Alliance for Lifelong Learning (ALL)

Oakton College is a leader in adult and continuing education in the state of Illinois. In a typical year, more than 20,000 people register for courses in adult education. The college collaborates with the high school districts of Maine, Niles, Northfield and Evanston townships to form an educational partnership, the Alliance for Lifelong Learning (ALL). ALL coordinates the resources of each separate district to make more instructional services available within the college district.

Nearly 1,000 courses and events are scheduled each fall, spring and summer term. Some courses meet once, while others follow the format of a 10- to 12-week course. Offerings include career and certificate training, vocational and technical courses, crafts, skill improvement, commercial and professional courses, physical fitness and recreational courses, and youth courses.

A catalog of course offerings is distributed to district residents about one month before registration begins. Catalogs are available in the Alliance for Lifelong Learning office at both campuses in room 1170 at Des Plaines and room A120 at Skokie.

For more information, call 847.982.9888 or email continuingeducation@oakton.edu.

Workforce Solutions

Oakton College provides high quality workforce training and consulting to area businesses, manufacturers, healthcare providers and municipalities. Services include consulting, contract training and professional development for individuals or organizations.

Consulting and training services are available to clients on campus or at the client's location. Services include:

  • assessment and identification of training needs 
  • customized curriculum development, instructional design and program evaluation
  • continuing education (CEUs) for professional re-licensure

To learn more, email workforcesolutions@oakton.edu.

Continuing Education for the Health Professional

Oakton College provides members of the health professions and allied health occupations with educational programs to update their knowledge and improve their skills. Participants receive a certificate of completion from Oakton at the conclusion of each course. All educational activities are submitted to the appropriate organizations for endorsement of continuing education credit.

The Continuing Education for Health Professionals (CEHP) Program has been approved as a continuing education sponsor by the Illinois Department of Professional and Financial Regulation (IDFPR) for the following professions: Nursing Home Administrator, Social Worker/Clinical Social Worker, Professional Counselor/Clinical Counselor, Psychologist, Nursing, Respiratory Care Practitioner, Speech-Language Pathology/Audiology, Occupational Therapy, Marriage and Family Therapist, and Physical Therapy.

The CEHP program is also authorized by statute as an approved Illinois State Board of Education for Teachers professional development provider; by the Commission on Dietetic Registration for Registered Dietitians and Dietetic Technicians, license number OA00001; by the Association for Play Therapy as an approved provider, number 20-607; as well as being recognized as an approved Non-Domestic Violence Illinois Certified Domestic Violence Professional/Partner Abuse Intervention Professional (ICDVP/PAIP) CE site. Radiology Technologist credits are provided through the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) upon submission of the program for approval. Programs are also submitted to the Illinois Certification Board of Addictions Counselors for approval.

For more information, call 847.635.1438 or email cehp@oakton.edu.

Emeritus Program

The Emeritus program offers high quality programming, expert instructors and speakers, and camaraderie for adults 55 and older. The program includes weekly lectures and programs in a variety of topics including film, literature, foreign relations, politics and more. These programs are offered at the Ray Hartstein (Skokie) Campus. For more information, call 847.982.9888 or email continuingeducation@oakton.edu.

High School Completion Opportunities

Through ALL, students 17 years or older may complete high school through Evening High School or through the High School Equivalency Program. For more information, call 847.635.1426.

Evening High School

Any Maine Township, Niles Township or Evanston resident 17 years of age or older who is not currently enrolled in a regular daytime high school program may apply for admission to the evening high school program. Classes are offered twice per week: Monday and Wednesday or Tuesday and Thursday, from 6 to 8 p.m. and 8 to 10 p.m. Classes are small to maximize individual attention. For more information, call 847.825.7719 between 6 and 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, September through April. Glenbrook (District 225) residents should call 847.486.4465.

High School Equivalency Program

Individuals 18 years of age or older may obtain a State of Illinois High School Diploma by passing a series of General Educational Development (GED®) tests. Students under 18 may be tested if they meet eligibility qualifications. To prepare students for GED® testing, ALL offers:

  • Placement testing with the Test of Adult Basic Education (TABE), individual counseling and immediate registration.
  • Review courses in the subject areas of the GED® tests as well as the U.S. and Illinois constitutions, which are required by the State of Illinois.

Students must enter the program through the testing and counseling process. For information about placement testing and course registration, call 847.635.1426.

Information regarding the GED® tests can be found at www.GED.com.

Literacy

The Literacy program is designed for native and non-native speakers of English who wish to improve their reading and writing skills. Daytime and evening classes are offered at various locations throughout the district. Master teachers provide direction to trained tutors who offer individual or small group assistance for each student. Classes focus on developing reading skills to meet short-term and long-range personal or professional goals.  Advanced classes are offered for adults whose native language is not English and who need to improve reading and/or writing skills necessary to enter High School Equivalency or college classes. Classes are funded by the Illinois Community College Board and from Illinois Secretary of State Library Grants. Classes are offered at no cost to the students.

For complete information, call the literacy program manager at 847.635.1426.