Adult Education & Training Centers

Enhance & Equip

Adult Education and Training Centers in Pottstown and Norristown offer adult learners opportunities to enhance foundational academic skills, achieve a high school diploma, master English as a second language, and bolster digital literacy, career planning, and job readiness. Our tailored approach helps students advance their reading, writing, verbal, and listening skills while providing focused tutoring in mathematics and reading.

Each student receives personal attention and ongoing support in setting education and employment goals while identifying and reducing obstacles to long-term success.

Quarterly Newsletter

Pottstown Center:

610-326-7323

Norristown Center

610-427-5830

Programs:

High School Equivalency

Adult learners looking to earn a PA Secondary School Diploma may enroll in free classes to improve their basic academic skills and prepare for the high school equivalency exam.

Each session is 12 - 13 weeks long. Classes meet 3 - 4 days a week for 2.5 hours a day.

High school equivalency classes take place in two locations:

724 N Adams Street
Pottstown, PA 19464

1430 Dekalb St.
Norristown, PA 19403

Both are accessible by public transportation.

To enroll, students meet with staff to learn about the program, discuss needs, establish goals, and take a placement test.

English Language Learning (ESL)

Non-native English speakers can improve their ability to read, write, speak, and listen through English as a Second Language (ESL) classes.

YW3CA’s Adult Education and Training Centers offers free ESL classes for people of all abilities:

Classes include Beginning to Advanced levels of English. Initial testing places students in classes matched to their ability.
Students build skills in reading, writing, listening, and speaking, and learn to apply those skills to real-life situations.
ESL classes help students develop English skills needed to get a job, participate in community life, go to school or training.
All ESL students have access to services at the Education and Training Centers, including high school equivalency preparation, job search assistance, and supportive services.

High school equivalency classes take place in two locations:

724 N Adams Street
Pottstown, PA 19464

1430 Dekalb St.
Norristown, PA 19403

Both are accessible by public transportation.

We do not currently offer civics/citizenship but are working to provide this to students in the future.

HiSET Testing

A high school diploma can mean higher wages and increased opportunities in the workplace. For adults who left school before earning a diploma, YW3CA Education and Training Centers (ETC) are approved sites for the HiSET high school equivalency exams.

The HiSET exam is one of two high school equivalency exams recognized by the Pennsylvania Department of Education; successful completion of the HiSET or the GED exam will result in a PA Commonwealth Secondary School Diploma.

ETC offers classes to help adult learners prepare for both the HiSET and GED exams. However, those wishing to take the HiSET test at ETC are not required to enroll in programs.

The HiSET exam consists of five parts and is taken with paper and pencil. Testing dates are typically offered on the 2nd and 4th Fridays of each month. Registration is required at hiset.org.

To learn more about the HiSET exam, visit https://hiset.org/

To learn more about the GED exam, or to find a local GED testing site, visit https://ged.com/

Women's Empowerment 360 Program

YW3CA's WE 360º program is designed to help women of color overcome barriers to starting, growing and sustaining businesses while providing them with educational tools to increase their knowledge and confidence as entrepreneurs.

Join this program, if you:

Dream of launching your own business
Manage a 'mom-and-pop' shop
Are venturing into E-Commerce
Wish to showcase your talents online or in person
Provide consultation services
Are struggling to grow

LEARN MORE

NOW OFFERING ONLINE LEARNING
FOR MORNING HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA CLASSES!

Contact YW3CA's Adult Education & Training Centers for more information.

Call Pottstown Center

Call Norristown Center

Send an E-Mail

Send a Referral

2023-2024 Class Sessions

Sessions	Dates
Session 1	July 3 – September 21
Session 2	October 9 – December 21
Session 3	January 8 – March 28
Session 4	April 8 – June 27

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Pottstown & Norristown Class Schedule

Class Type	Days Offered	Time Offered
High School Equivalency	Monday-Thursday	AM / PM
English as a Second Language	Varied Days and Times of the week dependent upon language skills

Chris was three weeks away from graduating from Pottstown High School when he dropped out of school. An emancipated teenager at 17, Chris, now 31, had worked a variety of jobs – fast food, retail, general labor. After losing his most recent job – and marrying and starting a family – he researched options for school, and was directed to YW’s Education and Training Center, where he found support and encouragement. “After I lost my job, I thought: This is my chance,” he said. “I realized that all I’m going to do is go from one dead-end job to another.” After five weeks of study, he was ready to take the five-part high school equivalency test, and has earned his diploma.

Chris

Brian’s parents enrolled him in a cyber charter school in 9th grade. He said he lacked support from his parents and from the school, and failed 9th grade three times. Trusted adults encouraged him to leave school and enroll in adult education programs. At YW’s Education and Training Center, Brian found “not a group of students with a teacher, but a group of adults together for a common goal.”

Brian

Colin struggled in school with dyslexia, and was distracted with issues at home. He said his teachers had required him to repeat so many classes that they encouraged him to leave school. He was having difficulty finding jobs without a diploma, and was told by an employer that he needed a diploma to advance. “What a perfect time to go back to school,” Colin said. “I was scared, but everyone (at the Education and Training Center) said ‘You can do this, and this is how we’ll help you get there.’ Everyone is willing to help you. It’s amazing.”