Hopelink Adult Education offers free classes for adults.
We strive to create a welcoming place for all adult learners. Each person comes to us with valuable skills and experience. Our learning environment creates opportunities for people to identify the skills they already have, develop new skills, and reach their goals!
Through our classes, students prepare to get a job or a better job or to enroll in other education or job training programs. Our graduates are successful in many ways!
Look below to learn more about what we offer.
English for Work
English for Work is a three-month program for immigrants and refugees to develop their English language skills while preparing for employment in the United States. Visit the English for Work and Beginner English webpage to learn more.
Beginner English
Beginner English supports immigrants and refugees with learning English letters and numbers, how to read and write in English, and learning vocabulary that is useful in daily life. Beginner English students may spend three months to about one year in the program, depending on their learning needs. Visit the English for Work and Beginner English webpage to learn more.
GED/High School+
Our GED/High School+ program is closing on May 30, 2025, and we are not accepting new students. Visit the GED/High School+ webpage to see a list of other programs in the community.
Digital Skills
Our Digital Skills program is closed. Visit the Digital Skills webpage to learn about other programs and resources.
What students say about our classes
“The class gives the feeling to belong somewhere and share your thoughts and ideas in English with each other.”
-English for Work student
“Thank you for bringing me to my dream life. I know all Hopelink teachers care about me deeply. When I feel tired and want to give up, l can see your faces in my head. I also know l am lucky as a new immigrant because l have support from Hopelink.”
-English for Work student
To be eligible, students must:
- Be 18 years or older
- Not have a B-1, B-2, F-1, J-1, or M-1 visa
- Live in north and east King County or in the city of Seattle; newly arrived refugees living in surrounding areas are welcome to apply for the program
Our students are immigrants and refugees who come from a variety of countries and cultures. Some are working and hope to get a better job. Some have never had a job before. Some have college degrees and professional training and experience from their home countries. Some did not have the opportunity to attend school. Some are parents. Some are new to the Seattle area. Whatever your situation, you are welcome in our classes!
Classes are free! However, they do “cost” time and dedication! We encourage students to work hard to reach their goals. We believe everyone can succeed!
Our classes are offered on a quarterly basis. New students start class in January, April, July, and September. All new students go through an orientation process to determine if our program is a good fit. Orientation includes learning about the program, completing a reading assessment, and completing Hopelink intake forms. For details, visit the English for Work and Beginner English webpage.
There are morning and evening options available to suit your needs. Classes are typically two to three times per week. Classes are typically 1.5 to 2 hours long. For details, visit the English for Work and Beginner English webpage.
Our classes are offered on a quarterly basis. New students start class in January, April, July, and September. All new students go through an orientation process to determine if our program is a good fit. Orientation includes learning about the program, completing a reading assessment, and completing Hopelink intake forms. For details, visit the English for Work and Beginner English webpage.
Students start in the class that is the best fit for their English level. Beginner English is a good fit for those who have beginning level English skills (ESL levels 1, 2, and 3). English for Work is a good fit for those who have intermediate to advanced level English skills (ESL levels 4, 5, and 6). Students who complete Beginner English classes can continue in English for Work classes if they are preparing to get a job in the U.S.
Hopelink Adult Education is a part of the community and technical college system in Washington State. We work closely with local colleges, and we are happy to help our students get connected to a college program that is right for them. Some of our English for Work graduates enroll in I-BEST programs at community and technical colleges in our area. I-BEST, or Integrated Basic Education and Skills Training, is designed to help students develop reading, writing, math, and English language skills while preparing for a specific career. I-BEST programs include Accounting Assistant, Clinical Lab Assistant, Nursing Assistant, Business Technology, Early Childhood Education, Web Development, Auto Repair Technician, Welding, Machining Technology, and more. Search a database of current I-BEST programs in Washington State.
Our English for Work graduates are working in a variety of jobs according to their skills, experience, and goals. Jobs include preschool teacher, nurse assistant, engineer, software developer, real estate agent, lab technician, custodian, caterer, mental health counselor, paraeducator, security guard, automotive repair technician, database administrator, IT technician, accountant, administrative assistant, and more!
Our goal is to connect each student to resources that can help them reach their goals. Hopelink’s Adult Education team connects students to the variety of services that are offered at Hopelink Centers such as food assistance and energy bill assistance. We work hard to be knowledgeable about community resources and events such as hiring fairs, job training programs, GED/high school completion classes, citizenship classes, English language classes, and more. We train volunteers to serve as advisers and who provide one-on-one support to students. We also offer free online learning resources to empower students to learn independently.
Yes! Volunteers support our students as classroom assistants, career advisers, and mock interviewers. To become a volunteer, a Hopelink orientation and background check are required. Visit the volunteer page for more information.