NDA Adult Literacy Program (BENL/ESOL) - DYCD

Department of Youth & Community Development


Family Support

After School
Family Support
Immigrant Services
Jobs & Internships
Office of Neighborhood Safety (ONS)
Reading & Writing
Runaway & Homeless Youth

After School

Family Support

Immigrant Services

Jobs & Internships

Office of Neighborhood Safety (ONS)

Reading & Writing

Runaway & Homeless Youth


NDA Adult Literacy Program (BENL/ESOL)

The fundamental goal of DYCD Adult Literacy Program is to help New Yorkers attain the reading,writing and communication skills they want and need to gain employment and/or pursue further education. Adult Basic Education (ABE) programs provide instruction in reading, writing and mathematics to native English or English-fluent speakers; High School Equivalency (HSE) programs prepare students for the tests required for a HSE diploma. English for Speakers of Other Languages(ESOL) classes help students to improve their English language communication skills.

DYCD is committed to ensuring that New York City's diverse communities have access to a broad range of reading, writing, English-language and HSE tests preparation programs. Programs provide comprehensive instructional and support services to students who are at least 16 years of age, not enrolled or required to be enrolled in secondary school and who lack sufficient mastery of basic educational skills or are unable to speak, read and/or write the English language well enough to participate in education or training programs conducted in English.