Embedded Files
New Enrollments were held Aug 19-Sept. 18. Days ELL Classes Started on Monday Sept. 22nd for all that have completed intake testing.
The School District of University City’s Adult Education and Literacy Program (UCAEL) and Clayco’s Construction Career Development Initiative (CCDI) have combined forces to develop a comprehensive 5-week "Beyond These Walls" Career Prep Integrated Education Training Program. This partnership offers a well-organized sequence of activities that balance classroom learning, hands-on experience, soft skills development, and certification attainment for the Trades. In this context of construction and workforce development, "IET" refers to Integrated Education and Training, a model that combines adult education, workforce preparation, and vocational training to help individuals gain skills and credentials for in-demand careers. Cohort 1 took place over May-June 2025! Read more here
Program Ouctcomes
OSHA 10 Certification (6)
Forklift Certification (11)
CPR/First Aid/AED Certification (11)
Employment Skills Certification (3) (Soft Skills-11 Modules completed)
Diplomasender.com New way to get your HSE Certificate after successfully passing the HiSET
GED in MO
We extend our heartfelt appreciation to University City Public Library during National Adult Education and Family Literacy Week for their generous partnership. Their willingness to provide classroom space for in-person classes in the Delmar Loop during our 2022-'23 and 2023-'24 program years has been invaluable. Prior to 2022, our classes were conducted virtually for two years.
This partnership began in May 2022 when OFC graciously allowed us to host our Annual Transition to Work Academy in their Office/Sunday School space, reflecting our shared commitment to serving the community. In June, we conducted workshops for 2022 UCHS graduates and AEL HiSET completers, focusing on resume writing, career preparation, and visits from training providers and potential employers, as well as assessment preparation for training enrollments.
We are immensely grateful to OFC for providing classroom space over the past two years, enabling us to serve our community effectively. Currently, we are working to secure a new space for our upcoming fall classes. In the meantime, we are excited to announce that the University City Public Library is allowing us to continue offering classes to the public in the Delmar Loop! To learn more about our classes, please visit our website: www.ucityaelprogram.org.
University City AEL Program Celebrated…2026 Adult Education & Family Literacy Week
Adult education is very important to me. It provides an environment for learning and socializing. After studying for a while, when facing native English speakers, I still need to continue learning. However, during this period, I have progressed from only understanding individual words to being able to understand whole sentences somewhat. Additionally, there are no costs involved. No costs mean that as long as I am willing to learn, I don’t have to worry about financial pressure.
This is a great learning program.
YuKi
"My name is Jing, and I’m an outgoing person who enjoys traveling and making friends.
However, due to my lack of English proficiency, I’ve encountered many awkward situations in the United States. This has made me feel impolite, socially inept, and reliant on family members wherever I go—a situation I find difficult to accept.
Participating in adult English education is crucial for me because it represents achieving‘ independence.’ I want to be able to order food at a restaurant, schedule doctor appointments, open a bank account—all independently. Moreover, I dream of confidently stepping out of my home to explore different places, connect with people, and experience the world. I eagerly anticipate the day when I’ll have the ability to take care of myself and my family, and I’ll strive to do my best."
What Is Adult Education?
You may think of adult education as learning to read, write, speak English, or do math. It’s all those things, and more! Adult Education is also about developing computer skills, studying to become a citizen, or gaining skills to find a job or start a career. It includes learning about health, money management, and how to support your child's learning. Throughout your community, there are schools, libraries, nonprofits, and places of worship working with adults to help them achieve their highest potential.
University City is no exception! University City has operated an Adult Education Program since 1975 after being established by members of the Jewish Federation as the English Language School to teach English as a Second Language (ESL) to newly arrived Russian immigrants. Eventually, General Educational Development (now High School Equivalency-HSE ) courses and literacy services were added to meet the needs of the community. The Board of the English Language School reached an agreement with the School District of the English Language School in 1991 to allow them to build a school on District owned property at 8342 Delcrest Drive. However, the District assumed responsibility for the School in 1997 and changed it to the University City Adult Basic Education Program. Later, the program acquired its current name, the Adult Education and Literacy Program (AEL) in accordance with DESE (Department of Elementary and Secondary Education) and federal guidelines. The mission of the AEL program is to provide opportunities for persons who are 16 years of age with credits or 17 years of age, with any number of credits and out of school, so that they may become proactive, self-sufficient, and contributing members of society.
Why Is It Needed?
Over 40 million adults in the U.S. are unable to read above a 3rd grade level, and nearly 63 million are unable to do 4th grade math. One in five adults have trouble reading communications from their children’s teachers. One in three adults have difficulty creating a household budget. One in four adults have trouble navigating websites and using digital tools at work. And among immigrants, only half are proficient in English.
Who Benefits?
Everyone! Adult education is a vital contributor to the strength and resilience of every community. Support for adult education is an investment that returns far more than it costs. Adults who participate in adult education programs have higher incomes, resulting in more spending and higher tax revenue for their community. They have better health outcomes, leading to greater workplace productivity and a reduction in community health care costs. They have higher participation in civic activities like voting.
