Adult Learners Thrive at CLC

Continue with college, start a new career or upskill

Whatever your goal, we'll help you choose an academic pathway that is affordable and suits your busy life.

What's your goal?


Earn a degree or certificate

Find a degree or certificate program that aligns with your purpose and interests.

Find my program

Enroll in professional development or noncredit career programs

Gain new skills, earn industry credentials, prep for a certification exam or stay current in your profession.

Get skills to level up

Re-enroll at CLC

It’s easy to continue your studies at CLC when you’re ready to come back.

Restart your CLC journey

Earn and learn through apprenticeships

Earn money, get practical on-the-job training and pay nothing. Sounds good and it's true!

Become an apprentice

Not sure which path to take?

Explore career options. Discover degrees and certificates that fit your interests.

Talk to your College and Career Navigator
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Support for adult learners

You don’t have to navigate your return to college alone. Our team supports you from onboarding through enrollment.

Online, in-person, evening, weekend

Convenient and flexible class options help you balance your busy life.

Two adult students participating in class discussion

There is no age limit to apply for financial aid

Applying for federal financial aid can get you grants, scholarships and other money to attend school. We'll help you figure out finances so you can earn a degree or career certificate with little to no debt.

Connect with financial aid

Explore scholarships

Smiling adult learner

Get money to train for high-demand jobs

If you qualify, your career training may be covered free of charge. Discover opportunities through the

Student works on an HVAC project

Helping you succeed in school

Has it been a while since you've been in a classroom? No worries. We have people and resources to help you get on track to excel in class.

  • College and Career Navigators (CCNs) get you onboarded. They help you explore careers and programs and set up your first semester classes.
  • Academic Success Advisors (ASAs) then step in. They help you create course plans going forward so you graduate on time and achieve your college goals.
  • Free tutoring for many of your classes plus help with math and writing.
  • More than 1,000 qualified and caring full-time and part-time faculty teach at CLC. Nearly all of them have post-graduate degrees. Meet faculty
  • Affordable or free textbooks and technology. Borrow a laptop at the library to use for an entire term if you need it.

Explore more academic support

Student taking an art class
Adult learner wearing headphones, studying

Take it to the next level

You've finished your studies. We'll help with what's next.

Moving forward with your bachelor's degree? Your Academic Success Advisor (ASA) will guide you through the transfer process, from start to finish. You can transfer to any school you choose!

Ready for a new career? You have access to career support specialists, job fairs and employability skills seminars. The Career and Job Placement Center has resources to help in your job search:

  • Find job postings through Handshake, the online job site used by CLC
  • Participate in job fairs on campus
  • Resume writing and interview prep guidance
Student and company representative at job fair

In this video, hear from students who used our Career & Job Placement Center services to gain internships, improve resume and interview skills, and connect with employers. Learn about workshops, apprenticeships and more!

Mira el video con subtítulos en español
Watch CJPC video on YouTube

Need childcare to attend class?

We’re here to help. Get free or low-cost childcare at our Lakeshore and Grayslake campuses.

Explore the Children's Learning Center

Childcare at Children's Learning Center

More resources to support your well-being

Your personal well-being affects your ability to achieve in school. That's why we offer free and low-cost resources like

  • gym memberships
  • counseling and peer support
  • massage therapy
  • dental hygiene
  • fitness training
  • wellness coaching

We're committed to your total personal success!

Learn about other services

Adult learner studying in a quiet spot

Get started at CLC

Your first step? Connect with your College and Career Navigator (CCN).

They'll help you start or relaunch your college journey. Together, you'll explore career paths and degree and certificate options. They'll help you register for classes, explore ways to pay for college, set up a healthy life-work balance and more.

Next steps: You may need to complete other steps before you can start class at CLC. But don't worry. Your CCN is your guide and will lead you through the process.

Connect with your personal college navigator

Fill out this short form to connect with your College and Career Navigator. Together, we'll figure out your return to school.

* = required field

Want to connect a different way?

Have other questions about CLC?

Welcome and One Stop Centers are where to ask questions about registration, payment/finances, student records and general campus information.

Contact a Welcome and One Stop Center

Semester dates and details

What students say about CLC

  • Close up of hands wiring HVAC device

    David Brent

    Graduate

    “CLC is a great place to receive an education. It has ample resources and genuine people who care not only about the student but the person who wants to be successful.”

