Wilkinson Center’s Adult Education program helps adults improve their academic skills, learn English, and prepare for careers. We provide free classes in English and Spanish, supportive services, and pathways to credentials that open doors to employment and postsecondary education.
For more than 15 years, we have helped students gain the skills needed to be competitive in today’s workforce. In 2014, Wilkinson Center joined the Dallas Adult Education and Literacy Consortium, and with funding from Workforce Solutions Greater Dallas, our classes continue to be offered at no cost to students.
For individuals ages 17–24, additional support is available, including career planning, assistance with applying for financial aid, financial coaching, and transportation assistance.
All students benefit from financial literacy and workforce readiness training, as well as the option to participate in individual career and financial coaching sessions to build a plan for long-term self-sufficiency. Enrolled students also have access to Wilkinson Center’s Food Pantry and referrals to community resources to help remove barriers to employment.
Eligibility Requirements
To enroll, students must meet the following:
Dallas County Residency
- Live in Dallas County
Age Requirements
- Age 16: Requires court order + official school withdrawal + guardian permission.
- Ages 17–18: Requires official school withdrawal + guardian permission.
- 18+: open enrollment
Provide ONE Valid, Unexpired ID
- S. REAL ID
- S. Passport
- S. Birth Certificate
- DHS-issued immigration documentation (Permanent Resident Card [I-551], Refugee/Asylee documentation, Employment Authorization Document, etc.)
- Native American tribal document (federally recognized)
Class Availability
Classes are offered in English and Spanish at flexible times to fit students’ schedules: Mornings, Afternoon, Virtual, and limited Weekends.
Current Program Offerings
High School Equivalency (HSE / GED®)
- Classes in English and Spanish, Monday–Thursday.
- Prepares students to earn the Texas Certificate of High School Equivalency.
- Free virtual math tutoring available 7 days a week.
- Distance learning platform access for at-home study.
- GED® test vouchers provided for eligible students.
English as a Second Language (ESL)
- Classes 2 times per week, from beginner to high intermediate.
- Focus on reading, writing, listening, and speaking.
- Access to a distance learning platform for online practice outside of class.
English as a Second Language for Professionals
- Designed for students with a degree or credential from their home country.
- Focus on workplace communication and professional English.
- Includes access to career courses on our distance learning platform.
Integrated Education & Training (IET)
- Combines basic education, workforce readiness, and job training.
- Current IET programs include:
- Transportation & Distribution (with a Forklift Certification)
- Teacher Assistant Preparation
- Phlebotomy Technician
- To learn more, visit our IET page
Class Locations
Classes are conveniently offered throughout Dallas County:
- Dallas College Pleasant Grove Center – 802 S. Buckner Blvd, Dallas, TX 75217
- Wilkinson Center Employment and Education Center – 3302 N. Buckner Blvd, Ste. 111, Dallas, TX 75228
- Dallas College West Dallas Center – 3330 N. Hampton Road, Dallas, TX 75212
- Pleasant Grove Branch Library – 7310 Lake June Rd, Dallas, TX 75217
- North Mesquite High School – 18201 Lyndon B Johnson Fwy, Mesquite, TX 75150
- Dallas College Workforce Center at RedBird – 3662 W Camp Wisdom Rd Suite 2065, Dallas, TX 75237
- Dallas College Eastfield Campus – 3737 Motley Dr, Mesquite, TX 75150
- Dallas ISD Resource Center South – 4401 South Second Avenue, Dallas, TX 75210
Why Choose Wilkinson Center?
- Free classes with caring instructors.
- Wrap-around support: case management, financial coaching, employment assistance, and scholarships.
- Pathways to success: earn credentials, continue to college, or advance in the workforce.
Ready to Get Started?
To begin, students must register for an orientation by clicking the REGISTER TODAY button below. Orientations are offered in-person, during daytime hours.
If you have questions about our Adult Education programs, please call (972) 284-0392 or email programs@wilkinsoncenter.org
As we grow our programs and classes, we are always looking for people who want to share their time and talents to help our students succeed. If you are interested in volunteering, please visit our Volunteer Page to complete the application.