Literacy Action in Atlanta: Adult Education, GED Prep, and Ways to Get Involved

Atlanta is full of opportunities to learn, grow, and give back, and Literacy Action is one of the city’s longest-standing organizations focused on helping adults build reading, writing, math, and job skills. If you or someone you know is looking for adult literacy classes, GED preparation, or volunteer opportunities in Atlanta, this guide explains how Literacy Action works and how to connect with it.

What Is Literacy Action in Atlanta?

Literacy Action is a nonprofit adult education provider based in Atlanta. Its mission is to help adults build the literacy and life skills they need for:

• Better employment
• GED or high school equivalency
• College or job-training programs
• Everyday tasks like reading mail, understanding bills, and using technology

Unlike K–12 schools, Literacy Action focuses on adults 16 and older who are no longer in traditional high school and want to improve their skills.

You’ll typically find Literacy Action:

• Partnering with local colleges such as Atlanta Technical College or community organizations
• Offering free or low-cost classes
• Serving neighborhoods across Metro Atlanta, including areas in and around Downtown, South Atlanta, and the Westside

Because programs and locations can shift over time, calling or checking current schedules is usually the best first step.

Who Literacy Action Serves in Atlanta

Literacy Action primarily supports:

• Adults who did not finish high school
• People who want to prepare for the GED or HiSET exam
• English-speaking adults who read below a high school level
• Adults who want to improve math, digital skills, or workplace skills
• Parents or grandparents who want to better support their children’s schooling

Many Atlanta residents find Literacy Action after:

• Moving into a new job field and realizing they need stronger reading or math
• Having trouble filling out job applications or online forms
• Wanting to qualify for training at Atlanta Technical College or other local programs
• Wanting more confidence reading with their kids or helping with homework

Core Programs and Services

Offerings can change, but most Atlanta-area learners will see some or all of these core program types.

Adult Basic Education (ABE)

For adults who want to strengthen:

• Reading and writing
• Basic math (addition, subtraction, fractions, percentages)
• Everyday skills like reading signs, forms, and instructions

ABE classes in Atlanta are usually geared toward adults reading below high-school level who want a safe, respectful environment to build skills from the ground up.

GED and High School Equivalency Prep

If you’re aiming for a GED or other high school equivalency credential in Georgia, Literacy Action often provides:

• Classes in reading, writing, math, science, and social studies
• Test-taking strategies and practice questions
• Help understanding testing locations, fees, and registration

Many participants in Atlanta use Literacy Action as a bridge to:

• Better-paying jobs
• Training programs at places like Atlanta Technical College or WorkSource Atlanta
• Community college or technical college programs

English Language and Life Skills (If Offered)

Depending on the year and funding, Literacy Action or its partners may offer classes that support:

• Everyday communication in English
• Understanding instructions at work
• Talking with teachers, doctors, or public agencies
• Navigating MARTA, shopping, and city services

If you or a family member is a non-native English speaker, ask specifically whether there are ESL or English conversation classes available, as these can shift based on demand and partnerships.

Digital and Workforce Skills

To help Atlanta adults compete in the modern job market, Literacy Action may include:

• Basic computer skills: using email, typing, online forms
• Intro to online job searches and resumes
• Workplace communication: reading work orders, following safety guidelines, writing simple reports

These skills are especially valuable if you’re applying to employers in Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, and Perimeter areas that use online systems for applications and training.

Typical Locations and How to Find Classes

Literacy Action works through its own sites and partner locations. While addresses, floors, and room numbers can change, Atlantans commonly find programs:

• In or near Downtown Atlanta
• On or near college campuses like Atlanta Technical College (south of Downtown)
• At community centers or nonprofit hubs serving specific neighborhoods

Because schedules and locations can be updated from semester to semester, the most reliable approach is:

1. Call the main office or listed phone number for class details.
2. Ask about the nearest site to your neighborhood (e.g., South Atlanta, West End, East Point, Clarkston, etc.).
3. Confirm:
   • Class days and times
   • Whether childcare is available or nearby
   • Whether you need to register in advance or can walk in

How to Enroll in Literacy Action Classes

The process is usually straightforward and designed to be low-pressure.

1. Make Initial Contact

Most Atlanta learners start by:

• Calling the main Literacy Action phone line
• Visiting a program site during office hours
• Being referred by another organization (WorkSource Atlanta, DFCS, shelters, or churches)

Be prepared to share:

• Your age
• Whether you are currently enrolled in high school (you generally must not be)
• Your goals (GED, job skills, reading, etc.)

