At Spokane Community College (SCC), Adult Basic Education (ABE) programs—including English as a Second Language (ESL), GED preparation, and High School+—serve students at the earliest stages of their educational journey.
While achievements in ABE are significant on their own, their greatest value lies in what they make possible: continued academic progress, entry into technical and trades training, and broader opportunities in the workforce and public life.
Gaining high school-level academic skills or English proficiency can unlock opportunities—economic, educational, and personal—that may have been out of reach for years.
You Belong
“You belong here,” said SCC President Jenni Martin at the ABE graduation ceremony in June. “You belong to this college, and you belong to every room your goals take you to. Whether you continue your education, start a job, or pursue something entirely new, you’ve already accomplished something meaningful.”
When SCC says “you belong here,” it means it. Every education journey looks different. Some lead to a GED, others to a doctorate—but all of them begin somewhere, and community colleges are uniquely able to meet different kinds of students with different needs and backgrounds at the fundamental entry points for school. For students, this can include earning a GED, studying English, and taking the first classes in a college degree or certificate program.
GED Preparation
SCC’s GED program helps students study for and pass the General Educational Development (GED) test, which confers the equivalent of a high school diploma. Some students choose this path instead of a traditional high school route, while others return to it after time away, often while balancing work, caregiving, or other adult responsibilities.
The program provides small classes, experienced instructors, and structured support to help students build skills in reading, writing, math, science, and social studies. Earning a GED opens doors to college coursework, workforce training, and new employment opportunities.
English as a Second Language
For students building English proficiency, SCC’s English as a Second Language (ESL) program offers instruction in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. ESL learners include recent immigrants, refugees, and longtime residents aiming to improve communication in personal, civic, or professional settings.
Beyond language skills, the ESL program helps students navigate systems—such as employment, education, and healthcare—while preparing them for college-level study or career advancement.
High School+
High School+ is a diploma completion option for students 18 and older who did not graduate from high school. The program recognizes adults have valuable life and work experience that can count toward graduation requirements. Students work with advisors to review past coursework and fill in academic gaps through flexible, competency-based instruction—often online or self-paced.
For students who want to earn a diploma rather than take the GED, High School+ offers a practical pathway that can lead directly into college or job training programs. Students can graduate with college credit, offering an effective incentive to pursue college further.
Building a Firm Foundation
Adult Basic Education at SCC provides students with the building blocks for work and social life: language proficiency and high school academics. For many, these qualifications alone will set the stage for good civic and working lives. For others, they are a foot in the door of more advanced college programs.
While college degrees and certificates expand opportunity, no program has a more transformative impact than ABE. For many students, these are the first steps toward not just better jobs or further schooling—but fuller participation in society itself.