Greater Opportunities through Adult Learning (GOAL)
Improving adult education in Santa Cruz County takes time, dedication and a heart for the adult learner. We're so thankful to have these groups of educational advocates leading GOAL. Together we learn, collaborate, make decisions and do the work to improve adult education in Santa Cruz County

Programs offered through GOAL
Improving adult education in Santa Cruz County takes time, dedication and a heart for the adult learner.
Explore how to speak, read, write and understand American English.
You can pick the type of course that is right for your level of understanding, and take a class near you. **ESL courses are for non-native English speakers.
Courses are offered from beginning to advanced levels and are designed to help you keep learning as your English skills grow.
What will you learn?
Practical skills to help improve your English
Speak, listen, read, and write in English
English for everyday situations, such as jobs, parenting, dining out, shopping and more
At Cabrillo College
Noncredit ESL classes are FREE. Learn more here.
Classes are available in Spring, Summer, and Fall.
ESL credit classes cost $46 per unit plus student fees.
Classes are offered at both Aptos and Watsonville Cabrillo College campuses and online.
At WASCAE - Watsonville, Aptos, Santa Cruz Adult Education
English Learner classes are FREE
Classes are offered at 9 locations in south Santa Cruz County including Watsonville, Pajaro, and Freedom and 4 locations in north Santa Cruz County including Santa Cruz, Capitola, Aptos, and Davenport
Find a job you love that helps you create a secure future.
CE programs help you uncover jobs you might not even know exist!
Taking a class or earning a skills certificate or degree can help you find a new job, earn a promotion, and make more money. Many classes give you hands-on experience through work-based learning or prepare you to transfer to a four-year college.
Who are these classes for?
Classes are for learners who are ready to take their job to the next level or find a new career. Many programs are for people who can make short-term commitments (less than two years), while others are designed for more long-term certifications.
Our high-quality classes are taught by local instructors and industry professionals. Some classes are offered in Spanish or with English language support.
What will you learn?
Explore high in-demand jobs in areas such as computer and information technology, health/medical, office computers, landscaping, food/culinary arts, manufacturing, digital media, and more
Select classes offered with English language learner support in the classroom
Find classes based on your interests and strengths
Stand out from other applicants with a short-term training or a certification
Cabrillo College
Classes are offered in 15 industry sectors
Degree credit courses are $46 per unit + fees
See class times and locations on the Cabrillo College website
For help with enrolling in NONCREDIT CE classes please complete this application
Cabrillo noncredit CE - are tuition free and some classes use the IBEST teaching model (English Language Learner support)
SantacruzCOE CE - offering CE including Dental and Medical assisting, pre-apprenticeship trades, and workplace skill programs
WASCAE CE - offering CE including Dental and Medical assisting, pre-apprenticeship trades, and Cosmetology classes
Click here for more information on other CTE programs in the county.
The GED and HiSET (High School Equivalency Test) are two tests you can take for your diploma equivalency.
Teachers offer a blend of in-class, online and individualized instruction to help you succeed. Earning your high school diploma equivalency shows employers you're ready for the job and can open the door to higher education. Instruction is in both English and Spanish.
What will you learn?
Focus on preparing for and passing the GED or the HiSET test to earn your high school diploma equivalency
Develop strong study habits, understand the exam format, and take practice tests
Improve your skills for college or career training
WASCAE - Watsonville, Aptos, Santa Cruz Adult Education
GED and HiSET preparation classes are FREE at WASCAE
Students are required to attend an orientation and complete assessment
In-Person classes require that you attend classes 6-12 hours per week
Classes are held in the morning and evenings and new classes start each semester
Classes are for adults who speak English or Spanish
SantaCruzCOE - Santa Cruz County Office of Education
The Career Advancement Charter (CAC) is an Independent Study Program for adult learners to earn their High School Diploma while gaining academic and technical sills that will lead to college and career readiness. You can submit a student interest form by clicking here
Cabrillo College
Cabrillo offers a paid GED preparation program in English through the Cabrillo College Extension department using the Ed2go platform. There is a self paced 3 month course or an instructor led 6 week course.
About Adult Basic Education
Take basic education classes and become better in reading, writing, and math with Adult Basic Education (ABE) classes. Classes are taught to help you in real life situations and help you get a better job.
Who are these classes for?
Classes are geared for adults learning at 1st to 8th-grade levels or 9th to 12th-grade levels. Often students begin with English as a Second Language (ESL) classes and move on to Basic Education classes to sharpen their skills in reading, writing, and math.
What will you learn?
Improve basic reading, writing and math skills
Increase your earnings potential by preparing for a new job or advancing in your current job
Prepare for more advanced education, such as the GED or college courses
Classes are FREE at WASCAE Santa Cruz for Basic Education classes
Classes are held in the morning and evenings. New classes start each semester
Classes are for adults who speak English
Senderos - classes are offered through the Plaza Comunitaria program which also provides academic tutoring, skill building classes, and scholarships to native Spanish speaking youth and adults. The classes include Computer Literacy, GED Preparation, Spanish Literacy, Basic English, and Citizenship Test Preparation. The Plaza classes are provided free of charge and are held on Saturdays from 10-12pm at the Branciforte Small Schools site. Financial support may be available for students who are taking classes through Adult Education, community college, or other vocational or training programs.
Plaza Comunitaria at the Watsonville Library
Registration Help
Thinking of going back to school? Now is the perfect time!
We will help you register for classes so you can get ahead. We'll have information about affordable and FREE classes throughout Santa Cruz County, including:
English as a Second Language
Job Training and Certificates
GED and Citizenship
Questions? Call 831-400-8128 for more information. Se habla español!
Here are a few things to know about program requirements and preparation:
You will need an email address to apply at Cabrillo and WASC.
You don't need a social security number to apply to Cabrillo or WASC. Just leave the question blank.
You don't need a high school diploma to apply at Cabrillo or WASC.
More registration help can be found by clicking on the following links:
