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7 Essential Programs At SCALE: Your 2025 Guide To The Somerville Center For Adult Learning Experiences

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The Somerville Center for Adult Learning Experiences (SCALE) is the cornerstone of adult education in the city, offering a vital pathway for residents aged 16 and older to achieve academic and career goals. As of December 22, 2025, SCALE continues its mission to empower adults through student-centered, data-informed instruction, providing essential skills in a supportive, diverse, and welcoming environment.

The program, which operates under the umbrella of Somerville Public Schools, has been a pillar of the community for over 45 years, annually serving more than 1,200 adult learners across a spectrum of foundational and career-focused courses. With a focus on literacy, high school equivalency, and workforce development, SCALE is not just a school; it is a critical resource for social and economic mobility in the Greater Boston area.

The Somerville Center for Adult Learning Experiences (SCALE) Profile

The Somerville Center for Adult Learning Experiences (SCALE) is the official adult education program of the Somerville Public Schools (SPS).

  • Official Name: Somerville Center for Adult Learning Experiences
  • Acronym: SCALE
  • Part Of: Somerville Public Schools (SPS)
  • Core Mission: To empower adults, 16 and older, by providing data-informed, student-centered instruction, a challenging learning environment, and guided supports.
  • Director: Joselyn Marte, Director of Continuing Education.
  • Physical Address: 167 Holland Street, Somerville, MA 02144.
  • Target Audience: Adults aged 16 and older, with a strong focus on Somerville residents.
  • Key Offerings: Adult Basic Education (ABE), Adult Secondary Education (ASE), English Language Learning (ELL/ESOL), High School Equivalency (HiSET), and the Adult Diploma Program (ADP).
  • Cost Structure: Morning and evening classes for core programs (ABE, ESOL) are typically offered free of charge to Somerville residents, while fees may apply for the Adult Diploma Program (ADP) for individuals residing outside of the city.

The Critical Role of Contextualized ESOL Workforce Programs (2024-2025 Updates)

One of the most significant and timely updates for SCALE in the 2024-2025 academic year is the expansion of its contextualized ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) workforce programs. These programs represent a major shift, integrating English language instruction directly with vocational training to prepare adult learners for specific, in-demand careers within the Massachusetts workforce.

These specialized courses are designed to address the unique challenges faced by English language learners who need both language proficiency and technical skills to secure stable employment. The programs are often free and are supported by external funding, such as grants from organizations like the First Literacy Grant, highlighting their importance to regional workforce development.

Deep Dive into New Contextualized ESOL Career Pathways

The recent launch of two FREE contextualized ESOL workforce programs in October 2024 is a testament to SCALE’s commitment to career readiness. These programs offer clear pathways into two critical sectors of the local economy:

1. ESOL/Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) Program

This course is a high-impact offering that combines intensive English instruction with the specific vocabulary and knowledge required for a healthcare career. The skills taught in this state-licensed certificate program are directly aimed at preparing learners to successfully sit for the challenging Massachusetts Nurse Aide Certification Exam. Completing this program opens doors to entry-level positions in hospitals, nursing homes, and other long-term care facilities, addressing a persistent need in the healthcare industry.

2. ESOL/Early Childhood Education Program

This program focuses on providing entry-level training and practical job experience for ESOL adult learners who are interested in becoming educators or support staff in early childhood settings. The curriculum not only builds English proficiency but also covers the foundational principles of child development, classroom management, and safety protocols essential for working with young children. This pathway supports the vital need for diverse and skilled staff in the Somerville and Massachusetts public school systems.

Academic Foundations: From Literacy to High School Diploma

While the workforce programs capture the latest headlines, the core of SCALE's operation remains its foundational academic offerings. These services are crucial for adults seeking to improve basic skills or complete their secondary education.

Adult Basic Education (ABE) and Adult Secondary Education (ASE)

The ABE and ASE programs are designed for learners who need to build or strengthen fundamental skills in reading, writing, and mathematics. These classes are structured to provide personalized instruction that moves at the learner's pace, creating a supportive environment for those who may have struggled in traditional educational settings. ABE focuses on literacy and numeracy skills, while ASE prepares students for the rigors of high school equivalency.

The Path to a High School Diploma: HiSET and ADP

SCALE offers two distinct, accredited pathways for adults to earn a high school credential, catering to different needs and circumstances:

1. HiSET (High School Equivalency Test) Preparation

The HiSET is the official alternative to the GED in Massachusetts. SCALE provides comprehensive test preparation services, including classes and practice testing, to ensure students are ready to pass the exam and receive their state-recognized equivalency credential.

2. Adult Diploma Program (ADP)

The ADP is a structured program that allows eligible Massachusetts adults who left high school without a diploma to earn an actual high school diploma, rather than an equivalency. SCALE staff work closely with students to assess their previous credits and create a plan to complete the remaining requirements through coursework offered at the center. While morning and evening classes for core programs are generally free for Somerville residents, the ADP may involve fees for those who live outside the city limits.

Digital Literacy and Northstar Online

In the modern job market, digital literacy is as essential as traditional literacy. SCALE integrates technology training into its curriculum and offers dedicated computer classes. A key resource is the use of Northstar Online accounts, which provide learners with tools for practice and assessment in essential computer skills, ensuring they are prepared for the technological demands of the contemporary workplace and higher education.

The commitment of Joselyn Marte, the Director of Continuing Education, and the entire SCALE staff ensures that these programs remain current, relevant, and accessible. By focusing on both foundational skills and specialized workforce training, the Somerville Center for Adult Learning Experiences continues to be an engine for positive change, helping thousands of adults in Somerville and the surrounding communities of Massachusetts transform their lives through education. The blend of free core classes, state-of-the-art digital resources, and targeted career pathways solidifies SCALE's position as a premier adult education provider in the region.

7 Essential Programs at SCALE: Your 2025 Guide to the Somerville Center for Adult Learning Experiences
somerville center for adult learning experience
somerville center for adult learning experience

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