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Adult Education and Literacy Services - Workforce Development & Adult Learning

Adult Education and Literacy Services is an integral part of the Division of Workforce Development and Adult Learning, providing instruction and services in:

  • basic academic skills
  • adult secondary education
  • English language acquisition
  • integrated English literacy and civics
  • workforce preparation
  • career pathways
  • integrated education and training
  • and family literacy
for eligible Maryland residents along with high school diploma options for adults.

Preparation Classes and Instruction

Individuals can enroll in classes to increase their basic reading, math, and writing skills or learn the English Language, prepare for the GED® tests, and increase their readiness for work or job advancement. Instruction is available for eligible individuals who are not currently enrolled or required to be enrolled in high school.

Individuals are eligible to enroll in the federally funded adult education classes if the individual meets the following:

  1. have attained 16 years of age;
  2. are not enrolled or required to be enrolled in secondary school under State law; and
  3. who–
    1. are basic skills deficient;
    2. do not have a secondary school diploma or its recognized equivalent, and have not achieved an equivalent level of education; or
    3. are English language learners.

For the National External Diploma Program, additional eligibility requirements are set forth at COMAR 09.37.01.20

Classes are offered in all Maryland counties and Baltimore City. Follow the link to locate classes in your area.

Federal support for adult instructional services is provided by the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act which creates a partnership with states to jointly fund the Adult Education and Family Literacy activities.

Earn Your Maryland High School Diploma

In Maryland there are three ways for an adult who has not graduated from high school to earn a Maryland High School Diploma.

Maryland Adult Education High School Diploma Options brochure
Opciones para el Diploma de Educación Secundaria para Adultos de Maryland
Opsyon Diplòm Lekòl Segondè Pou Edikasyon Granmoun Maryland

Maryland 4th & Goal Program

Department of Labor
Division of Workforce Development and Adult Learning/Adult Education and Literacy Services
100 S. Charles Street, Tower 1
Baltimore, Maryland 21201
E-mail: [email protected]
Phone: 410-767-0188