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Community Learning Center

617-349-6363

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5 Western Avenue
Cambridge, MA 02139

Do you want to go to college? The Bridge to College Program at the Cambridge Community Learning Center (CLC) can help you! This free program prepares adult learners to transition to college and succeed in college-level courses.

Participants earn college credits. When they finish, participants can apply to enroll in a bachelor's degree, associate degree, or a certificate program.

Our Program Has:

Small class sizes
Tutoring support
Opportunities to build computer and study skills
Educational and career advising services

Program Schedule

Classes run from September - June
Classes meet Mondays and Wednesdays from 6:15 - 9:15 p.m.

To participate in the program, students must:

Have a high school diploma or high school equivalency degree
Have a high level of English proficiency
Commit to regularly attend evening classes from September to June

Priority given to Cambridge residents. People living in some cities near Cambridge are also eligible. The list of eligible cities is available on the CLC Information Session Sign Up Form.

The application period for the 2024-25 program is closed. We will begin recruiting for the 2025-26 program in spring 2025.

Questions? Contact Ava Kiem at akiem@cambridgema.gov or call 617-349-9347.

Questions and Answers

How do I join the program?

First, attend an information session offered by CLC to see if it’s a good fit for you.

If you’re interested in the program, you will complete a math, reading, and writing assessment to determine your eligibility. You will also have an interview with CLC program staff. If accepted, you’ll find out by mid-August.

How much does the program cost?

There is no cost to participants.

Are classes online or in person?

Some classes are online. Some classes are in-person. You need to be able to take classes both online and in person. We are able to provide some help with access to computers and the internet.

What level of English do I need to be successful in the program?

You need to have very strong English grammar and vocabulary to be successful in the program. Students regularly write five paragraph essays.

If you need to learn how to speak, write, and read in English, CLC has an ESOL program for Cambridge residents. This is a good place to start!

If you have taken ESOL classes at CLC or a nearby program, we recommend finishing Level 5 before taking Bridge to College.

I already finished college, but I want to learn more. Am I eligible?

If you have a degree from another country, you do not need to go to university again. You can have your credential evaluated. You can use a free degree equivalency tool online to see what your degree is equivalent to in the U.S.