Education & Adult Learning · 32 resources
Free HiSET and GED prep, adult education, literacy tutoring, and college programs for adult learners across Maine.
Adult education in Maine runs through a statewide network of local programs that offer free HiSET and GED preparation, ESL, college readiness, and computer classes in nearly every community. Portland Adult Education runs the largest program in the state, and towns from Bangor to Lewiston have their own adult ed centers.
If you need one-on-one help with reading, writing, or math, Literacy Volunteers of Maine matches adult learners with free tutors. Recent high school and HiSET graduates can attend any of Maine's community colleges tuition-free, and New Ventures Maine offers free career and education planning. Use the city filter below to find adult education near you.
Maine Department of Education
Statewide adult education system offering free or low-cost classes in HiSET/GED preparation, English language learning, college readiness, workforce training, and enrichment through local programs in nearly every community.
Portland Public Schools
Maine's largest adult education program offers free HiSET preparation, ESL classes, college transition support, job skills training, and on-site HiSET testing.
Maine State Library
Free digital learning resources, online courses, eBooks, audiobooks, scholarly databases, and digital literacy training for all Maine residents. Online resources available 24/7.
Literacy Volunteers of Maine
Statewide network of 14 community-based affiliates providing free, confidential, one-on-one tutoring for adults who need help with reading, writing, math, and English language skills.
University of Maine at Augusta
Maine's adult-friendly public university offering online and on-campus degree programs for working adults, including the ATLaS support program and adult degree completion scholarships.
Maine Community College System
Seven community colleges offering affordable degree and certificate programs, workforce training, and a free tuition scholarship for Maine residents who graduated high school in 2023-2025.
New Ventures Maine / University of Maine at Augusta
Free classes and coaching to help adults explore career options, plan for education, develop job search skills, and make career transitions. Available online and at seven locations statewide.
Maine Department of Education / Local Grantees
Free early childhood education, health screenings, nutrition services, and family support for income-eligible children from birth to age 5 and pregnant women across Maine.
Bangor Adult Education
Provides free classes for high school completion, HiSET preparation, college readiness, literacy, math, digital skills, and ESL for adults in the Bangor area.
Lewiston Adult Education
Free HiSET testing, ESL classes, and adult learning programs in the Lewiston-Auburn area. Computer-based testing center available.
Biddeford Adult Education
Adult education center offering HiSET prep, ESL classes, healthcare training certificates, workforce skills programs, and enrichment courses in the Biddeford-Saco area.
Literacy Volunteers of Bangor
Free one-on-one adult literacy and English language tutoring for greater Bangor area residents. Walk-ins welcome or by appointment.
GED and HiSET, free community college, ESL classes, and finding a program near you.
Maine uses the HiSET exam for high school equivalency. Contact your local adult education program to enroll in free HiSET preparation classes. Most programs offer day and evening classes. When you are ready, you can take the HiSET test at authorized testing sites including Portland Adult Education. Visit maine.gov/doe/learning/adulted to find your nearest program.
Maine residents who graduated high school or earned their GED or HiSET in 2023, 2024, or 2025 qualify for free tuition at any of Maine's seven community colleges. There are no income or age limits. The scholarship covers tuition after other grants and scholarships are applied. Visit mccs.me.edu to learn more and apply.
Free English as a Second Language (ESL) classes are available through Maine's adult education system. Portland Adult Education offers the largest ESL program in the state. Most local adult education programs also offer ESL classes at no cost. Contact your nearest program or call 211 to find classes in your area.
Yes. Maine has a statewide network of locally operated adult education programs in nearly every community. Academic classes including HiSET preparation, ESL, college readiness, and computer literacy are typically free. Many programs also offer workforce training and personal enrichment courses. Visit maine.gov/doe/learning/adulted or call 211 to find your local program.