Fewer than 10 percent of the adults who could benefit from adult education programs are able to participate in them. Policy and funding limitations leave many communities unserved or underserved.
How Can You Help?
Contact local, state, and federal elected officials to advocate for adult education funding, support adult education programs in your community by donating or by volunteering, and urge local businesses and employers to invest in adult education and workforce preparation.
Visit national-coalition-literacy.org for more information on advocating for adult education and literacy.
Essential Education HSE Students get your passwords and username from your teachers.
Congrats to Oleg on becoming a new American Citizen!
He worked hard for it in class. His naturalization Ceremony was held Feb. 22, 2025 our former ESL Teacher, Mrs. Williams and his daughter were there to witness the ceremony.
I’m excited to introduce to our team our new Transition Specialist.
Angela Franks joins us with a wealth of experience in education empowering and encouraging youth and adults. With over 20 years of dedication, she has been instrumental in fostering strong partnerships between schools and families. Angela has been successful leading school and community- based programs that promote educational equity, college access, parent and partner engagement and connecting job seekers, nonprofits and small businesses to resources.
Angela’s passion for personal, career and professional development is evident in her work planning and facilitating workshops, training and events. As an entrepreneur, Angela understands that transitions can be challenging but don’t have to be chaotic and serves groups including small business owners by providing the tools and guidance they need to launch and thrive.
In her role and Transition Specialist, Angela will be available a few days a week to support our students, families and broader community. She is a student centered professional and is eager to connect with each of you and to start making a positive impact within the lives of our students
and our school district. Angela is known to infuse the atmosphere with information, ideas, creativity, and fun. Her expertise and dedication to our mission make her a valuable asset to our program.
Thank you for your continued dedication to the success of our students, and I look forward to the great work we will accomplish together with Angela on board.
Please join me in welcoming Angela to our team!
Refer your friends and family to enroll in our classes!
UCAEL Interest Form
AEL Enrollment Procedures for PY26 Review:
Step 1
Complete our Interest form above
Step 2
Once you complete our Interest Form in Step 1 you will receive a link to our 25-26 Intake Schedule to schedule your assessment testing.
Step 3
Complete your scheduled testing session (s) based the scheduled time agreed upon between yourself and our AEL staff.
Step 4
Schedule class orientation with teacher to review your results, discuss program expectations, then you will receive your login for Burlington English/ Essential Education for studying outside the classroom.
Class Attendance Requirements
The following are attendance requirements:
Classes that meet 2 days a week - students can miss no more than 2 to 3 classes per cycle unexcused.
Verification of Enrollment and Attendance:
Students will only be given letters of verification, once he/she has completed two weeks of class without missing a class. All verifications will be sent as written correspondences from the main
office. A RELEASE OF INFORMATION FORM requiring your signature, name and agency requesting information must be completed. If student misses 4 days of attendance, notification will be sent to the requesting agency/person(s).
Stop-Outs
If a student needs a stop-out, a period of time when the student cannot attend class due to personal reasons, the student must be granted permission from the AEL Instructor with final approval from the AEL Coordinator. A stop-out period can be granted for a maximum of 2 weeks. After that, the student will be dropped from the class and will have to reenroll in the next
available class cycle.
Please ensure that you have read the above policies and procedures presented here and agree to comply with them. You must understand that violation of the rules may result in my suspension or expulsion from the program. See you teacher if you have questions.
Visit Burlington English for Online English practice and a lesson.
First, I joined the ESL program through the University City Adult Education program. I found that the program was very helpful; it gave me practice with listening, speaking, reading, and writing, and also because it helped me to understand American culture.
The next year I joined the HiSET (formerly) class which helped me to learn English in an educational context and refresh my memory of some subjects. The class had a friendly, non-judgmental feel that helped everyone to relax and focus on learning. After I finished the course, I passed the HiSET Exam with Career and College Ready Scores. This was a personal goal of mine as I hold a Master Degree in Economics: Banking and Finance from my home country Russia.
The University City Adult Education Instructors were very helpful in advising me on what to do next to become a teacher. I utilized UCAEL's Transition Services to navigate the process of starting my new career!
The Transition Specialist and I worked together to obtain a substitute teaching certificate, write a resume, apply for employment, and practice interviewing. I have now started teaching 5th Grade Science, Social Studies, and English Language Arts at Flynn Park Elementary School.
Jackie Caldwell started her second career, after retiring from AT& T, with the University City Adult Education and Literacy Program within The school District of University City, during the 2002-03 school year as Data Entry Clerk. She was the first to hold said position within the program, and was instrumental in providing data entry to support the continual funding for the program over the years.
Additionally, over the years Jackie took on the roles on High School Equivalency Aide and New Student Intake Specialist, responsible for doing all assessment testing upon entry into the program for Non-Native Speakers of English and for those seeking their High School Equivalency. She was meticulous in her work and daily professional demeanor, ensuring that she passion shined in her our unique way.