2. Assessment or Placement

To place you in the right class level, staff may:

• Give you a short reading or math assessment
• Ask about your schooling background and work history
• Talk with you about your schedule and transportation

This is not a pass/fail test. It’s just to see where you are now so they can match you to a supportive class.

3. Orientation and Class Schedule

After assessment, you’ll typically receive:

• Your class schedule (days, times, and location)
• Information about attendance expectations
• Details about any materials or supplies you may need

Most programs in Atlanta operate on semester-like cycles (for example: fall, winter/spring, summer). If you call at a time when a session has already started, staff may:

• Add you to an ongoing class, or
• Put you on a list for the next start date

Costs and Financial Considerations

A key feature of Literacy Action is that programs are typically:

• Free or very low cost for most learners
• Supported by donations, grants, and community partnerships

Things to ask about when you call:

• Is there any fee for assessment or orientation?
• Are classes completely free, or is there a small registration fee?
• Are textbooks or materials provided, or do I need to purchase anything?
• Is financial help available for GED test fees?

Many Atlanta learners find that even if there is a small cost, payment plans or assistance may be available for those who qualify.

What to Expect in Class

Classes at Literacy Action are designed for adult learners, which usually means:

• Respectful, small-group settings
• Teachers and tutors who understand that adults have jobs, families, and responsibilities
• A mix of:
  • Direct teaching from instructors
  • Group activities and discussions
  • Individual practice with guidance
  • Computer-based learning, when available

You can expect to:

• Set personal goals (such as passing the GED math test within a year)
• Receive feedback and support at your own pace
• Be encouraged, but not pressured, to participate

How Literacy Action Fits into the Larger Atlanta Support Network

Atlanta has a wide ecosystem around adult learning and workforce development. Literacy Action often connects learners to:

• GED testing sites around Metro Atlanta
• WorkSource Atlanta for job search and training support
• Atlanta Technical College or Atlanta Metropolitan State College for career programs
• Community-based organizations that can help with:
  • Transportation
  • Housing instability
  • Food access
  • Childcare referrals

If you share your broader situation (job search, housing, children in school, etc.), staff may point you to other Atlanta agencies that complement your learning goals.

Ways to Volunteer with Literacy Action in Atlanta

If you’re looking for volunteer opportunities in Atlanta focused on education, Literacy Action is a strong option.

Common Volunteer Roles

Volunteers may:

• Tutor adults one-on-one in reading, writing, or math
• Support small groups under a lead instructor
• Help with GED prep tutoring
• Assist with office tasks, events, or outreach
• Help learners navigate basic computer skills

Volunteer commitments vary, but many roles ask for:

• A regular weekly time slot (for example, 2–3 hours, once or twice a week)
• A minimum commitment for a full term or semester

What Volunteers Should Know

Before starting, you can typically expect:

• A screening or application process
• An orientation or brief training on working with adult learners
• Guidance on curriculum, teaching materials, and how to support without taking over

Skills that help:

• Patience and encouragement
• Comfort explaining concepts step-by-step
• Reliability for scheduled sessions

Atlanta professionals, college students, retirees, and others commonly volunteer with Literacy Action as a way to support local communities directly.

Quick Reference: Is Literacy Action Right for You?

Below is a simple overview to help Atlanta residents decide their next step.

Practical Tips for Atlanta Residents

A few Atlanta-specific pointers:

• Transportation:
  When you call, ask how close the site is to MARTA rail or bus routes. Some locations may be walkable from stations like Five Points, Garnett, or West End.

• Scheduling Around Work:
  Many adult learners in Atlanta juggle jobs and family. Ask if there are evening or daytime options and what happens if you need to miss an occasional class for work.

• Childcare and Family Responsibilities:
  Literacy Action sites typically do not operate full childcare centers, but staff may share information about nearby resources or more flexible class options.

• Language Needs:
  If English is not your first language, ask specifically whether there are ESL-friendly programs or referrals to partner organizations in areas like Clarkston, Doraville, or Buford Highway.

How to Move Forward

If you’re in Atlanta and:

• Want to improve your reading, writing, math, or job readiness
• Need structured support to prepare for the GED
• Or want to volunteer to support adult learners

your best next step is:

1. Reach out to Literacy Action directly to confirm current classes, locations, and start dates.
2. Ask about assessments and orientation so you know exactly what to expect.
3. Set a realistic goal—for example, attending a certain number of classes per week or aiming for one GED subject at a time.

With consistent effort and support, many Atlanta adults find that Literacy Action offers a practical path toward stronger skills, better job options, and more confidence in everyday life.