Adult Basic Education Program

The Adult Basic Education (ABE) Program provides one-on-one tutoring at no cost to adult women and men. The goals of the ABE Program are to promote the welfare and dignity of native and non-native English-speaking adults, to recruit and train volunteers to assist staff with the Program and to provide support services to immigrants and refugees at the Center and around the community.   

Assisted by volunteer tutors, staff members and a variety of materials, adult students study at their own level and pace. Students may come to CMC as English Language Learners (ELL), to prepare for the General Education Development (GED) test or citizenship examination, or improve basic math, reading and language skills. Tutorials are also available in basic keyboarding and computer skills. The Center offers specialized banking and citizenship classes throughout the year.

We offer extended hours to allow for weekday evening and Saturday morning tutoring sessions. A childcare room is available while parents study at the Catherine McAuley Center and we are conveniently located on a bus line.  Also, CMC's Immigrant/Refugee Coordinator provides case management services to help New Iowans make a smooth transition into the community.

Many of the adult students at the CMC are employed in the Cedar Rapids community. However, they want to improve the quality of life for themselves and their families. Education is the key to enhanced employment opportunities and a fuller life. With the skills they learn the Center, adult learners function better in society, contribute to community life and grow in self-esteem.

For more information about the program, please visit the "CMC Reports" to view our agency brochure and informational inserts.