Education & Support Resources

This page helps people in the Twin Cities (Minneapolis–Saint Paul, Minnesota) find free education programs and support services. The organizations listed here serve immigrants, refugees, low-income adults, and community members who want to improve their English, education, employment skills, legal status, and overall well-being.

This resource is free to use and available to everyone.

Who This Resource Is For

These programs commonly serve:

  • Immigrants and refugees
  • Adults learning English (ESL / ELL)
  • Adults without a high school diploma
  • Low-income individuals and families
  • New arrivals to the United States
  • Adults seeking job skills, education, legal help, or life skills

Most programs are designed for adults (18+), though some also offer services for families and youth.

Types of Services Available

Through the organizations listed below, you may find:

  • English language learning (ESL / ELL) classes
  • Adult basic education (reading, writing, math)
  • GED or high school equivalency preparation
  • Citizenship & civics classes
  • Immigration legal support & referrals
  • Refugee resettlement & orientation services
  • Job readiness, workforce training & employment support
  • Community support & integration programs

Each organization offers different services — contact them directly for details.

List of Organizations & Direct Links

📘 Education, English & Basic Skills

  1. International Institute of Minnesota – Supports immigrants and refugees with English instruction, job readiness, college prep, citizenship help, and resettlement services.
    Website: https://iimn.org/ (International Institute of Minnesota)
  2. IEC Minnesota (International Education Center) – Adult basic education with ESL, GED prep, math, and computer classes for adult learners from many countries.
    Website: https://iecminnesota.org/ (IEC Minnesota)
  3. Literacy Minnesota / Open Door Learning Centers – Provides English literacy and basic skills classes; many classes available in the Twin Cities.
    Website: https://www.literacymn.org/classesforadults/ (Literacy Minnesota)
  4. Hmong Cultural Center – Adult Basic Education – Offers ESL, citizenship prep, and occupational English classes in St. Paul.
    Website: https://www.hmongcc.org/adult-basic-education.html (Hmong Cultural Center)
  5. Cedar Riverside Adult Education Collaborative – Community program providing English language learning for adults in the Cedar-Riverside neighborhood of Minneapolis.
    Website: https://www.cedarriversideabe.org/ (Cedar Riverside Adul)

🤝 Refugee & Immigrant Support Organizations

  1. Arrive Ministries – Refugee resettlement and immigrant support agency offering housing help, employment support, classes, and legal referrals.
    Website: https://arriveministries.org/ (Arrive Ministries)
  2. Neighborhood House (St. Paul) – Community hub providing education, English, GED, citizenship help, and family support services.
    Website: https://neighborhoodhousemn.org/ (Neighborhood House)
  3. COMSA-MN (Community Services Agency of Minnesota) – Offers settlement assistance, language support, job readiness, educational referrals, and community integration.
    Website: https://comsamn.org/ (Comsamn)
  4. MORE Community Services – Empowers immigrants and refugees with free English classes and workplace literacy programs.
    Website: https://www.more-empowerment.org/ (Meet Minneapolis)
  5. Bridging Minnesota – Supports immigrant and refugee communities with education, language training, and community services.
    Website: https://bridgingmn.org/ (Bridging MN)
  6. English Learning Center – Our Saviour’s Community Services – Offers adult English language learning in a community setting.
    Website: https://oscs-mn.org/english-learning-center/ (CUHCC)

📍 Community & Legal Support Organizations

  1. Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota (Refugee Services) – Helps refugees settle in Minnesota, access employment and legal aid, and work toward integration.
    Website: https://www.lssmn.org/services/refugees (LSSMN)
  2. The Advocates for Human Rights – Provides legal support and advocacy including immigration and asylum assistance.
    Website: https://www.theadvocatesforhumanrights.org/ (Wikipédia)
  3. Saint Paul Public Library – Immigrant & Refugee Resources – Offers free English learning tools, citizenship and civics resources, and community information.
    Website: https://sppl.org/immigrant-refugee-resources/ (Bibliothèque publique de Saint Paul)
  4. CLUES (Comunidades Latinas Unidas en Servicio) – Connects Latino families to education, skills training, legal help, and community resources.
    Website: https://clues.org/ (STANDPOINT)
  5. Vietnamese Social Services of Minnesota – Provides community support and interpretation services for Vietnamese and other immigrant populations.
    Contact: via volunteer listings at VolunteerMatch (VolunteerMatch)
  6. Hello Neighbor – Community-based organization that welcomes and supports recent immigrants in Minneapolis neighborhoods.
    Website: https://helloneighbormpls.org/ (CUHCC)
  7. Minnesota Council of Churches – Refugee Services – Offers case management, employment support, and educational services for refugees.
    Website: https://www.mnchurches.org/ (Open Doors for Refugees)
  8. Centro Tyrone Guzman – Supports Latino communities with health, education, and empowerment programs.
    Website: https://centrotyroneguzman.org/ (STANDPOINT)
  9. United Cambodian Association of Minnesota – Offers family, health, education, and legal services for Cambodian and immigrant communities.
    Website: https://ucamn.org/ (STANDPOINT)

Cost & Eligibility

  • Most programs are free or very low cost.
  • U.S. citizenship is not required for many services.
  • Many programs welcome refugees, immigrants, permanent residents, and people with limited English.

Each organization sets its own eligibility rules — contact them directly for details.

How to Use This Resource

  1. Review the organizations above.
  2. Find services that match your needs (English, GED, citizenship, legal help, etc.).
  3. Visit the organization’s website or contact them by phone/email.
  4. Ask about class schedules, registration steps, and language support.

What to Expect When You Reach Out

Programs may ask about:

  • Your education level
  • Your English ability
  • Your goals (e.g., work, citizenship, school)
  • Your availability for classes

Some organizations may offer placement assessments to help match you with the right level.

Language Support & Accessibility

Many organizations provide:

  • Multilingual staff or interpreters
  • Translation/interpretation assistance
  • Flexible schedules and online options

If English is challenging, tell the organization — they are used to helping learners at all levels.

Updating Information

Programs and schedules change over time. Always check the organization’s website or contact them for the most current information.

Need Extra Help?

If you’re unsure where to start:

  • Contact us and ask for help
  • Visit your local library or community center
  • Ask a social service provider or community leader for guidance

You are not alone — these resources are here to support your success.

This document is a community guide and does not replace official information from each organization.