The Basic Skills program provides educational opportunities for adults 16 years or older who are out of school. The program addresses the needs of adults who do not have a high school diploma or who lack sufficient mastery of basic education skills to enable them to function effectively in society. They can improve their reading, writing, mathematics, and communication skills through five major programs: General Education Development(GED), Adult High School (AHS), English as a Second Language (ESL), and Compensatory Education (CED). Classes are free of charge and are offered in a variety of settings and at convenient times. Over 12,000 classes are offered annually on community college campuses, work sites, churches, public schools, community centers, libraries, homeless shelters, correctional institutions, and other locations.