Education & Jobs
Free programs for kids, teens, and adults — tutoring, GED, college, and job training. Education is power, and it shouldn’t cost you everything to get it.
Last updated: May 2026Not sure what to do next?
We’ll show you exactly where to go, what to ask, and how to get help fast.
Show Me What To Do →Tutoring & after-school support (K–12)
Free year-round one-on-one tutoring for students in grades 1–12 with the same volunteer tutor each week for long-term consistency and support.
Visit Website · Area: Chicago (In-Person & Virtual)
Free tutoring and enrichment program for students grades 1–12 with transportation, meals, career development, and scholarship opportunities.
Phone: 312-274-3828 · Visit Website
Area: Near North, West Side & South Side Chicago
Free K–12 tutoring program serving Austin and surrounding West Side neighborhoods with one-on-one academic support and reading specialists.
Visit Website · Area: Austin & West Side Chicago
Program Hours: Monday, Tuesday & Thursday Evenings
Free K–12 tutoring through University of Chicago students across South Side community sites with homework help and individualized tutoring support.
Visit Website · Area: South Side Chicago
Homework Help Hours: Tuesdays & Thursdays 4pm–6pm
Free 24/7 online tutoring for grades 6–12 covering math, science, English, SAT prep, and college essays.
Visit Website · Access: Virtual / Nationwide
Students can usually connect with a tutor in under 10 minutes.
Free drop-in homework help and online tutoring through Chicago Public Library branches with support for homework, ACT, and SAT prep.
Visit Website · Area: Chicago Public Library Branches
Online Tutoring Hours: Daily 2pm–11pm (English & Spanish)
Early childhood (ages 0–5)
Free early childhood education for income-eligible families with children ages 0–5, including meals, health screenings, and family support services.
Apply: 312-744-2278 · Visit Website
Area: Multiple Locations Across Chicago
- Call or apply online to start the enrollment process.
- Ask which program fits your child’s age group.
- Have proof of income, address, and the child’s birth certificate ready if possible.
- Ask which locations have openings near your neighborhood.
Free or low-cost preschool application system connecting families to CPS and community preschool programs for children ages 3–5.
Visit Website · Area: Chicago Citywide
- Create an application online and search by neighborhood.
- Use one application to apply for multiple preschool programs.
- Apply early because some locations fill quickly.
Illinois childcare assistance program helping working families pay for daycare and childcare through state subsidies.
Phone: 1-877-202-4453 · Visit Website
Area: Illinois Statewide
- Call or apply online to begin the childcare assistance process.
- Ask what income limits and work requirements apply.
- Have proof of income, work schedule, and childcare provider information ready.
- Ask whether your current daycare accepts CCAP payments.
GED & adult education
Whether you left school last year or thirty years ago, getting your high school equivalency is possible — and free. These programs are built for adult learners with real lives.
Free GED/HiSET preparation and ESL classes for adults at all learning levels with pathways into college programs and workforce credentials.
Visit Website · Area: Chicago Citywide
- Apply online or contact the nearest City Colleges campus.
- Ask whether classes are in-person, online, or hybrid.
- Ask about placement testing and class schedules.
- Ask what programs can lead directly into certifications or college credit.
Free intensive 10-week GED preparation program offered in English and Spanish with support transitioning into college-level coursework.
Visit Website · Area: Chicago
- Apply online or contact admissions for GED enrollment details.
- Ask whether classes are offered in English or Spanish.
- Ask about start dates and class schedules.
Free GED preparation program for adults on the South and West Sides with small-group and one-on-one academic support.
Visit Website · Area: South Side & West Side Chicago
- Contact the Center for Literacy to ask about GED enrollment.
- Ask whether tutoring or one-on-one support is available.
- Ask what class schedules fit work or family responsibilities.
College access & financial aid
The system is built to make you give up. These programs help you push through.
Seven community colleges across Chicago offering associate degrees, career certificates, transfer pathways, and workforce training programs.
