Project Literacy

Unlock your potential! If you are a Howard County adult and don’t have a U.S. high school or college diploma from the U.S., our free classes are designed to help you reach your goals! Whether you are working toward a high school diploma, learning English, exploring career options, or preparing for U.S. citizenship exams, Project Literacy is your pathway to success!

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adults apart of project literacy, an initiative to help community members obtain a high school or college diploma, having a discussion.

Register For English Classes

Registration is open for the upcoming semester! Enroll today to start your learning journey!

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Register For High School Diploma Program

Ideal for busy adults looking to boost their career prospects and pursue higher education through earning a high school diploma. Contact us today to find out how!

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Volunteer

Fantastic opportunity for individuals with at least a bachelor’s degree to give back to the community by helping others learn English. Become a volunteer tutor today!

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If you are 18 years or older and do not have a U.S. high school or college diploma, you can join Howard County Library System’s Project Literacy for free!

At Project Literacy, you can:

Learn English for better opportunities in life and work
Make new friends who understand your experience
Share resources and ideas
Build an inclusive community
Make America feel like your home away from home

Three easy steps to get started:

Register: Fill out a Registration form
Orientation: Come to an orientation to find out how the program works
Test: Take a test to find the right class for your level

When to Register

Fall semester: Register July 1 – August 15
Winter semester: Register October 1 – November 15
Spring semester: Register February 1 – March 15

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View Classes

Visit our calendar to view upcoming Adult English Classes.

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Our Programs

If you are a Maryland resident aged 18 or older and do not have a U.S high school diploma, you can earn one through HCLS Project Literacy’s National External Diploma Program (NEDP).

The self-paced program offers flexibility with both in-person and online options. Project Literacy provides tutors to help you prepare for the program’s entrance exams and a loaner Chromebook and Hotspot, if needed, so you can study from home. After you pass the entrance exams, you’ll work at your own pace, meeting periodically with a dedicated Project Literacy coach who will guide you through the program until you earn your Maryland high school diploma.

Whether you are aiming to attend a college or trade school, improve your career opportunities, or achieve a personal goal, Project Literacy is here to help you earn your diploma – for free!

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HCLS Project Literacy offers English language instruction for immigrants without a U.S. degree. Whether you are just starting to learn English or looking to improve your advanced skills, Project Literacy is here to help. Choose from popular classes such as speaking, pronunciation, grammar, reading, and writing. All classes are delivered in-person or online. Join us and become a part of a diverse community of learners from around the world!

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If you hold an advanced degree or professional training from your home country and are looking for a job that matches your skills, our Pathways to Success: Professional Development For Skilled New Americans is here to support you.

Enhance your professional English language skills in reading, writing, speaking, listening, and pronunciation. Practice conversation one-on-one with native speakers and attend job-related workshops covering career exploration, networking, job search strategies, mock interviews, and simulated work-based projects. With guidance from workforce development experts, you will identify and build rewarding career paths.

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HCLS Project Literacy is here to help you prepare for the U.S. citizenship test. Our program provides an in-depth review of the N-400 application questions and mock interview sessions. You will also receive personalized support to improve English vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation assistance.

For participants with a scheduled interview with USCIS (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services), we offer one-on-one sessions focused specifically on preparing for the citizenship test and interview.

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Get involved in your community by volunteering for HCLS Project Literacy

To become a tutor, you will need at least a bachelor’s degree and have native or native-like proficiency in English. No prior experience is required, but tutors must be available to meet for two hours a week, either online or in person, for a minimum of six months. Project Literacy provides comprehensive training and ongoing support.

As a tutor, you will have the opportunity to work with English language learners or native English speakers, helping them improve their English, enhance reading and writing skills, learn math, earn a high school diploma or prepare for the U.S. citizenship exam

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About Project Literacy

Founded in 1987, Howard County Library System’s Project Literacy addresses the educational needs of adult English language learners and native English speakers in Howard County. If you are 18 or older, don’t have a U.S. degree and not enrolled in a school, you are eligible to participate in class or receive one-on-one tutoring. Best of all, all classes are FREE! Simply fill out an enrollment form, take a placement test, and start your learning journey!