    David earned a Residential Heating Technician Certificate at CLC with help from a workforce grant.

    Explore financial aid options

    Close up of hands wiring HVAC device
  • Kendra Anderson

    Kendra Anderson

    Adult Learner

    “I've never had a professor that wasn't helpful, didn't go out of their way to help me.”

    Kendra is studying education and Spanish at CLC. She plans to transfer to a 4-year school to earn a bachelor's degree to become a certified bilingual teacher, teaching in both English and Spanish. 

    Read Kendra's story

    Kendra Anderson
  • Travis Taylor, CLC CAD-Drafting graduate and apprentice at UCC Environmental

    Travis Taylor

    Graduate + Apprentice

    “I'm very glad I went through the program.”

    Travis enrolled in CLC's CAD-Drafting Technology program and became an apprentice with UCC Environmental in Waukegan, Ill. Both helped him pivot to a new career without taking on student debt.

    Read Travis' story

    Travis Taylor, CLC CAD-Drafting graduate and apprentice at UCC Environmental
  • Luisa Campo Londono

    Luisa Campo Londono

    Adult Learner

    “All my family, especially my kids, saw me different. They look like, surprised. 'My mom, yes, she can do it.'”

    Luisa began with Saturday ESL classes, working her way through the Bridge Program and ICAPS to earn a Certified Nursing Assistant certificate. She now works as a physical therapy rehab aid.

    Watch Luisa's story on YouTube

    Luisa Campo Londono
  • Photo of Olivia Peterson refinishing a vehicle

    Olivia Peterson

    Graduate

    “I’m having so much fun now – and I’m finally in a situation where I can say, ‘I just want to be at work.’”

    Olivia studied Automotive Collision Repair at CLC. She holds master’s degrees in music and library science, but attended CLC to improve her job prospects. Her internship at an auto body repair shop led to a full-time career after graduating.

    Read Olivia's story

    Photo of Olivia Peterson refinishing a vehicle
  • Photo of Shadora Fox

    Shadora Fox

    Graduate

    “Now I have an opportunity to create a new career for myself to live a comfortable and healthy life. I am forever grateful for this program.”

    Shadora earned a Medical Reception / Receptionist Certificate at CLC with help from a workforce grant.

    Explore financial aid options

    Photo of Shadora Fox
  • Chad Holt, CLC student

    Chad Holt

    Adult Learner

    "I have a lot of technical skills, but I didn't have the formal education side. I've connected a lot of dots (in this program), and it's really helped me to polish and hone my skills."

    Chad is a full-time employee striving to earn associate degrees in automation, robotics and mechatronics and mechanical engineering technology. His goal is to upskill and advance in his field.

    Read Chad's story

    Chad Holt, CLC student
  • Guillermo Medina

    Guillermo Medina

    Adult Learner

    “I had to learn a lot of things and a lot of the questions I had were answered. Everybody here I've come into contact with is willing to help.”

    Guillermo enrolled in the adult education program to earn his Illinois high school diploma. He also is pursuing a career certificate in Criminal Justice through the ICAPS program.

    Read Guillermo's story

    Guillermo Medina
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Frequently asked questions

 


Balance life, work and school

Succeed in college

Get started

Path to a satisfying career and secure future

Meet Joe, a CLC graduate who followed his heart into a satisfying career and a secure future for his family. "Going to the College of Lake County is still the best decision I ever made." Watch the video:

Excel in college and in life

CLC experts share tips for navigating college. Read about students who succeed at CLC.

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    Skilled trades training at CLC: Find your career path

    Work with your hands and solve real problems. Train for the skills employers need close to home in Grayslake, Waukegan and Gurnee, IL. Earn a short-term career certificate or two-year associate degree in 9 different skilled trades. Earn while you learn as an apprentice.
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    Types of college degrees explained

    It's confusing when you have to choose a degree. There are so many letters! To help narrow your options, College of Lake County compares degrees, their differences and how to pick the best one for you.
  • Adult student standing at a crossroads of possible pathways

    How to choose a major that works for you

    Choosing a college major can feel overwhelming, especially for adult students juggling many responsibilities. At CLC, you don't have to make this decision alone. Get practical steps to select a program of study that fits your life and forms your future.
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    CEJA Waukegan Hub celebrates first graduating class

    The Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA) Waukegan Hub Training Program announced the graduation of the first cohort.