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The Literacy Program teaches adults in:
English as a second language (ESL), basic literacy (BL), high school equivalency (HSE), civics and citizenship classes.
By improving their ESL and basic literacy education, our clients will be able to obtain jobs and apply to community colleges or technical programs that would lead to greater opportunities.
NOTICE: We are conducting classes ONLINE through Skype for current students.
Skype is central to registration and communication with our students. Students are required to check Skype for updates about their registration status, class updates, and program updates. To talk to a representative, try our virtual help desk.
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Thank you for your interest in the Literacy Program. We offer courses in adult basic literacy, English as a second language (ESL), citizenship, and high school equivalency.
We are an accredited member of ProLiteracy and an affiliate of LiteracyNJ.
If you would like to join our community of lifelong learners, please make sure you fulfill all our registration requirements.
Requirements
Welcome to the first step of your journey to improve your adult life here in Jersey City.
Our classes and services for adults are now offered online.
Our main registration periods include: Fall semester registration from July to August and Spring semester registration from January to mid-February.
Please note:
*Completing a pre-registration form does NOT guarantee enrollment.*
*Students cannot choose the day and time of their classes. Students are grouped by test score.*
To complete the entire registration process and attend classes, you must download and install Skype (go to https://www.skype.com/en/get-skype/ and create a free account now) to communicate with staff members, volunteers, tutors, and class members. After creating your free account, click on your profile and find your Skype name. Your Skype name is needed for registration and attending classes.
Minimum Technological Requirements to Attend Class:
You may use a smartphone with Skype account access, functioning microphone and front-facing camera in order to attend class with the bare minimum abilities to participate.
Please note: You may have difficulty with viewing readings on a small, smartphone screen.
Preferred Technological Requirements to Attend Class:
It would be best if you had one computing device (Android tablet, Chromebook, Windows 10 desktop or laptop, MacBook, iPad, etc.) with a screen large enough for reading text comfortably. You will also need Skype account access with functioning microphone and webcam along with a solid WiFi (current standard is WiFi 6) or hardwire connection.
Please note: For special events with large numbers of people, you will need access to Zoom. These special events include orientation and our annual recognition event.
New Student Registration Process
There is a five-step process for registration which includes:
1. Complete one pre-registration form for staff review:
English as a Second Language (ESL) is our program for adult, non-native speakers who want to improve their English reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills. If you are interested in this program, click this paragraph for the proper pre-registration form. If the form is inaccessible, registration is closed.
Citizenship classes are for green card holders who want to become US citizens and need extra help to prepare for their US citizenship test and interview. (Requires a good English test score). If you are interested in this program, click this paragraph for the proper pre-registration form. If the form is inaccessible, registration is closed.
Adult basic literacy classes are for native English speakers who need to improve their ability to read. If you are interested in this program, click this paragraph for the proper pre-registration form. If the form is inaccessible, registration is closed.
Our main registration periods include: Fall semester registration from July to August and Spring semester registration from January to mid-February. Again, please note: If the forms are inaccessible, registration is closed.
2. EMAIL This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with your Skype name and attach ALL REQUIRED DOCUMENTS for staff review which include:
- Photo ID: NJ driver’s license, NJ state-issued ID, or passport.
- Proof of address in Jersey City: Cell phone service bill, utility bill, lease, evidence of property ownership, or evidence of tenancy/residency.
- Complete proof of annual household income: Income tax return, W-2 form, three recent pay stubs, Disability, Family First, unemployment, retirement benefits, or a Letter of Benefits/Support. The document(s) must clearly state a gross amount for the year or an amount we can calculate for the year.
You will have to make a digital copy (PDF) or take a clear picture (photo files only) of each document and send to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. in one email after you have completed this preregistration form. You will not be accepted into classes if there are any defects (blurry, illegible, etc.) in the quality of your required documents. If there are any missing documents, you will NOT proceed to the next step in the registration process.
3. SKYPE INTERVIEW & FULL INTAKE
After we have confirmed your Skype name and ensured all required documents are correct and in order, we will confirm a date and time for your interview through email. If you speak very little English, you will need someone with you who can translate from English to your native language.
First, we will add you to a moderated Skype group for registration. Next, you will have to complete a full, 3-part registration form which will be linked within the moderated Skype group chat in three separate links. After we have confirmed that you have completed all three parts of the registration form, we will discuss your documentation and completed forms. This interview can take up to one hour or more depending on questions we have about your documentation and completed forms. When the interview is complete, we will move you from the registration group to the testing group.
