ABE Handbook Section 2: About Us


The ABE program at Truckee Meadows Community College (TMCC) was established in 1979 as an adult literacy service provider; since then, services have expanded to serve English language learners (ELL) and high school equivalency (HSE) preparation students. This program has helped thousands of students in this community for over three decades. The program makes all efforts to address and accommodate students' individual needs by offering convenient times and locations throughout Washoe County and offering various services. Our classes are of sufficient duration and intensity to optimize the learning process. Students are expected to adhere to our various policies, including maintaining an 85% or higher attendance rate in all enrolled classes.

The program has three offices in Reno. The center of operation is at TMCC's Meadowood Center, suite 220. The second office is located at TMCC's main campus, Dandini, in office 207B inside the Red Mountain building. This office is primarily used when staff has meetings at the Dandini Campus. The third office is at the American Job Center of Nevada (AJCN) inside the Reno Town Mall. The program is a partner of the AJCN, which provides a full range of assistance to job seekers in a one-stop operations model. The other agencies located at the AJCN are Nevada JobConnect, JOIN Inc., Division of Welfare and Supportive Services, Northern Nevada Literacy Council (NNLC) Nevada Bureau of Vocational Rehabilitation.

Program services are designed to serve the Washoe County community by:

  • assisting adults in becoming literate and obtaining the knowledge and skills necessary for employment and economic self-sufficiency;
  • helping adults who are parents or family members to receive the education and skills that:
    • are essential to becoming full partners in the educational development of their children; and,
    • lead to sustainable improvements in the economic opportunities for their family;
  • assisting adults in attaining a secondary school diploma and in the transition to post-secondary education and training, including through career pathways; and,
  • assisting immigrants and other individuals who are English language learners in improving their:
    • reading, writing, speaking, and comprehension skills in English;
    • mathematics skills; and,
    • acquiring an understanding of the American system of government, individual freedom, and the responsibilities of citizenship.

Adult Education means academic instruction and education services below the post-secondary level that increase an individual's ability to:

  • read, write, and speak in English and perform mathematics or other activities necessary for the attainment of a secondary school diploma or its recognized equivalent;
  • transition to post-secondary education and training; and
  • obtain employment.