There are many reasons adults return to learning. If you are looking for a course because you want to move forward in your goals, Calgary Learns supports programs that may help.
What
We support programs that help with basic skills in these areas:
- Reading and writing
- Parenting and Family Literacy
- Computer-Use
- Speaking, writing, and understanding English
- Working on your goals that will help with employment and life
- Upgrading or GED preparation
Who
The programs are for learners who are:
- Adults (over 18)
- Living in Calgary
- Facing barriers to learning (e.g., the cost of courses, challenges with school)
- Indigenous, and want to learn in programs based in cultural ways of knowing and being
- Needing help with basic English
- Living with a disability, and looking to strengthen their skills
Reading and Writing
- Community Access to Literacy Learning – CanLearn Society
Is English your first language? Are your struggles with reading holding you back? Come to this course! It will help you strengthen your reading and writing skills. This will help you to feel more confident in your everyday life and support you in finding better work opportunities.
For more information, please visit CanLearn
“I’ve realized that I am capable of far more than I expected. I was shocked when I received the book Missing from you and was actually able to tackle the first chapter with success!”
- Taking Charge – CanLearn Society
Learning can be so hard! Are you ready to try again? Want to learn some skills that can make learning easier? This program is for you! It will help you strengthen your everyday reading, and you will gain confidence and skills at the same time!
For more information, please visit CanLearn
“The program is great because it gives me the idea that I can learn and talk about what I read with other people.”
- Reading Connections – CanLearn Society
Do you want to improve your reading skills? If you would like to learn at your own pace one-on-one, without pressure, this program may be a good fit for you.
For more information, please visit CanLearn
“I know how to read long words now. I know so much more vocabulary. I am over the moon!”
- Literacy and Learning Program (LLP) – Calgary John Howard Society
Are the Calgary John Howard Society programs a good fit for you? Are your reading, writing or math skills getting in the way of setting new goals? This one-to-one and small group learning opportunity can support you and get you on your way.
For more information, please visit CJHS
“The program helped me understand my verbs, nouns, and they related it to my understanding. That’s what I struggled with. It boosted my confidence.”
- The Alex – Write On
If you want to strengthen your reading and writing skills, but self confidence keeps getting in the way, come to this course. Together we will choose, read and talk about books. You will be supported to build self esteem in a positive learning environment!
For more information, please visit The Alex Write On
“I am reborn into the joy of an educated adult, much beyond my expectations!”
Upgrading
- Basic Math – CanLearn
Math can be hard! Do you need help with math for everyday life or your job? Are you hoping to take courses that need a good understanding of math? Many people want to re-learn, or learn for the first time, basic math skills. In this course you will get help with the nuts and bolts of basic math concepts. We hope this will help you to feel more positive about math.
For more information, please visit CanLearn
“I am now able to do multiplication, long division, and I understand fractions. I feel very optimistic about my plans to get my GED.”
- Numeracy – SAIT
Do you want to go to college or university but need upgrading in Math first? If you need to l strengthen your reading and writing to apply for upgrading, this pre-upgrading course covers grade five to eight math to help you get ready.
For more information, please visit SAIT - Adult Literacy – SAIT
Do you want to go to college or university but need upgrading in English first? If you need to l strengthen your reading and writing to apply for upgrading, this pre-upgrading course covers grade six to nine English to help you get ready.
For more information, please visit SAIT - Never Too Late (GED) – Kindred
Do you want to get your GED so that you can get a better job, or enroll for a college program? Do you need help to strengthen your math and English skills? This course will help you prepare to pass the exam, including support for issues that make studying a challenge. The course provides the GED textbook and covers your exam costs.
For more information, please visit Kindred
“The biggest impact [this program] has had was knowing that I can reach out for help, and not be scared to. It’s been a good experience.”
Computer-Use
- Basic Digital Skills — Calgary John Howard Society (CJHS)
Are the Calgary John Howard Society programs a good fit for you? Are your computer skills getting in the way of setting new goals or finding services? This one-to-one and small group learning opportunity is a great place to start.
For more information, please visit CJHS
“I have no complaints, other than when’s the next class?”
- Computer Access for Literacy Learners – The Immigrant Education Society (TIES)
Are you looking to learn how to use a computer, tablet, and smartphone? Are you learning English? We can help! This program will help you feel more confident with the daily tasks that need you to be online.
