Adult Education

The workplace environment is always changing. If you are looking to get ahead in your career, but need to sharpen your skills, pass the GED exam, or take English Language classes (ESL), our Adult Education program can help you.

About the Program

Do you have dreams that seem impossible? Do you feel stuck and need help to move up? If you can’t move up because you don’t have a high school degree, or lack some basic skills, the Adult Education program at Cowley College can help you. Your journey through Cowley College could lead to a technical certificate, associate degree, or even a four-year degree. Cowley will help you realize your dream!

Adult Education Helps You:

  • Improve your reading skills
  • Learn to write an essay
  • Study math
  • Enhance your job skills
  • Write a resume
  • Learn computer skills
  • Prepare for the GED
hannah henson Play Video

Meet Hannah Henson, an AOK program graduate who is a shining example of resilience and determination. Juggling motherhood, her GED, and multiple certifications was made possible by a supportive team of people in the Cowley Adult Education Program. Her story is a testament to the power of adult education in transforming lives. Watch her inspiring journey and celebrate the achievements of adult learners everywhere!

Enroll Today

More Info

The Adult Education program is funded by state and federal grants. However, there is a $25 student fee. The only other cost involved are the testing fees.

Supplied at No Charge:

  • Instructors
  • Books
  • Pencils
  • Pens
  • Paper
  • Calculators

You just have to attend the class and work, work, work. It will be worth the effort.

Adults over the age of 18 who do not have a high school diploma or score below 245 on diagnostic testing are eligible for adult education services.

Just call or come by to pre-enroll.
*If you are 16 or 17, you must complete the following in order:

  1. Obtain a compulsory school attendance disclaimer from the high school in the public school district you live in.
  2. Complete an "underage conference" prior to enrollment. This can be scheduled with the Adult Education office; your parent or guardian must attend. Generally this conference lasts approximately 15 minutes.

*Since this is an Adult Education Program, minors will automatically be placed on a waiting list to enter the program classes. As space is available in each session, minors will then be placed into classes based on their standing on the wait list. We encourage minors to complete high school if at all possible.

Students may elect to do one of the following:

  • Register for Adult Education classes which help you prepare to take the GED examination.
  • Register to take the GED final exam.

To register for and take the GED final exam you will need to:

  • Establish an account at www.GED.com
  • Provide a valid KS Driver's License, Military Photo ID or Passport
  • Complete the registration process and secure your test date through www.GED.com

Based on your scores of the GED exam, the State of Kansas Board of Regents can issue you a Kansas State High School Diploma.

The four areas tested over are:

  • Language Arts
  • Social Studies
  • Science
  • Math

The minimum passing score is 145 on each test and a total of 600 for a combined score.

GED/ABE Enrollment forms

High School Diploma + College Certificate Program

Cowley College offers a high school diploma achievable through a small-scale testing process instead of a large GED test. Plus, you can earn a technical certificate leading to employment at the same time you are earning your high school diploma.

Why enroll in the Program? Because it's FREE!

What is the High School Diploma + College Certificate Program?

  • Completely Free
  • One semester certificate program aligned with labor needs
  • Provides industry-recognized credentials and access to immediate jobs

What Programs Do We Offer?

  • Carpentry / Construction Trades – Certificate A
  • Electromechanical Maintenance – Certificate A
  • EMT Certification
  • Healthcare – CNA, CMA, HHA, RA
  • Welding – Certificate A

GED Sign Up Dates

Dates when sign up is open

Do you still need to get your high school diploma? If so, the Adult Education program at Cowley College can help. We have classes that will accommodate your schedule. Our classes are offered at both the Arkansas City campus and the Sumner campus in Wellington. We also offer ESL classes on the Arkansas City campus.

GED/ABE SIGN UP DATES

Sign Up Window Class Dates
Session 1 August 1 – 16 August 19 – October 18
Session 2 October 1 – 18 October 21 – December 19
Session 3 January 1 – 10 January 13 – March 14
Session 4 March 1 – 18 March 24 – May 16
Session 5 May 1 – 16 May 19 – July 17

GED Class Times

There's always a chance to start. Contact us today at 620-441-5258 to set up an orientation date.

 

Arkansas City Campus

Class Days & Times

Days Times
Morning GED/ABE class Monday–Thursday 9:00 AM – 11:30 AM
Afternoon GED/ABE class Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 1:00 PM – 3:30 PM
Evening GED/ABE class Monday and Wednesday 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Online GED/ABE class Must attend orientation
days and test in person

Winfield Campus

Class Days & Times

Days Times
Evening GED/ABE class Monday and Wednesday 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM

ENROLL IN THE GED/ABE PROGRAM

ESL Program — Sign Up Dates

English as a second language classes are designed for students whose first language is not English. During this class, the focus will be on conversation, introductory reading, and introductory writing. These classes are offered in the evening.

Location: Adult Education Center on the Arkansas City campus at 131 South 3rd Street.

Class Times: Four sessions offered. Pre-Enrollment is REQUIRED to attend. Drop-ins are not allowed during sessions, students must start and finish each session.

Evening ESL Class at the Arkansas City Campus:
Monday & Tuesday: ALL students from 5:45-9:00pm
Wednesday: Level 3-4 students from 5:45-9:00pm
Thursday: Levels 1-2 students from 5:45-9:00pm

Morning ESL Class:
Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday: 8:45am–10:45am – Starts Sept. 3

Afternoon ESL Class:
Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday: 12:30pm–2:30pm – Starts Sept 3

Sign Up Windows, Translator Availability, and Class Dates

Sign Up Window Translator Available Class Dates
Session 1 August 1—16 August 13
10-11 AM and 5-6 PM
August 19 — October 18
Session 2 October 1—18 October 15
10-11 AM and 5-6 PM
October 21 — December 19
Session 3 January 1—10 January 7
10-11 AM and 5-6 PM
January 13 — March 14
Session 4 March 1—21 March 18
10-11 AM and 5-6 PM
March 24 — May 16

Become a Volunteer

You can make a real difference in people’s lives by donating your time, talent, and experience as a volunteer for the Adult Ed Program at Cowley College. There are a variety of volunteer opportunities available. You can help adult students improve their reading, writing and math skills, or prepare for the GED high school equivalency test, or learn English as a second language. Apply today!

Apply to Volunteer

renn library entrance
Renn Memorial Library - Lower Level

131 South 3rd Street 

Arkansas City, KS

620-441-5335 

620-441-5258

cowleyabe@cowley.edu

Winfield Campus

Allied Heath Center 

1406 East 8th Ave 

Winfield, KS 67156

cowleyabe@cowley.edu

Meet the Director

Director of Adult Ed Programs