Academy for Youth & Adult Literacy
Empower your future through RCSJ’s Academy for Youth & Adult Literacy with High School Equivalency preparation, English literacy instruction, and career-focused pathways for adult learners and out-of-school youth ages 16–24.
Adult Literacy Programs
Whether you need to improve your basic skills or want support as you transition into college or employment, RCSJ’s adult basic education programs meet you where you are and help you reach your academic and career goals. Day and evening classes are offered throughout the year to accommodate busy adults.
Before starting classes, each student will be required to take a basic skills assessment to identify their academic skills and content knowledge, meet with the program counselor, and attend a mandatory program orientation.
The High School Equivalency (HSE) program provides adults who did not complete their formal high school education with the opportunity to earn a high school equivalency diploma issued by the State of New Jersey Department of Education.
The HSE program provides reading, writing, math, social studies, and science education. Students will also participate in college information sessions, work readiness prep, and computer literacy workshops. Graduates who successfully complete the program will be prepared to take the HiSET exam to earn their high school equivalency diploma.
This hybrid program is provided through a combination of online and in-person classes each semester. Students that wish to enroll should be prepared with reliable internet services as well as a smartphone, tablet, laptop, or desktop computer.
Enrollment Periods
- Summer 2026 Classes
- 6/15/26 - 8/27/26
- Fall 2027 Classes
- 9/14/26 - 12/4/26
The English as a Second Language (ESL) program helps adults whose first language is not English to improve their English speaking, reading, and writing skills. Students will have opportunities to gain computer and work readiness skills, enroll in college, and prepare for career training or employment opportunities. Students may also choose to prepare for the U.S. citizenship test.
This hybrid program is provided through a combination of online and in-person classes each semester. Students that wish to enroll should be prepared with reliable internet services as well as a smartphone, tablet, laptop, or desktop computer.
Enrollment Periods
- Summer 2026 Classes
- 6/15/26 - 8/27/26
- Fall 2027 Classes
- 9/14/26 - 12/4/26
The Integrated Education & Training (IET) program provides additional educational and career advancement opportunities for English as a Second Language students. It provides adult education and literacy skills coaching alongside general workforce preparation activities, and specialized workforce training for your desired occupation or occupational cluster.
Youth Literacy Programs
The Academy of Youth Literacy Education Program at RCSJ is located on the Gloucester County Campus and serves out-of-school youth between the ages of 16 and 24 who are seeking to improve their literacy skills and obtain their high school equivalency diploma. Our program offers a supportive and inclusive learning environment where students can work at their own pace and receive personalized instruction from our experienced faculty.
In addition to literacy and high school equivalency preparation, we also offer career exploration and job readiness skills to help our students succeed in their future endeavors. Our program is free to those who qualify and we welcome students of all backgrounds and abilities.
If you or someone you know is interested in joining our program, please don't hesitate to reach out to us. We would be happy to answer any questions and provide more information about our program and how to enroll.
- Must be a Gloucester County
- Resident between the ages of 16 and 24*
- Pre-vocational, Vocational, and Career-Oriented classes
- Hours:
- GED Classes: Monday - Thursday from 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
- Career Exploration: Monday & Wednesday from 12:30 pm – 1:30 pm
- Minimum attendance of 15 hours per week
*Males 18 years of age and older must register for Selective Service at sss.gov/register
- Birth Certificate (copy accepted)
- Social Security Card (copy accepted) – Must have copy of actual card
- Proof of Residency (post office stamped mail with student’s name and current address on it)
- Students who are classified in school (eligible for special education services) must turn in IEP with the application.
This program has WIOA funding available for eligible students.
- An Out-of-School youth (OSY) is an individual who is:
- Not attending any school (as defined under State law);
- Program is for one year duration for HSE and one year duration for follow-up ONLY.
- One or more of the following:
- A school dropout;
- A youth who is within the age of compulsory school attendance, but has not attended school for at least the most recent complete school year calendar quarter. School year calendar quarters are based on how a local school defines it’s school year quarters;
- A recipient of a secondary school diploma or it’s recognized equivalent who is a low income individual and is either basic skills deficient or an English language learner;
- An individual who is subject to the juvenile or adult justice system;
- A homeless individual (as defined in sec. 41403(6) of the Violence Against Women Act of 1994 (42 U.S.C. 14043e-2(6)), a homeless child or youth (as defined in sec. 725(2) of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 11434a(2)), a runaway, in foster care or has aged out of the foster care system, a child eligible for assistance under sec. 477 of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 677), or in an out-of-home placement;
- An individual who is pregnant or parenting;
- An individual with a disability;
- A low-income individual who requires additional assistance to enter or complete an educational program or to secure or hold employment. (WIOA Sec. 3(46) and Sec. 129 (a)(1)(B)) (20 CFR 681.210)
All participants must start by meeting with staff at the Gloucester County One Stop Career Center at 1480 Tanyard Rd. Sewell, NJ 08080.
Education Unique to Each Student
“It’s a blessing and a big opportunity. For my household, nobody has been to college. . . Now my kids can see that the sky is the limit. They can reach for the stars if they work hard.”
High School Equivalency Program’s Diploma Ceremony
40+ graduates receive their High School Equivalency diploma, along with 6 free RCSJ credits to support the next leg of their academic journey.
ESL Program’s International Culture Celebration
ESL students representing 12 different countries shared artifacts, pictures, and music as they explored and enjoyed each culture’s traditional cuisine.
For More Information
Contact
Adult Literacy Programs
[email protected]
Gloucester Campus:
856-468-5000, ext. 6227
Cumberland Campus:
856-200-4531
Youth Literacy Programs
[email protected]
856-384-3700