Adult Education Guide

Local Resources

  • Adult Learning Center–Boone County
    (573) 214-3803
    Adult Learning Center provides adult education and literary services, including English Language Learning (ELL) instruction, Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) prep courses, civics/citizenship, money management and workforce skills training.
  • Center for English Language Learning
    The University of Missouri offers high quality English language instruction to non-native speakers of English through the Center for English Language Learning (CELL).
  • Conversation Partner Program
    The Conversation Partner Program is part of the Asian Affairs Center at MU. It pairs Americans with visiting government officials, scholars and undergraduate students from Asia.
  • DBRL’s Educational Resources Guide
    A catalog of learning tools from your library, including virtual programs, physical and digital collections, databases and free digital courses.
  • Excel Adult High School 
    Online high school program hosted by DBRL for adult students looking to earn a high school diploma.
  • Goodwill Excel Center
    A local tuition free, in-person high school program aimed at adult students looking to obtain a high school diploma.
  • Language Partners
    Language Partners is a program offered by the Women’s Center at MU. The purpose is to assist a non-native English speaker with conversational English, awareness of North American culture and knowledge of living in Columbia.
  • Moberly Area Community College (MACC)  Adult Education & Literacy
    660-263-5865
    MACC’s Adult Education and Literacy program is free to students. It offers individualized learning assistance for a variety of interests, including preparation for the HiSET.

Electronic Resources Available through DBRL

  • Brainfuse Adult Learning Center
    Provides live, online tutoring and skill-building sessions for adult learners in a variety of subjects, including writing and test prep.
  • LearningExpress Library
    LearningExpress provides test preparation materials for elementary through adult level. Tests include the ACT, ASVAB, Civil Service, Cosmetology, EMS, Firefighter, GED, GMAT, GRE, HiSET, Law Enforcement, Paramedic, PPST, Real Estate, SAT, TOEFL, United States Citizenship and more.
  • LinkedIn Learning (formerly Lynda.com)
    LinkedIn Learning offers video tutorials on technology skills, creative techniques, business strategies and other subject areas. Classes are taught by top experts and are set up so you can learn at your own pace.
  • Mango Languages
    Mango Languages is an intuitive, easy to start language learning platform, with 500+ language learning resources for 70+ languages and 20+ ESL courses.  (Must create a username and password to access learning tools.)
  • Universal Class
    Universal Class offers over 500 online continuing education courses taught by real instructors with remote, 24/7 access so you can study on your schedule. (Must create a username and password to access.)

Other Online Courses and Tutorials

  • HiSET Preparation from ETS
    Free test preparation materials and practice tests for the HiSET. In 2014 the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) began using the HiSET test as its high school equivalency test, replacing the GED.
  • MOLearns – High School Equivalency (HSE) Testing
    314-415-4935
    In 2014, the HiSET test replaced the GED. MOLearns offers free HiSET preparation to Missouri residents. Participants need to be 17 years of age or older, have access to a computer with the Internet, have an email account, and be able to get to an onsite class to take placement tests.
  • ProLiteracy Education Network
    This nonprofit organization provides free resources for people of all ages to build their math, reading, writing and English skills. HiSET/GED and US citizenship test preparation is available as well.

Other Programs in Missouri

  • Missouri Adult Education and Literacy Program
    573-751-1249
    The Adult Education and Literacy Program has sites located throughout Missouri. Courses taught vary by site, but most provide HiSET preparation courses, English as a Second Language courses, as well as math, reading and writing instruction.
  • Adult Education and Literacy–Ozarks Technical Community College
    417-447-8860
    This program provides specialized instruction to help students build or refresh basic academic skills necessary for success. It is offered free of charge on OTC’s Springfield, Richwood Valley, Table Rock, Lebanon campuses and coming soon to Republic. Waynesville classes are through the Waynesville School District and online classes are through MOLearns.org.

Personal Enrichment

  • Columbia Area Career Center
    Browse and register for a variety of programs for personal enrichment ranging from fitness and hobbies to crafts and food.
  • University of Missouri Extension
    Offers several noncredit programs including Master Naturalist, Master Pollinator Steward, Master Gardener and Missouri Woodland Steward programs. Registration fees vary depending on the program.
  • Osher Lifelong Learning Institute
    The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at the University of Missouri offers a variety of classes for adults 50 years of age or older. Please check the brochure and enrollment form available through the link above for current fees.