exam and get a jumpstart to your career with Lone Star College!

TxCHSE more info

Program Eligibility
  • Government-issued ID
  • Proof of Social Security Number or an Employment Authorization Document
  • 19 years old or older*
    *Minors accepted with age-related documentation and SIGNED school withdrawal form from the current school year. See below*
  • Orientation
  • Pre-Test
  • Post-test
Classes
  • ABE Math 
  • ABE Language Arts
Class Options
  • Face-to-face
  • Virtual, Synchronous
  • 8-16 weeks
  • Two or three times per week in the morning or evening
Locations
  • Classes in person are offered at limited Lone Star College locations, primarily Houston North Greenspoint and Montgomery.
Cost
  • Classes are grant-funded. No cost to eligible students.
  • Attendance is required.

Get Started

GED orientation
sessions for Spring 2026 classes are posted. 
Click here to schedule your appointment for in-person orientation/testing session at LSC-Greenspoint or LSC-Montgomery.

Pre- and Post-Test Requirements
Test for Adult Basic Education (TABE) will assess students interested in High School Equivalency and workforce programs.  It is aligned to the national College and Career Readiness Standards for the three core subject areas: Reading, Mathematics, and Language.  It is not a pass/fail assessment.

Students will test on TABE prior to enrollment. AEL staff will provide instructions and a referral to register for the TABE test. Please refer to the confirmation email after booking your appointment for Orientation instructions, the testing procedures may vary by location.  

Once a student has completed 40 contact hours in the program, AEL staff will assist student to register for a TABE post-test.

Tips for Taking TABE

Age-Related Documentation for the High School Equivalency (HSE) Program  

16-year old:

  • Student can ONLY be served if the Adult Education and Literacy Program has received a valid court order with a docket/case number and parental permission. No withdrawal or transcripts are needed.
  • Valid Texas ID required; Texas Driver's License or Government-Issued for Student and Parent/Legal Guardian.
  • Parental Consent and Waiver Form for Minor Students  

17-year old:

  • Students can only be served if the Adult Education and Literacy Program has received the parental permission AND signed withdrawal from school OR court order with docket/case number.
  • Withdrawal paperwork must be signed by the Registrar and from the current school year. 
  • Valid Texas ID required; Texas Driver's License or Government-Issued for Student and Parent/Legal Guardian.
  • Parental Consent and Waiver Form for Minor Students  

18-year old:

  • Students can only be served if the Adult Education and Literacy Program has received parental permission AND signed withdrawal from school. 
  • Withdrawal paperwork must be signed by the Registrar and from the current school year. 
  • Valid Texas ID required; Texas Driver's License or Government-Issued for Student and Parent/Legal Guardian.  If student has self-consented, Parent/Legal Guardian ID is not required, however student must complete and sign an attestation form.
  • Parental Consent and Waiver Form for Minor Students

¡No pierda la oportunidad de participar en nuestra próxima graduación de GED en mayo! ¡Obtenga las conocimiento necesarias para aprobar el examen de Certificado de Equivalencia de Escuela Secundaria y comience su carrera profesional con Lone Star College! Los estudiantes preparados para el examen pueden programar cualquiera de las materias del examen GED en español.

TxCHSE More Information 

Elegibilidad del programa
  • Tarjeta del Seguro Social o un Documento de Authorizatión de Empleo
  • 19 años o más
  • Orientación
  • Prueba previa
  • Post-prueba
Clases
  • ABE GED Revisión en Español
Opciones de clase & Ubicaciones
  • En persona
  • Virtual, sincrónico
  • 8 - 12 semanas
  • Dos veces por semana por las mañanas o tardes
  • Las ubicaciones varían.
  • Las clases presenciales se ofrecen en un número limitado de campus de Lone Star College, principalmente en Houston North Greenspoint y Montgomery.
Costo
  • Las clases están financiadas por subvenciones. Sin costo para los estudiantes elegibles. Se requiere asistencia.

Empezar

Programe una cita de orientación / prueba con un asesor del programa de alfabetización y educación para adultos. Las orientaciones se dan por orden de llegada y brindan a los estudiantes una descripción general de los requisitos del programa. Traiga su identificación con foto emitida por el gobierno y su tarjeta de seguro social (si corresponde) a la orientación. No se requiere tarjeta de seguro social. Los niños no pueden asistir a sesiones de orientación, pruebas o clases.

Para inscribirse en las clases de GED EN ESPAÑOL, haga clic aquí. Asegúrese de seleccionar la cita de orientación para GED EN ESPAÑOL.

 

Note: Due to recent changes to Texas AEL rules and regulations, funding for Workforce Programs is currently  not available. Thank you for your understanding. Please continue to monitor this webpage for future announcements as to the status of funding.

