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Community Learning Center

617-349-6363

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5 Western Avenue
Cambridge, MA 02139

Are you thinking about going to college? The Bridge to College Program at the Cambridge Community Learning Center (CLC) can help you make it happen! This free program prepares busy adult learners to transition to college and succeed in college-level courses.

Participants earn college credits through dual enrollment at Bunker Hill Community College. When you finish Bridge to College, you can apply to enroll in a bachelor's degree, associate degree, or a certificate program at any college or university.

You will study:

Math
Writing
Reading

Our program has:

Small class sizes with a maximum of 17 students
Opportunities to build computer skills and study skills
Education advising and career advising services, including help applying for jobs and financial aid
Mentorship and tutoring

Program schedule

Classes are 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 fluent or advanced English
Commit to regularly attend evening classes in person from September to June

Cambridge residents have priority. We can also accept students who live in Arlington, Chelsea, Everett, Malden, Medford, Revere, Somerville, and Winthrop. We welcome all people, regardless of immigration status.

Questions? Contact Ava Kiem at akiem@cambridgema.gov or call 617-545-3860.

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?

The program is free. 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 the highest level of English class before applying to Bridge to College. You can always come to an information session earlier to learn about the program and plan your future.

I started college in the past, but I didn’t graduate. Am I eligible to participate in Bridge to College?

Yes, absolutely. We are here to help you with the many of the challenges that can make studying difficult. If it’s been 2 years or 20 years since you were in school, we are here for you.

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

If you have a degree from another country, you may 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. This will also help you determine if you need to fulfill the US degree requirements.