Adults
It is never too late.
If you did not finish high school, if you want to learn English, if you want to become a citizen, if you want a better job than the one you have now, if you just want to try something new, this page is for you. The programs below are real. They are run by people who work with adults every day and know what working adult life looks like. Most of them are free or very low cost. Many of them have evening and weekend hours so you can keep working while you study. Some of them have child care.
You do not need to apologize for needing them. You do not need to explain why you did not do this earlier. You showed up. That is fantastic.
In Warren County, the main places that help adults learn are the public library, the local community college, Western Kentucky University, two organizations that serve immigrants and refugees, and several nonprofits that help people get good jobs. Community Education runs enrichment classes on top of all that. Each one does something a little different. The list below tells you which is which.
Hours, costs, and class schedules change. Always call before you enroll, and ask what you will need to bring.
This list is not every program for adult learners in Warren County. It is the places we know about. If you know a place we missed, tell us and we will add it.
Finish high school
SKYCTC Adult Education (GED Prep, ESL, and Career Training)
Southcentral Kentucky Community and Technical College runs Warren County’s main adult education program. Free GED preparation, free ESL classes for adult learners, and short-term career and technical certificates. Day and evening classes. The same program serves Warren County Schools Adult Ed students. If you are an adult who wants to keep learning anything, start here.
Goodwill Center for Education
A free education center for adults working toward a GED, building basic computer skills, or preparing for a job. They also offer training that connects directly to local employers.
1806 Nashville Road · Monday through Friday, 8 in the morning to 4:30 in the afternoon · (270) 781-4930
Warren County Public Library (Study Space and Online Prep)
The library has GED study materials, free online practice tests through LearningExpress, computers for studying, and a quiet place to work. Library cards are free for Warren County residents. The library also runs informal English conversation programs for adult learners.
The library does more than GED prep. See everything a library card gets you.
Learn English and become a citizen
International Center of Kentucky (ESL, Citizenship, Refugee Services)
Bowling Green’s main refugee resettlement agency. They run free ESL classes, citizenship classes, civics test prep, and naturalization assistance for legal permanent residents working toward becoming U.S. citizens. They also help with translation, interpretation, and case management. They have served the Bowling Green community for decades.
Refuge BG (Refugee and Immigrant Services)
Refuge BG is the second main organization in Bowling Green serving refugees and immigrants. They offer English classes, citizenship preparation, and other support to help families settle into life in Kentucky.
Get a better job
Kentucky Career Center (Free State Job Services)
The Kentucky Career Center has a Bowling Green office that helps people find jobs, write resumes, prepare for interviews, and qualify for free training programs through the state. They can also help with unemployment benefits and connecting workers with employers. Free for Kentucky residents.
SKYCTC Career and Technical Programs
In addition to GED and ESL, SKYCTC offers short-term certificate programs in fields that lead directly to good jobs. Welding, healthcare, IT, HVAC, automotive, manufacturing, and more. Programs range from a few weeks to two years. Many have grants and scholarships available.
SKYCTC also runs the Ready to Work Program, which helps adults on public assistance build careers while completing their education. Call (270) 901-1011 to ask about it. See the SKYCTC link above for everything else.
Path Forward of KY (Job Placement for People with Disabilities)
If you have a disability and want to work, Path Forward helps you find jobs that fit, advocate for accommodations, and access services that make working possible. They also help with Medicaid waivers and other disability-related support.
730 Fairview Avenue, Suite B5 · (270) 599-0020
Hope House (Education and Job Placement)
Hope House helps people who have been homeless or unstable rebuild, and that includes finding work and finishing education. They will help you with job applications, training, and connecting you with employers who hire people in transition.
112 W 10th Avenue · Monday through Friday, 9 in the morning to 4 in the afternoon · (270) 904-1200
Goodwill Cars to Work
If your job is far from home and you don’t have reliable transportation, this program helps qualified workers buy a low-cost, reliable used car so you can keep working. They also help with car repairs and driving classes.
1806 Nashville Road · (270) 282-2223
WKU Continuing & Professional Development
Western Kentucky University offers continuing education classes, professional certificates, and adult learning programs through its Continuing and Professional Development office. Courses include project management, leadership development, technology, language learning, and more. Some are free. Most are tuition-based with payment plans.
Learn something new for the fun of it
Community Education Enrichment Classes
Community Education runs lifelong learning classes for adults in Warren County. Fine arts, dance, music, crafts, cooking, computers, finance, fitness, foreign language, history, sewing, sports, and more. Some are one-night workshops, some run for several weeks. Most are low cost with flexible payment options. If you have ever wanted to try something new, this is where to look.
1227 Westen Street · Monday through Friday, 8 in the morning to 4:30 in the afternoon · (270) 842-4281
Community Education has served Bowling Green and Warren County families since 1973. They also run before and after-school programs, free car seat safety checks, and a holiday assistance program for teens. See our After School, Emergency, and Legal pages for more of what they do.
Know an adult education program that should be on this list? Email us and we will add it!