Work on GED® test preparation or improve your English language proficiency AND earn a non-credit, fast-track Workforce Education and Training Certificate with our career pathways grant! Students with diplomas are also welcome. 

Funding is available for programs in business, health care, and trade careers.  

IET Business Programs*

  • Accounting Assistant/Bookkeeper Certificate
  • Payroll Assistant Occupational Skills Award (OSA)
  • Spanish/English Accounting Assistant/Bookkeeper Certificate
  • AutoCAD Draftsman Certificate

*Concurrent enrollment in ABE Math and Reading for Business Careers or IET EL CIVICS course is required.

IET Health Care Programs*

  • Clinical Medical Assistant Occupational Skills Award (OSA)
  • Dental Assistant Occupational Skills Award (OSA)
  • Electrocardiography Monitor Technician Certificate
  • Electrocardiography Technician Occupational Skills Award (OSA) 
  • Medical Coder Occupational Skills Award (OSA)
  • Sterile Processing Technician Non-Practicum Occupational Skills Award (OSA)
  • Sterile Processing Technician Practicum Certificate

*Concurrent enrollment in ABE Math and Reading for Allied Health Careers or IET EL CIVICS course is required.  

IET Trade Programs*

  • Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW) Certificate
  • Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW) Certificate
  • Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW) Certificate
  • Shielded Metal Arc Pipe Welding Certificate
  • SolidWorks Designer Certificate
  • Basic Peace Officer Certificate
  • Truck Driver, CDL (OSA)

* AEL will fund ONE skill in the AWS Welding program. 
* Concurrent enrollment in ABE Math and Reading for Trade Careers or IET EL CIVICS course is required. 

Program Eligibility
  • Government-issued ID
  • Proof of work eligibility or documented goal to work in the United States
  • 19 years old or older
  • Orientation
  • Pre-Test with minimum score requirements
  • Post-test
  • Transitions to Careers or Adult Education student
Classes
  • ABE Math and Reading for Allied Health Careers
  • ABE Math and Reading for Business Careers
  • ABE Math and Reading for Trade Careers
  • Integrated EL Civics
  • *Concurrent enrollment in Workforce Education and Training required
Class Options
  • Virtual, Synchronous
  • Each Saturday
  • 9 AM to 12 PM
Locations
  • Lone Star College locations vary within Harris and Montgomery County
Cost
  • Classes are grant-funded. No cost to eligible students.
  • Attendance is required through IET program completion.

Get Started
Step 1: Select a program.
Step 2: Contact a Continuing Education Office for program-specific details including workforce training and education program eligibility, start dates, times and all other important information or attend an upcoming information session.
Step 3: Complete the Eligibility Testing Request Form. Normal processing is 2-3 business days.
 

Eligibility
Eligibility is required one business day prior to funding. Tuition funding is available on a first come, first served basis. A Continuing Education Advisor will refer eligible students to the Adult Education department after both program selection and prerequisites have been confirmed by the Continuing Education Office.   

Please allow 7-10 business days to complete the eligibility process. Children are not allowed to attend orientation, testing or class sessions.

Pre- and Post-Test Requirements
Testing may vary depending on program of interest and level of English language proficiency.  Ask your Adult Education and Literacy Program Advisor for details.

Distance Learning

Current students in Adult Education are expected to complete a minimum of 20 hours in Distance Learning.
If you are a current student enrolled in an Adult Education class that is in-session and would like to request distance learning access, complete the Distance Learning Request form. Only current students will be granted distance learning access. Please allow 2-3 business days for Distance Learning username and access details to be shared with you via email.

Distance Learning Request Form

Other Program Information

Download the CE AEL Course Syllabus
Download the Equal Opportunity Posters

Student Feedback

AEL Staff want to make sure that we are providing excellent customer service to all current or prospective students. If you have any concerns or issues that have not been successfully addressed by the CE Adult Education and Literacy team, please contact the Program Director directly by email at LSC-AdultEd@lonestar.edu or by phone at (281) 260-3576. An online feedback form will be added soon!

Equal Opportunity

Adult education and literacy services are provided with support from the Gulf Coast Workforce Board to help individuals find a job, keep a job, or get a better job. Lone Star College supports, and the Board is committed to, providing a learning and working environment that promotes personal integrity, civility, and mutual respect free of discrimination and harassment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, gender identity and gender expression, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, or veteran status.

Lone Star College is an equal opportunity employer/program. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities. (Please request reasonable accommodations a minimum of two business days in advance.) Relay Texas Numbers: 1.800.735.2989 (TDD) 1.800.735.2988 (voice) or 711.

Make LSC part of your story.