College Readiness Academy

Prepare for Higher Learning Success

Our free 12-week advanced-level classes prepare students for college or higher education with academic and navigation support. In-person and online options.

Class Schedule

June 1 – August 21
September 7 – November 27
December 7 – February 26, 2027

In-Person
- Monday – Thursday
- 9:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Online
- Monday – Thursday
- 5:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

Requirements

Interested in going to college in 2026 or 2027
Can attend class a minimum of three days a week
500+ TABE score on TABE M/D

Enrollment Steps

Fill out the Get Started form found here.
Get the automated email with a Zoom link to the weekly information session.
Join the Information Session to sign up for an in-person testing and registration appointment.
Come in-person for your scheduled testing and registration appointment.
Start class.

Click ‘Get Started’ to express interest, and we will send you the Zoom link for an information session.

Get Started

About This Class

With your instructors, you will practice:

Reading skills: annotation, critical thinking and vocabulary-building
Writing skills: paragraph-writing and essay-writing
Study skills: scanning, note-taking and test-taking
Computer skills: word processing, navigating e-learning platforms and research

With our college navigators, you will learn:

How the college system works
How to plan your classes
How to apply for financial aid
How to balance school, work and home life

Upon successful completion of College Readiness Academy, you may be eligible for three university-level credits at Metropolitan State University. Learn more about our partnership here.

Our Results

The transformative impact of our College Readiness Academy is shown in our students’ success.

3.6

average GPA of College Readiness student in college
192

College Readiness students currently in college
82 %

of students persist toward graduation

Frequently Asked Questions

Students in College Readiness Academy are advanced English language learners looking to go to college or university in the next two years, and who would like additional support navigating higher education.. College Readiness Academy cannot accept students currently in high school.

Students move from College Readiness Academy to higher learning to earn certificates, licenses, associates, bachelors, and graduate degrees. Students can expect to continue receiving navigation support from our College Navigators while enrolling in the college or university of their choosing.

Class is free thanks to our partners, funders, and generous donors.

Yes, all students who meet program requirements are able to take this class. After completing College Readiness Academy, students with prior international degrees may have more limited access to college and university financial aid.

Yes, you must live or work in Minnesota and be able to attend in-person testing and registration.

Class is open to all but focuses on the English language skills needed for college success. We recommend native English speakers look for programs that focus on better meeting their specific needs.

Find the Right Healthcare Career

Read our updated 2023 Guide to Colleges and Careers in Healthcare in the Twin Cities Metro Area to figure out which program is best for you.

Read Full Guide

The State of Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) funded (or funded in part) this training through a grant. The grant recipient created this training. DEED does not endorse this publicity or training or make guarantees, warranties, or assurances of any kind, express or implied, regarding the accuracy, completeness, timeliness, usefulness, adequacy, continued availability or ownership of the information herein or elsewhere.

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