Rio Salado College (RSC) Northern offers adult education classes to help you develop your academic skills to obtain a high school equivalency diploma or increase your English language abilities. These classes are offered both day and evening to fit your schedule. RSC has specialized support services to help you achieve your goals.
RSC Northern also provides one-stop student services (admissions & records, academic advisement, student business services (cashier’s), and limited financial aid services). Student services offered through one-stop will support your educational goals of pursuing a degree, university transfer, taking courses for personal or professional development, or becoming career ready.
Come explore how our One-Stop and adult education classes build a solid foundation for college and/or your entry into the workforce. Adult Education Information
Important and Closure Dates: College-wide Closures
Classes Offered
Rio Salado College offers a variety of classes to meet the needs of our students and the community.
Non-Credit Classes Include:
- GED® Test Prep Classes
- English Language/ESL
- Adults Achieving a College Education (AACE)
Career Training:
Non-credit and credit Career Training is offered to co-enrolled Adult Education Students. For more information visit our Adult Education Career Training page.
Tutoring:
Free tutoring is available to all enrolled Rio Salado students. Tutors help you understand course content, improve study skills and develop the confidence needed to succeed in your class. Tutoring hours vary please call the RSC Location for more information.
Counseling:
Counselors assist students to set personal, educational, and career goals. They provide high quality and accessible services to meet the needs of the diverse student population. Counseling Services at Rio Salado College are an integral part of the total educational process. These services are provided at no cost to students. Students can visit the Counseling & Career Services webpage or call (480) 517-8785.
Library:
All Rio Salado students can access library services at any time via the Rio Salado Online Library.
Disability Resources & Services:
Rio Salado College offers resources and services that promote accessible learning for students with documented disabilities. Services and accommodations are available at no cost to qualifying Rio Salado students. Visit Rio’s Disability Services webpage for more information.
Our Partners
Rio Salado College partners with organizations throughout the Phoenix area to discover creative, new ways to empower our local communities. RSC works with education and community partners to improve services for local residents and offer programs and services that provide pathways to post-secondary education.
Some of our Partners include:
- Arizona Department of Education, Adult Education Services
- Arizona@Work-City of Phoenix/Maricopa County
- Arizona Department of Economic Security, Vocational Rehabilitation
- Chicanos Por La Casa
- Opportunity for Youth
- Dress for Success
- YEAR-Up
- 19NORTH
- BLOOM365
Student Success
RSC students come from all walks of life with many stories to tell. Following are a few stories from students at RSC Northern. These stories are inspiring like the students themselves, each illustrating how education opens doors to a better future.
| Belinda AlvaradoBelinda Alvarado came to RSC for classes to prepare her for the GED exam. Since leaving high school in the 1980s, she had a wonderful family and great business as a realtor. As the economy changed, Alvarad was faced with changing careers. She came to RSC and joined the IBEST Dental Assisting Program, earned her GED and began working toward her Dental Assisting Certificate. |
| Juana Lazcano“My name is Juana Lazcano and I am from Mexico. I am a person with a lot of responsibilities. I am a mother, a grandmother and a great-grandmother. I am an active church and community member and also an adult learner at Rio Salado College. Back in my youth and in my country, I could not finish high school as my parents were very poor.”I have always wanted to study and continue my education. The first thing I did when I came to the United States of America was start studying English. Now I am also studying Theology and Religious Education. My goals are to become a Religious Teacher and a Social Worker so I can professionally help more people. I also would like to represent my community in a higher level and to fight for those in need. I want to convey to the audience our expectations and needs. I want my voice to be heard.”Through adult English class, she learned to speak and write good English. Lazcano shared about the success of a family member who also attended English class at Rio Salado: “One of my sons became a restaurant manager thanks to English classes at Rio Salado College,” she said. “Now he has a good salary, pays taxes and is able to help the family and the community.” |
| Lauren LeonLauren Leon was a pregnant mother of a young son. She and her partner live without the aid of public assistance and work to provide for their young family. With all her responsibility, Lauren had 96% attendance in the four months she was in class. She was very committed to her education and passed her GED testing in December 2012. Lauren took online college courses while caring for her young son while she was awaiting the birth of her second child in 2013. |
| Rosa CarminaRosa Carmina, who graduated from college with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Communications, came from Mexico to Arizona in 2002 after marrying an American. Carmina’s first year in the U.S. was very difficult due to the culture, language and missing her family. Once she started to attend English class, she had an immediate presence with her winning personality and spirit! In fact, she became the heart and soul of the class and brought a few friends to English classes.Carmina is full of energy and easily involves the other classmates in after class gatherings and activities. She designed a dance entry incorporating the Gangnam Style dance for the “I’m in love with Learning” and submitted a unique jewelry individual entry. Her goals are to become a U.S. citizen and one day expand her current business and open a new business. |
| Szu-Sheng KaoWhen Szu-Sheng Kao attended class for the first time, he was very quiet and avoided contact with others. With time, his English improved and he became one of the class leaders and was in the center of all class activities. As a result, he was chosen as one of the first Rio Ambassadors and has already participated in a mission at the Governor’s office. His “I’m in love with Learning” designs won him the top State prize and were featured in the celebration materials.His academic and social improvement to his self-determination contributed to his active class involvement and close peer relationships. His determination served to inspire hi classmates. He wants to learn about American culture which will enable his future participation in the community and his field of expertise |
