RSU 24 Adult Education

We offer two paths to earning a high school credential: the Adult High School Diploma and the High School Equivalency Test (HiSET, formerly the GED). The Adult High School Diploma program allows you to pick up where you left off in school to earn your high school degree. The HiSET program prepares you to take a nationally recognized test on reading, writing, mathematics, social studies, and science.

Diplomas earned through either program are recognized by colleges, employers, and the military. Both programs also offer career and college advising to support you in wherever you go next. If you aren’t sure which program is the right one for you, we will help figure out what is the best path for you!

There is no cost to earning your high school credential through RSU 24 Adult Education.

Adult High School Diploma

The Adult High School Diploma program allows you to earn your diploma by taking classes to earn credits. You start by transferring any credits earned in high school or from another educational institution (such as another adult education program). After that, you will take classes with our instructors that are tailored to your educational goals. Our classes are small and student-centered, with in person and hybrid options for instruction.

High School Equivalency Test (HiSET, formerly the GED)

The HiSET program allows you to earn your high school diploma by taking a nationally recognized test that is designed to show your high school level skills and knowledge. The test is broken into five sections: reading, writing, mathematics, social studies, and science. The tests are multiple choice with one essay. Most students do not take all of the tests in one sitting! Each section is scored individually and you can retake a section if you do not pass it.

We offer many different options for preparing to take the HiSET depending on your schedule, needs, and goals. You will take a practice test to see what material you know or where you might need to study more. You may take classes or work with a tutor before taking a section of the test. Our pre-testing, tutoring, and advising will go at your pace to help you prepare to take the HiSET.

Adult education isn’t just for academics! Our workforce development programs can help you find a new career path or advance your current career.

Career Exploration

Thinking about changing careers or looking for something new? We offer career advising including personalized career planning, assessments such as the World of Work Inventory (WOWI), and cover letter and resume assistance. Call us to make an appointment!

Certification Programs

We offer a variety of healthcare training and certifications for Clinical Medical Assistants, Nursing Assistants, and more. Each program has different requirements, but the process for applying to them is the same:

• Contact us to schedule an intake interview.
• Prior to your intake interview, complete and submit an application for the program. This includes some information about you, a personal statement, and references.
• Come in for your intake interview! We will go over your application, your goals, and next steps in the program.
• After your intake, you will take an assessment on reading and math. This is not a test!
• Some of our programs have a cost, either for the program or for materials, equipment, or transportation. We may be able to connect you with resources and organizations to cover some or all funding. You will need to finalize a funding plan before the program begins.

Please contact us for the most up to date information about our upcoming workforce training programs.

We offer CNA Recertification testing on a monthly basis. Please call for upcoming dates.

Do you or someone you know want help with reading, writing, English, or math? We have classes to help you with any of those subjects. To take these classes, please call our office. You will meet with an academic advisor who will help make a plan that’s right for you.

Our basic literacy and skills building classes are designed to help develop a strong foundation in English and Mathematics.

• Foundations in Mathematics: This class builds your basic math and arithmetic skills.
• Foundations in Reading: This class teaches you tricks and strategies for building your vocabulary and understanding what you read.
• Foundations in Writing: Work on the basics of grammar, punctuation, sentence structure, and vocabulary.
• English Language Learning: Build your skills in speaking, listening, reading, and writing in English. We focus on language for everyday life, work, and citizenship.

There is no cost for these classes. Please call to make an appointment with an academic advisor to create a plan that works for your educational, career, and personal goals.

Thinking about going back to school? Hancock County College Transitions (CT) is a college prep program consisting of college readiness, math, reading, and writing. CT offers adults the opportunity to build the skills, knowledge, and experience to enroll and succeed in college. Whether you’ve been out of school for a few months or 15 years, CT can set you up for success in continuing your education.

Our program includes:

• Academic classes
• Career and academic advising
• Financial aid and scholarship information
• Skills assessment
• Access to technology (laptops, etc) if needed
• College prerequisite classes
• And more!

