Chesapeake College’s Adult Basic Education (ABE) program served over 850 community members this past year. Their service region spans five counties and 1,823 square miles – one of the largest regions in Maryland. Students of the program come from 30 different countries and speak over 16 languages!

The ABE program meets students where they are by providing English-speaking skills, workforce skills, and by helping students to prepare for the Maryland High School Diploma. Classes are held face-to-face two or three days a week throughout the region and online, with computers, iPads, or cell phones. Services are offered in English and Spanish making it very easy to get started!

In addition to English as a Second Language (ESL) coursework, the ABE program prepares students to earn their high school diploma through the GED exam or through the self-paced National External Diploma program.

Find out how you, or someone you know, can get started by visiting our ABE/ESL program page.

Meet some of our graduates who will walk across the stage with their diplomas in October!

Lisbeth has completed her FAFSA and will be attending Chesapeake in the fall. She will begin with general studies and would like a degree in Architecture in the long term. Her second consideration is law.

Jayden will be attending Chesapeake in the fall in Environmental Studies. His long-term goal is to find a plant-based cure for Parkinson’s disease.

Bryan is currently enrolled in virtual classes in his home country of the Dominican Republic taking Research Methodology and Introduction to Law.
His long-term goal is a Master’s Degree in Law and Criminology.

Lisette is a brand new mom. She has completed the dental assistant program and will start her internship this summer.

Alexis is currently attending Barber College.

George is currently preparing for the Accuplacer. His goal is to attend Chesapeake in the fall for general studies and then choose between law enforcement or nursing.