Adult Education Incentive Program

Adult Education > The ESL Incentive Program

The Truman College Incentive Program

The Truman College Incentive Program gives Adult Education students a special opportunity to continue their studies at Truman College by taking some college credit courses at reduced cost. Incentive students can begin their academic careers while developing English language skills or preparing for the GED test, and can continue pursuing their academic goals once they have completed the Adult Education program. Depending on length of time in the program, students will be able to earn credits toward or complete a basic or advanced certificate and/or earn credits toward an Associate degree.

Incentive Eligibility

Incentive candidates must:

Start the program while in ESL levels 6 through College Prep or a GED level course
Not have taken any college level courses in the US
Live in the city of Chicago*
Intend to pursue a certificate or Associates degree at Truman College
Score 50 or higher in the native speakers' COMPASS reading test
Complete an application and obtain a teacher recommendation

*Students with an I-20, H-1, J-1, or J-2 visas are not eligible for this program.

Program Phases

The Incentive Program consists of two phases. In Phase I, students are enrolled in both Adult Education courses and Credit courses. In Phase II, students have completed the Adult Education program and transferred to the credit program.

Number of Courses Permitted

Students may take up to eight tuition-free courses total.

Continuation in the Program

Students must have good attendance in Adult Education courses.
Students must maintain a 2.0 GPA in the credit program to continue to enjoy Incentive benefits.
Students may not receive a failing grade in their Adult Education courses.
Students need to be making progress in the program and should not repeat ESL level 6 through College Prep more than once.
Students will lose their Incentive benefits if they do not enroll in Incentive courses for more than two consecutive semesters.
Students must fill out a Truman College application to move from Phase I to Phase II.
Once in Phase II, students cannot return to Phase I (the Adult Education Program).

Cost to Students

Phase I: Students are responsible for paying for registration fees ($75) and books.

Phase II: Students must take and pay for one credit class for every tuition-free incentive class they receive in the same semester, in addition to paying for registration fees and books.

For Additional Information

The Incentive Program is a great opportunity for upper-level ESL and GED students to work towards achieving their academic goals! Incentive Information Sessions are held at the end of every semester. At the information session you will learn more about how the program works, as well as study options available to you at Truman College, and you will receive the application, which you will need to complete and submit in order to be considered for acceptance in the program. You should find out the schedule for the information sessions in your ESL or GED class. You may also ask for an Incentive Information Session Schedule in room 2424.

If you have any questions about the Incentive program or about programs offered at Truman College you are always welcome to talk with the Transition Liaison in room 2424. You can obtain the office hours for the Transition Liaison in room 2424. The Transition Liaison's job is to help you understand and apply for the Incentive program and answer any questions that you have about going to college.

You may also call (773) 907-4363 for answers to Incentive program questions.

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Truman College 1145 W. Wilson Ave. Chicago, IL 60640 (773) 907-4000