Services For Adults

CHA’s Resident Services Department, along with many of the City’s service organizations, offers several educational, vocational, and self sufficiency programs for adult residents and voucher holders.

CHA Programs

Gateways Adult Basic Education Program

The Gateways Adult Basic Education Program operates from our two largest family developments, Jefferson Park and Newtowne Court/Washington Elms. These two developments bracket the city, providing ease of access to all housing authority residents.

We offer classes on an open entry/open exit basis in the mornings and evenings to accommodate working adults.

Regular components include:

  • English language instruction (primarily at lower literacy levels)
  • Computer instruction in the CHA’s community computer centers
  • Introduction to an array of educational and vocational opportunities  

Contact

(617) 497-4411 or (617) 349-6370

Bridge-to-College Program

The Bridge to College program is a free dual-enrollment program offered in collaboration with the Cambridge Community Learning Center and Bunker Hill Community College.

Students prepare for a transition to college by taking college writing and math.

Students must have a high school diploma or GED.

The program advisors assist students with college applications and financial aid.

Thanks to a private foundation, CHA has developed a scholarship program that helps working adult graduates of the Bridge to College program complete their college education. Every Bridge to College graduate who matriculates at and remains enrolled in two- or four-year colleges receives a $1,000 scholarship.

Contact

Community Learning Center, 19 Brookline St.
(617) 349-6365 

Computer Centers

Our two computer resource/training centers offer classes to over 200 residents annually.

Classes include:

  • Introductory and intermediate computer instruction
  • ESOL literacy instruction
  • After-school Homework Help for teens enrolled in The Work Force

Contact

Jefferson Park & 119 Windsor Street
Windsor St. Lab: (617) 349-6360
Jefferson Park Lab: (617) 497-4411 or (617) 349-6370

Career Counseling

Career Counseling services include:

  • Vocational case management and counseling (including referrals for related social, educational and training services)
  • Scholarships for job training
  • Job preparation
  • Assistance with job placement
  • Follow-up assistance after job placement

Contact

Cambridge Employment Program, 51 Inman Street
(617) 349-6070

Partnership Programs – Adult Education Programs

Bridge to College Program at the Community Learning Center

Earn Free College Credits!

Program overview:  College Preparation program offered in collaboration with Bunker Hill Community College. Students will have the ability to earn 3 credits by taking college level English classes. In addition, they will improve their writing, reading comprehension and match skills. College math and bi-weekly advising seminars are also part of the program.

Duration of program:  Mid-September to mid-May. All students are expected to be enrolled in college for the fall semester.

Who can apply: Cambridge residents have priority, but other students will be considered if space is available.

Eligibility requirements:  

  • Possess a high school diploma, (U.S., GED, Hiset or foreign diploma translated into English)
  • Interview
  • Essay Writing Sample
  • Computerized  College Placement Reading and Math tests
  • Commitment to enrolling in college the following September  

Learn more at Information Sessions:

  • Tuesday, April 14, 6:30 – 7:30 pm.  5 Western Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02139
  • Thursday, April 30, 6:30 – 7:30 pm.  5 Western Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02139

Classes will be held on Wednesday and Thursday evenings from 6:15 pm – 9:15 pm and every other Tuesday from 6:15 pm – 7:45 pm. There are no exceptions.

Contact info:  Eleanor Stafford at the Community Learning Center:   617) 349-4482 or estafford@cambridgema.gov

Community Learning Center in North Cambridge

Program overview:  The Community Learning Center in Jefferson Park at 286 Rindge Avenue offers free classes for adults in the morning and evening. Four levels of English classes are offered from basic literacy to intermediate. The Community Learning Center also offers free educational and career counseling and tutoring.

Duration of program: September to June and a five-week summer program

Who can apply: Adult Cambridge residents

Eligibility requirements: Must be at least 16 years of age

Application deadline: None. Call to make an appointment

Contact info: Felipe Vaquerano (617) 349-9180 or fvaquerano@cambridgema.gov or text 781-315-6029

Community Learning Center

Program overview:  The Community Learning Center in Central Square at 5 Western Avenue offers free classes for adults in the morning, afternoon and evening. These classes include English classes, citizenship classes, basic reading, writing and math classes, preparation for the HiSET and GED tests, preparation for college, and preparation for careers in healthcare and information technology. The Community Learning Center also offers free educational and career counseling, tutoring, and basic computer instruction.

Duration of program: September to June and two five-week summer programs

Who can apply: Adult Cambridge residents

Eligibility requirements: Must be at least 16 years of age

Application deadline: Monthly sign-up and orientation for new students

Contact info: (617) 349-6363