There are three academic classes included in the CT program. Math & Technology will give you an intensive brush up of basic math skills and introductory algebra, teach you technology tips and skills to make the most of the digital world, and develop your problem solving techniques and strategies. College English will build your critical reading skills and writing process to give you a strong foundation for college level writing. College Readiness will prepare you for applying to and thriving in a college environment by strengthening your time management, organizational skills, and study habits.

There is no cost for the College Transitions program.

It’s back-to-school season for adult education too! While September usually brings with it the slew of advertisements for backpacks or lunchboxes, parents worried about how fast their children have outgrown last season’s pants, and the return of traffic slowdowns behind school buses, we have a different sort of start to the school year. RSU 24 Adult Education offers free high school completion classes tailored to your schedule and educational goals. Our fall semester begins on September 9, 2025. Unlike K-12 schools, you can enroll and start taking classes at any time! Even if you’ve missed the first day of the semester, our instructors work with you to create a plan that works for your schedule and goals. Contact us today to get started earning your high school diploma at no cost!

Already completed your high school diploma and are thinking about college? Whether you’ve been out of school for the last few months or the last several years, Hancock County College Transitions (CT) can help set you up for success in a college environment. After college, CT students have gone on to become nurses, social workers, electricians, paralegals, teachers, and more. CT is a FREE college prep program that will run from September 30 to December 16, on Tuesdays from 8:30am – 2:30pm at UMA’s Ellsworth location with online options. Apply by September 23 to enroll for this semester or contact us to get information about our winter schedule.

Our Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) and Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) programs are accepting applications until September 19! These certifications are ideal for those considering entry-level clinical positions or a nursing degree. This is the final semester we will be able to offer these classes at NO COST. Contact us for an application today. 

Beyond academics, September means our enrichment classes are back! We are excited to be offering new classes and returning favorites. To browse our selection, click the blue “Courses” button at the top of our page or view our print catalog in our “Links” section. With everything from basket weaving to boating safety, there’s something for everyone at RSU 24 Adult Education! You can sign up online, by giving us a call, or by visiting our office.

Adult Education and Family Literacy Week (September 14th – 20th)

In honor of Adult Education and Family Literacy Week, the Coalition on Adult Basic Education (COABE) is offering events, activities, and resources. Check out their virtual events, read student success stories, learn how to advocate for adult education, and more at coabe.org/aefl-week. If adult education has had a positive impact on you or your loved ones, Adult Education and Family Literacy Week is a great time to amplify the role that adult education has on communities, economies, families, and more.

Our office will be closed August 8th – August 17th. If you have questions or comments about our programs, please contact us at the form at the top of this page or leave us a voice message at (207) 422-4794, and we will get back to you as soon as possible. We will be checking our inbox periodically.

Our Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) and Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) programs are still accepting applications! These certifications are ideal for those considering entry-level clinical positions or a nursing degree. We are offering these classes at no cost. If you are interested in earning your CNA or CCMA certificate, please apply before September 19th, 2025. Call our office at (207) 422-4794 for more information.

We have been lucky enough to use the Strengthening Maine’s Workforce grant since 2023 to provide these trainings at no cost to our students. More than 65 students have earned no cost certifications through our programs in that time, allowing them to enter the healthcare industry and care for our community. Unfortunately, this fall’s CNA and CCMA classes will be the last classes we are able to offer for free. We will continue to work with students and community partners to ensure that these trainings remain accessible to anyone who wants a career in healthcare. Keep an eye out for our Medical Administrative Assistant course coming this winter!

Feeling ready to head back to school? We are starting our academic school year in September! A high school diploma can open up many opportunities for career advancement—and we are here to help. Both our Adult High School Diploma and HiSET (formerly GED) programs are completely free. Contact us or drop by our office to create an educational plan that works for your schedule and goals.

Hancock County College Transitions, a free college prep program to set students up for success in higher education, will run from September 30 to December 16, on Tuesdays from 8:30am – 2:30pm. This one day a week program can give you the tools you need to excel in college, whether you’ve been out of school for a few months or many years. Our application deadline is September 23, so apply today!