For more information, please visit TIES Computers
“This computer class is very helpful – I learned a lot in terms of internet exploration, receiving and sending emails, booking appointments online, typing, creating documents, and sharing them with my teachers. Computer class is better because many things are linked to computer use these days in Canada.”
- Computer Training for Integration for Refugees – Calgary Catholic Immigrant Society (CCIS)
Do you need to learn basic computer skills? Are you a new refugee to Canada who is learning English and has other barriers to taking programs? Come to this course for help. Classes are taught in Tigrinya, Amharic, Pashto and Dari.
For more information, please visit CCIS
“I have support from so many people who obviously care about me. They have made me believe I can be part of a classroom when before I felt incapable of learning.”
- Digital Skills Training for Service Access and Community Engagement – Calgary Catholic Immigrant Society (CCIS)
Do you need help with your digital skills so that you can access the programs and services you need? Do you need basic English (below Canadian Language Benchmark 4) to help you learn? This is the course for you!
For more information, please visit CCIS
“The course was very good, and I learned a lot from it.”
Learning English
- Everyday English for Seniors – Calgary Immigrant Women’s Association (CIWA)
Are you over 55 years old and an immigrant to Canada? Do you want to have better English reading and listening skills? Come to this class and practise your English language conversation skills.
For more information, please visit CIWA Seniors
“My family has noticed how much I have improved since I started the classes.”
- Pebbles in the Sand – Calgary Immigrant Women’s Association (CIWA)
This program helps immigrant women with less than 7 years of education in their home language, learn how to read, write, and speak in English.
For more information, please visit CIWA Pebbles
“I was very shy to speak in English before. Because I think my English is not good. But now I feel comfortable and enjoy group talking with all my classmates.”
- Bi-Literacy Project – Centre for Newcomers
This program is for home language speakers of Tigrinya, Arabic, Farsi/Dari and Nepali who are learning to read and write for the first time as adults. This program supports second language and literacy learning, beginning with literacy instruction in the home language. It was designed especially for adults who have not had access to formal schooling and who have not learned to read or write in their first language.
For more information, please visit: Centre for Newcomers
- Reading Room – The Immigrant Education Society (TIES)
Would you like to improve your reading in English? We are here to help! This program offers one-on-one support to help you be confident in reading and in understanding what you have read.
For more information please visit TIES Reading Room
“I can and understand now. I am slow, but I understand better. Thanks to the Reading Room I am happy.”
- Stepping Stones – Diversecities
Is English your second language? Would you like to improve your daily English skills? This ESL program uses both first languages (Mandarin, Cantonese, Farsi, Dari and/or Pashto) and English instruction. Field trips provide real-life opportunities to practice listening, speaking, reading and writing skills.
For more information, please visit Diversecities Stepping Stones
“The classes have improved my spoken English.”
Programs Specifically for Indigenous Learners
- Blackfoot Language and Literacy Program – Elizabeth Fry
Would you like to learn the language of the territory (Blackfoot)? Join us. Families are encouraged to join us as we will experience oral teachings, interactive learning, traditional stories of the territory, and cultural teachings. Learning the language and cultural knowledge strengthens our cultural identity.
For more information, please visit Elizabeth Fry Blackfoot
- Indigenous Workplace Wellness Circle – Aboriginal Futures
Have you been out of work or school for more than a year? Do you need to develop workplace skills? Build a plan to return to work or school or training. Join us to gain experience, earn certificates and explore career and employment opportunities. Indigenous culture and ways of learning are honoured in the workshops with support from community Elders.
For more information, please visit Aboriginal Futures
- Knowledge to Move Our Lives Forward Program – Closer to Home
Do you want to learn from Indigenous Elders/Knowledge Keepers? Join us! This is an opportunity to build life skills through traditional cultural teachings. Come and be part of the circle and learn to drum and sing. Families are welcome.
For more information, please visit Closer to Home
“I come here to hear from others and to share some of my own experience with others, it’s healing and I am learning about my life and moving forward.”
- Sage: Emotional Wellness Program – Elizabeth Fry
Are you an Indigenous woman? Have you had criminal justice involvement? Join us. We will come together to gain confidence, learn essential skills, strengthen communication skills and explore career and employment opportunities through Indigenous cultural connection and supports, life skills, and preparation and planning towards your next steps of employment.
For more information, please visit Elizabeth Fry Sage
- Momentum – Money Moccasins
Are you an Indigenous adult? Are you interested in learning about financial wellness?
