High school equivalency classes will begin soon in Tamaqua.

Offered by the Schuylkill Intermediate Unit 19’s Lifelong Learning Center, the classes are free and open to those ages 18 and older.

Registration and orientation sessions will be held from 12:20 to 2 p.m. Sept. 20 and 27 at the Lehigh Carbon Community College’s Morgan Center, 234 High St., Tamaqua. Prospective students must register and attend both sessions. Their educational needs will be assessed so classes can be fine-tuned to meet their needs and schedule, a program coordinator for the Lifelong Learning Center said.

Students will learn social studies, sciences, math and reading/language arts. Most complete the classes in 10 weeks and then register for diploma testing.

“We see people from the age of 18 to retirees,” the program coordinator said. “Some are required (to have a diploma) for employment. Some are coming for self-improvement. Some are coming because they are interested in postsecondary training o schooling.”

Once they pass their exam and receive a diploma, the students can receive transition services from the Lifelong Learning Center.

“That would be helping them apply for a job, critiquing resumes or helping them with interview skills,” the program coordinator said. “We can also refer them to local agencies who can help with their next step.”

One recent student commented on her experiences.

“I had a lot of trouble learning in public school, but at Lifelong Learning Center I am allowed the time to learn one lesson before moving on to the next,” she said. “The instructor assists with tasks I do not understand. We are treated as individuals with individual needs, hopes, dreams.”

To enroll, contact Laura Hoppes at 570-628-5761, hoppl@iu29.org or iu29.org/lifelonglearning.