Literacy/Reading and Bridges to Academic Reading & Writing

The Literacy department offers two free programs: Literacy/Reading and Bridges to Academic Reading & Writing.

Literacy/Reading*

Classes are for native and non-native speakers of English who wish to improve their English reading, writing, and/or math skills. Lead teachers direct trained tutors to help students develop these skills for personal and employment needs. 

• Students must be at least 17 years old
• Enrollment in class is permitted after the registration date if space allows.
• Classes are not appropriate for students enrolled in or planning to enroll in high school.
• Literacy students may not enroll in the Bridges program.

Prospective Literacy/Reading students can fill out the pre-registration form. We will contact you shortly regarding online registration dates and your class assignment.

Bridges to Academic Reading & Writing

Classes are for adults whose native language is not English and who speak at an intermediate level of English. Classes focus on developing reading and writing skills necessary to pursue GED or college classes.

• Bridges students may not enroll in the Literacy/Reading program.
• Students may enroll concurrently in Bridges Reading, Writing, STAR and ESL class.

Prospective Bridges students can fill out the pre-registration form. We will contact you shortly regarding online registration dates and your class assignment.

Note: Per ICCB (Illinois Community College Board) regulations, au pairs are required to take post-secondary classes and cannot enroll in Oakton’s free Reading or Bridges classes. They may, however, enroll in the College’s low-cost tuition classes.  Literacy and Bridges classes are not intended for tourists, but rather for those who have come to live in the United States.

*Classes are funded by the Illinois Community College Board, the Office of the Secretary of State and the Illinois State Library.