Basic Education for Adults
Phone: 253-566-5144
Email: basicskills@tacomacc.edu
Website: https://tacomacc.edu/academics-programs/basic-education
The Basic Education for Adults (BEdA) department is an affordable and supported pathway to college. BEdA offers a variety of programs for individuals who wish to improve their basic reading, writing, math, conversation, and employment skills. BEdA students receive comprehensive career pathway planning and navigation support from Transitional Studies Navigators and Advisors. Programs include English as a Second Language, Adult Basic Education, and High School Completion, vocationally focused basic skills programs, and programs designed for college-bound and Career Training participants.
Schedules include both day and evening classes. Students between the ages of 16-18 must obtain formal high school releases. Individuals with F-1, M-1, and J-1 visas are not eligible for federally funded Adult Basic Skills services. Before enrolling, students are required to attend an information session and complete a skills assessment.
Tuition for Basic Skills classes is $25 per quarter plus $1 per credit for classes; some courses may charge additional material fees. Tuition assistance may be available for qualified students through one of our Workforce Education programs.
Adult Basic Education
Adult Basic Education (ABE) courses are designed for adults already proficient in the English language and not enrolled in high school who wish to improve their basic reading, writing, and mathematics skills. The contextualized courses are designed to provide students an opportunity to earn high school credits towards a HS+ diploma and/or prepare for the high school completion exam (currently Washington State uses the GED®), as well as build the academic habits and skills necessary for successful transition to post-secondary education and the professional world.
Integrated Basic Education and Skills Training
Integrated Basic Education Skills and Training (I-BEST) Programs allow you to build skills to college level and earn a college-level professional/technical certificate at the same time. With I-BEST, you are able to start on a career pathway earlier. I-BEST offers a team-teacher learning community. Your English instructor works with your career training instructor to cover material that is relevant to the career while you are improving your reading and writing skills. In addition, I-BEST students receive the support of a program-specific navigator to help them as they move forward on their educational pathway.
College and Career Pathway Academy
College and Career Pathway Academy (CCPA) is one of TCC's Exploratory Learning Communities and is designed to help students begin their college pathway and explore career options while continuing to build reading, writing, and research skills. In this learning community you will take a pre-college English course, College Success (COL 101), and Introduction to Communication Studies (CMST& 101). You will have two professors who will connect the content from these courses and provide wraparound support.
English Language Acquisition
English Language Acquisition (ELA) courses are offered to help immigrants and refugees develop communication skills, function effectively in jobs, pursue a higher degree, and participate as members of the community.
Important Notes About Eligibility
If you are in this country on a student (F, M) visa, you are not eligible to participate in publicly (state and federal) funded adult education. Contact TCC’s International Program for information on enrolling in the International Program.
If you are in this country as a “nannie” or “au pair” on a study exchange (J-1) visa, you are required to participate in college-level academic classes, not in Basic Education for Adults. Please review our Admission Process page.
NOTE: B-1, B-2, C, D, N, O-2, P, Q, R S, TC, TN visa holders should confirm with the Department of Homeland Security that attending our program will not affect their immigration status or visa eligibility.