Apply Online · Area: Chicago Citywide
- Apply online and choose the campus closest to your neighborhood or career goal.
- Fill out the FAFSA before registering for classes.
- Ask about free tuition programs, grants, and workforce scholarships.
- Ask whether your program transfers to a four-year university.
Education support program for Chicago Housing Authority residents covering tuition, books, uniforms, exam fees, and college transition support.
education@thecha.org · Area: Chicago Housing Authority Residents
- Email or contact the program to ask about eligibility.
- Ask what schools and certificate programs are covered.
- Complete FAFSA paperwork early.
- Ask about transportation, books, uniforms, and testing support.
Free FAFSA assistance through the Illinois Student Assistance Commission helping students unlock grants, scholarships, and federal financial aid.
Phone: 1-800-899-4722 · Visit Website
Area: Illinois Statewide
- Call for free FAFSA guidance or application support.
- Never pay anyone to complete a FAFSA form.
- Have Social Security numbers, tax information, and school lists ready.
- Ask about Illinois grants and scholarship deadlines.
Long-term college access and success program helping Chicago students with mentoring, scholarships, college matching, and career development.
Visit Website · Area: Chicago
Who this is best for: High-achieving students from under-resourced communities preparing for college and long-term career growth.
Three-year college success program embedded in CPS schools helping first-generation students get into and stay in college.
Visit Website · Area: Chicago Public Schools
Who this is best for: First-generation college students needing coaching, accountability, and college transition support.
Job training & workforce development
Free workforce development program offering career coaching, job training, resume support, and placement services through American Job Centers across Chicago and Cook County.
Visit Website · Area: Chicago & Cook County
- Use the website to find the closest American Job Center.
- Ask about free training programs tied to jobs that are hiring now.
- Bring ID, resume, and work history if you have them.
- Ask about transportation help, interview clothing, or certification funding.
Alternative education and workforce training for young adults without a high school diploma combining GED preparation with hands-on job training.
Visit Website · Area: Chicago
- Contact the program and ask about current enrollment openings.
- Ask what age groups qualify.
- Ask which career tracks or certifications are currently offered.
- Ask about stipends, transportation, and support services.
Job readiness, life coaching, and placement program helping adults overcome barriers such as homelessness, incarceration, and addiction.
Visit Website · Area: Chicago
- Apply online or contact Cara Collective for orientation details.
- Ask about upcoming training cohorts and job placement support.
- Be honest about barriers you’re facing so staff can connect support services.
- Ask about transitional employment or employer partnerships.
Free libraries & computer access
Every Chicago Public Library branch has free WiFi, computers, printing, books, and staff who can help with everything from job applications to homework. They are one of the most underrated resources in the city.
Chicago’s public library system with 81 branches offering free books, computers, WiFi, printing, study space, classes, digital resources, and community programs.
Phone: 312-747-4300 · Visit Website
Area: Chicago Citywide
- Visit the nearest branch and apply for a free library card.
- Bring ID or proof of address if you have it.
- Use library computers for job applications, schoolwork, or printing documents.
- Ask staff about ESL classes, citizenship help, tutoring, or kids programs.
Real Talk
Finding education programs can feel overwhelming. A lot of programs don’t clearly explain what you qualify for, what’s free, or how to actually get started.
- Ask if the program is truly free or if there are hidden costs
- Check if there are deadlines or limited spots
- Ask what documents you need before applying
- Don’t be afraid to call — websites don’t always tell the full story
You don’t have to figure it all out at once. Start somewhere, ask questions, and take the next step.
Education isn’t just for kids.
Whether you’re 5 or 55, it’s not too late to learn something new, finish what you started, or open a door that’s been closed too long. We’ve watched it happen — kids from after-school programs becoming the first in their family to go to college. It’s possible. We’re rooting for you.
Contact usThese resources were researched for our community. We’re working to personally verify each one. If something is outdated or you have a resource to add, please reach out.