Join us. We will use Indigenous cultural values to learn about western financial concepts through stories and knowledge sharing. We will work together so that you feel more confident on your financial wellness journey. One-on-one individual financial coaching is also available so that you can discuss your financial wellness and explore opportunities in a safe and non-judgemental environment.
For more information, please visit Momentum Money Moccasin
- USAY Indigenous Literacy Program
Are you an Indigenous adult? Are you looking for a basic reading and writing program? Are Indigenous ways of learning and connection to culture important to you?
If you are interested, contact kelsi@usay.ca
Parenting and Family Literacy
- Magic Carpet Ride – CanLearn Society
Do you want to be more confident to engage your child’s learning? This course is for families whose children are between 3 and 5 years old. You will practice everyday learning by playing, talking and listening, singing, and sharing books and stories. Together with other families, you will develop skills in a safe and welcoming environment that will help your own learning.
For more information, please visit CanLearn
“One of the things that I have learned is how important it is that parents model learning for their kids. I enjoyed parent discussions, and I loved the “pen pal” activity!”
- Learning Starts at Home – CanLearn Society
Do you want to help your children become strong readers? This course is for parents whose children are between 3 and 7 years old. You will learn how to understand and support your child’s learning needs. Learning together as a family, in your own home, is a good way to build both your child(ren)’s and your own literacy skills.
For more information, please visit CanLearn
“Both my daughter and I have learned to read so many new words. My biggest learning is how important it is to learn to read step by step.”
- Family Life Education – Families Matter
Are you a parent who wants to learn positive parenting skills and strengthen your family? This course is for you! Childcare may be available.
For more information, please visit Families Matter
Employment & Life Skills
- Learning Enhanced Employment Program (LEEP) – Calgary John Howard Society (CJHS)
Are the Calgary John Howard Society programs the right fit for you? Are you ready to work on the skills you need to get a steady job? This might be the program for you!
For more information, please visit CJHS
“Don’t let your criminal record get you down or hold you back from achieving your full potential.”
- Pre-employment Program (PEP)
Are you preparing for employment, volunteering, or school? Are you looking for support to achieve your goal? This course will help you develop skills and confidence. It also provides work experience and certifications.
For more information, please visit The Alex PEP
“I learned more than how to properly prepare for, and to search for employment. I learned a lot about myself and what direction I want to head in life. I feel so much more confident in my abilities.”
- LEARN – The Alex Community Food Centre
Do you want to improve your confidence, problem solving and communication skills? Do you want to learn skills that will help you achieve your personal goals? Come to this course for practical learning experiences. You will develop skills as well as confidence!
For more information, please visit The Alex Learns
“[This program] opened up my mind to being around people… and [has given me] something positive to look forward to. [It] also benefits me because I can really use a skill like budgeting, cooking, gardening, these things are all very wonderful.”
- Taking Care of Me – carya
Are you an adult looking to return to learning? Have you experienced learning challenges in the past? Our groups will help you build confidence, communication skills, problem-solving skills, critical thinking, and self-awareness. Offered at 2 different locations (Bowness area or East Village area), we will focus on themes that help you build skills for your life.
For more information, please visit: carya
- American Sign Language – Deaf and Hear Alberta (DHA)
Do you or a family member need to learn or improve your American Sign Language (ASL) to communicate? Deaf and Hear Alberta have courses available to help. There are bursaries available to remove financial barriers.
For more information, please visit DHA
- Money Matters – Momentum
Do you want to feel more confident when it comes to dealing with your money? Does mental health stress make that hard? The Money Matters program will teach you how to plan and manage your money. The program is offered at several agencies. Find one near you!
For more information, please visit Momentum Money Matters
“I am more confident with money. Money Matters has given me the tools to succeed in life. “
- Employment and Life Skills – Making Changes
Are you an immigrant woman who wants to plan for a career? Do you want to build confidence and learn more about education, employment, or volunteer opportunities? This program is for you.
For more information, please visit Making Changes
Programs designed specifically for learners with disabilities
- Foundational Literacy Program – Prospect Human Services
Do you want to improve your reading and writing skills? Come join our group-based program to meet friends and learn together. There is one-to-one support available. Attending 2 to 3 times a week will help you to reach your goals.
For more information visit www.prospectnow.ca
“I am so confident now; I build others’ confidence.”
- Community Drama Programs – Inside Out Theatre
Do you enjoy theatre and acting? We offer drama programs that are fun and creative. They will help you develop learning skills for daily life and personal growth.
For more information, please visit Inside Out Theatre.
