Education Options
“Education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today.”
Get Your GED
Youth Conservation Corps
Youth Conservation Corps helps assist 16-24 year olds in Lake County. It does so by offering GED certifications, career services, college prep, education; employment, HVAC/R, construction projects, summer conservation, leadership and life-skills.
The majority of programs are specifically designed to serve young people who have dropped out of high school and face other challenges, such as being low income, homeless, single parents, persons with disabilities and/or foster youth. Through our caring staff and community partnerships, we work to provide our young people with every opportunity they need – and deserve – to rebuild their lives.
Youth Conservation Corps: 1020 W Greenwood Ave., Waukegan, IL; 847-623-0900; youthconservationcorps.org
UMMA Center
The mission of the UMMA Center is to empower the lives of underprivileged individuals in Lake County by providing educational support and community resources. The UMMA Center offers FREE GED Classes and Basic Computer Classes.
UMMA Center: 221 Washington St., Waukegan, IL 60085; 847-336-6136, info@ummacenters.org; ummacenters.org.
Zion-Benton Public Library
The library offers self-study lessons, videos, practice tests, and more includes clear explanations, interactive quizzes and practice tests, Flashbulb flashcards, and live tutoring!
Zion-Benton Public Library: 2400 Gabriel Ave., Zion, IL 60099, 847-872-4680, https://zblibrary.info
Get your High School diploma
YouthBuild Lake County
YouthBuild Lake County helps assist those between the ages of 17-24 in obtaining a high school diploma, job training and career certifications, college success navigation, individual and group counseling, post-secondary scholarship through AmeriCorps. Eligibility is based on one of the following: low income, youth or adult offender, disability, incarcerated parent, migrant youth, within or aged-out of foster system.
YouthBuild Lake County: 2303 Kemble Ave, North Chicago, IL, 847-473-3483, youthbuildlakecounty.org
Go to a trade school
Trade Apprentice Programs:
Lakecountybuildingtrades.com
Through the Trade Apprentice Programs, you can select the trade you are wanting to shadow and each trade organization has an application process for the apprentice program. For more information and different opportunities available, you can visit their website here!
Youth Conservation Corps
Youth Conservation Corps helps assist 16-24 year olds in Lake County. It does so by offering GED certifications, career services, college prep, education; employment, HVAC/R, construction projects, summer conservation, leadership and life-skills.
The majority of programs are specifically designed to serve young people who have dropped out of high school and face other challenges, such as being low income, homeless, single parents, persons with disabilities and/or foster youth. Through our caring staff and community partnerships, we work to provide our young people with every opportunity they need – and deserve – to rebuild their lives.
Youth Conservation Corps: 1020 W Greenwood Ave., Waukegan, IL; 847-623-0900; youthconservationcorps.org
YouthBuild Lake County
YouthBuild Lake County helps assist those between the ages of 17-24 in obtaining a high school diploma, job training and career certifications, college success navigation, individual and group counseling, post-secondary scholarship through AmeriCorps. Eligibility is based on one of the following: low income, youth or adult offender, disability, incarcerated parent, migrant youth, within or aged-out of foster system.
YouthBuild Lake County: 2303 Kemble Ave, North Chicago, IL, 847-473-3483, youthbuildlakecounty.org
Go To College
College of Lake County
CLC is a comprehensive community college offering a wide range of academic program choices that can enhance your career or personal life. The college is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and a member of the North Central Association. Their major program areas include credit programs to prepare students for transfer or career entry, GED and adult basic education, non-credit offerings for personal or career development, and contract training and specialized services for businesses.
College of Lake County Main Campus: 19351 W. Washington St., Grayslake, IL 60030, 847-543-2000, Academic Counseling and Advising 847-543-2060; 33 N Genesee St., Waukegan, IL 60085, Academic Counseling and Advising 847-543-2186
University Center
The University Center of Lake County is unique in that it offers select courses from a wide range of top colleges and universities. Students can complete their bachelor’s degree or earn an advanced degree without having to travel too far from home. Convenient, flexible schedules make earning the degree you want while balancing your life, easier than ever before.
The University Center of Lake County: 1200 University Center Dr., Grayslake, IL 60030, 847-665-4000, ucenter.org