Did you know that the University City Adult Education and Literacy Program also provides Career Preparation Services? Yes it’s true, over the last five years the Program has collaborated with the St. Louis County Job Center-OYS program and area accelerated training programs to provide adult’s academic remediation services for Workkeys preparation, coupled with job readiness training and paid summer work experience with possible access to over $5000.00 of funding for those meeting eligibility requirements for job training programs. This collaboration, now known as the Transition to Work Academy (T2WA) grew out of the need for transitional services that many adults expressed after successfully achieving their HiSET (formerly GED).
The Adult Educational Program Coordinator, Clay Ware set out to build an ecosystem to support the smooth transitions of these adult students into the workforce and post secondary opportunities. Using his 16 years of experience as a St. Louis County Workforce Investment Board Member and over 20+ years experience as the UCAEL Program Coordinator started partnerships with over 25 not for profit organizations. The T2WA returned to a fully in-person format this year! A new location was acquired through a generous offer from One Family Church to host meetings in the church offices in the heart of the Delmar Loop.
The T2WA met twice weekly in June 2022. Activities included:
Soft Skills Instruction for Career Readiness
Resume Writing
Provider Visits (Virtual and In-Person): BUD, PATTS, Mentor, NPower/Worldwide Technology, STLCC Accelerated Training (Boeing Pre-Employment Training, CDL Truck Driving, Environmental Remediation Technician), Regions Bank (Personal Banking), Edward Jones (Investing)
WorkKeys Curriculum Practice
Essential Education Curriculum for Skill Practice
Interview Skills
Mock Interviews
Site Visits
Training Program Applications
WorkKeys Testing
TABE Testing
Driver Training for those in need of a driver license to access employment opportunities
Forklift Training and certification for building trades career pathways
T2WA participants continued their career pathways in the following trainings and pre-apprenticeship programs
The partnership between the University City’s T2WA 2022 Program and Employment Connection’s WIOA OSY program provides a supportive foundation for all participants. “Collectively, we work to bridge gaps and alleviate barriers to furthering one’s education and career. Our holistic approach provides vital fundamentals to achieve favorable outcomes for active participants. On behalf of Employment Connection, we would like to thank the TW2A program for their willingness to partner with us and we look forward to strengthening this collaboration for years to come.” says Sara M. Brown, Manager, WIOA OSY Program, Employment Connection.
Enroll for our New Career P.A.T.H. Class
Enroll for our New Career P.A.T.H. Class
The University City Adult Education and Literacy Program continues to provide support to our students and community!
The University City Adult Education and Literacy Program continues to provide support to our students and community!
Free Distance Learning Opportunities:
Free Distance Learning Opportunities:
- English as a Second Language Classes
- Hi-SET/GED)Preparation
- WorkKeys Assessment Preparation
New for Winter 2023!
New for Winter 2023!
Are you looking to start or transition to a career in a high demand field? Careers in technology, healthcare, and the building trades are growing in St. Louis! The Career PATH program can help you on your journey.
Are you looking to start or transition to a career in a high demand field? Careers in technology, healthcare, and the building trades are growing in St. Louis! The Career PATH program can help you on your journey.
- PREPARE: Refresh academic skills required for training and beyond & acquire soft skills needed in the workplace
- ASSESS: Complete required testing to qualify for training programs
- TRAIN: Enroll and participate in a recognized training program and gain valuable credentials
- HIRED!: Utilize new skills and credentials to gain employment in a high demand field!
Requirements:
Requirements:
- 18 years or older
- Goal of enrolling in a local training program requiring job-based assessments, such as the WorkKeys, etc.
- Commitment to 4-6 weeks of study & a minimum of 20 class contact hours
- Virtual Intake Conference
- Initial Assessments (TABE / WorkKeys Placement)
Community Resources
Community Resources
- Visit our Transition Services - Jobs page to find resources for employment and support. Call or text for more information: 314-391-9232
Interested?
Interested?
You can reach us:
You can reach us:
- By Phone: 314-290-4052
- By Text: 314-391-9232
- By Email: aelinfo@ucityschools.org
Burlington English for English Language Learners
Burlington English for English Language Learners
University City Schools 248956_Flyer_Learn English from Home_Square Logo_fillable_final.pdfThe unique program for English acquisition offers a blended learning solution which combines face-to-face classroom activities with anytime-anywhere access to state-of-the-art online interactive courses. Students are free to use the online course materials as much as they like, whether that’s a few hours a week or several hours a day. They’re limited only by their motivation to succeed.
Please contact your teacher to get your username and password.
mkelley@ucityschools.org English Class Level 1/2 & 3/4
TBA@ucityschool.org English Class Advance 5/6
IH-015-208_student guide for web-based courses.pdfVirtual-Class-Scheduler-Guide_Students.pdf
Page updated
Report abuse