4. ONLINE TEST
After completion of the interview and full, 3-part registration form in step 3, you will be required to take a test online. This test is the main determiner for your class schedule because we group students by test score. No student will be able to specify a day or time to take classes. On Skype, we will link you to the test within the testing group. After we have confirmed your completion of the test, you will be moved into a Skype group for new students who have completed registration. In this group we will give you updates on the upcoming semester and link you to orientation.
5. ORIENTATION: Attend an online orientation through Zoom.
After all five steps are completed, we will send you a class schedule.
Returning students who have been in classes in the past semester or year have a shorter, two-step process for registration.
1. If you are a returning student, please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with your Skype name and attach ALL REQUIRED DOCUMENTS for staff review which include:
- Photo ID: NJ driver’s license, NJ state-issued ID, or passport.
- Proof of address in Jersey City: Cell phone service bill, utility bill, lease, evidence of property ownership, or evidence of tenancy/residency.
- Complete proof of annual household income: Income tax return, W-2 form, three recent pay stubs, Disability, Family First, unemployment, retirement benefits, or a Letter of Benefits/Support. The document(s) must clearly state a gross amount for the year or an amount we can calculate for the year.
2. You will have to make a digital copy (PDF) or take a clear picture (photo files only) of each document and send to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. in ONE email after you have completed this preregistration form. You will not be accepted into classes if there are any defects (blurry, illegible, etc.) in the quality of your required documents. If there are any missing documents, you will not be able to complete registration.
After we have confirmed your Skype name and ensured all required documents are correct and in order, we will add you to a moderated Skype group for returning student registration. Next, you will have to complete a short form for returning students linked in the moderated Skype group. After we have confirmed that you have completed the returning student registration form, we will discuss your documentation and completed form then move you into a group for returning students who have completed registration. If there are any major changes to your information, we may have to have you complete a full, 3-part form.
Current Students: We have plenty of online resources for our current students on our course materials website HERE.
Tutors
Welcome to the first step of your journey to teach adults here in Jersey City.
Our classes and services are now offered online through Skype. These classes include adult basic literacy (reading), English as a second language (ESL), writing, math, citizenship, and high school equivalency courses.
To teach classes and communicate with staff members, you must download and install Skype (go to https://www.skype.com/en/get-skype/ and create a free account now) to communicate with staff members, other volunteer tutors, and students.
Minimum Technological Requirements to Teach Class:
You may use a smartphone with Skype account access, functioning microphone and front-facing camera in order to teach class with the bare minimum abilities to participate. If you only have a smartphone to teach class through Skype, we will limit you to one-on-one tutoring or small group tutoring.
Please note: You may have difficulty with sharing readings on a small, smartphone screen.
Preferred Technological Requirements to Teach Class:
It would be best if you had one computing device (Android tablet, Chromebook, Windows 10 desktop or laptop, MacBook, iPad; etc.) with a screen large enough to share readings for students. You will also need Skype account access with functioning microphone and webcam along with a solid WiFi 6 or hardwire connection. With good technology at your disposal, you will be able to teach a full class rather than tutor a single person or small group.
New Tutor Registration Process
- Complete the PRE-REGISTRATION FORM. Please NOTE: If the form is inaccessible, registration is CLOSED.
- EMAIL This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with your Skype name, your updated resume, your expressed interest in our program, and your choice of classes that you are willing and able to teach. We will do our best to match you to a class that fits your abilities, experience, and interests.
- After we have received your completed pre-registration form online and your email with an updated resume, our Unit Head will contact you with further instructions. Be prepared to take an online training ($25.00), fill-out additional forms (Complete Tutor Registration Form) and download additional conferencing apps.
Please note: For special events with large numbers of people, you will need access to Zoom.
Please contact us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. if you have any other questions.
Mission
To provide one-on-one and small group literacy instruction to adult learners who want to improve their lives.
Vision
Adult learners will improve their literacy skills and obtain high school diplomas, obtain better jobs, or become United States citizens.
Philosophy
We believe that an individual’s literacy is critical to the enjoyment and protection of political, economic, and social freedoms, which support our democratic society.
History
The Jersey City Literacy Program is a department of the Jersey City Free Public Library, 472 Jersey Avenue, Jersey City, NJ 07302. The Jersey City Free Public Library was incorporated in 1889. The Jersey City Literacy Program was founded in 1986 by the Board of Trustees for the purpose of providing basic literacy instruction to individuals who had little to no literacy skills. Literacy trainers provide training to volunteers who express an interest in helping adults improve their lives.
Donations
Thank you for supporting the Jersey City Library Literacy Program with your donation! Donate by clicking here.
Tax-deductible contributions may be made in accordance with Sections 170(c)(1) and 170(c)(2)(A) of the Internal Revenue Code, as well as Section 10(c)(2)(B).