Education

Integrated Coaching Program

Many individuals experience barriers while pursuing their education. Work side-by-side with our education coaches to break down those barriers. Our coaches will help you:

Look into higher education options
Research career paths and apply for jobs
Provide guidance in paying off student loans
Take part in our FAIM program to help pay for your education or other assets (eligibility guidelines apply)

Take part in our classes to expand your skills for an in-demand entry-level job. Free childcare is provided to individuals attending our classes upon request.

Keep reading to learn more about classes that we offer, and contact us by email or at 218-726-1665 if you have questions or are interested in participating.

GED

By earning your GED, you are creating opportunities for yourself. Getting a GED certificate can open the door to a better job, promotions or even a higher education. If not having your high school diploma is holding you back, we offer free weekly GED tutoring and support. You’ll find:

Certified Adult Basic Education Instructors
One-on-one tutoring
Assistance with testing fees
Free childcare provided

Our program is open to anyone interested in pursuing their GED certificate. GED classes are offered in partnership with ISD 709. Contact us by email or call 218-726-1665 with questions or to sign up.

Common Cents

Knowing about money, how to budget it, and how to save enough to buy a home or other asset is a huge accomplishment. In this 12- to16-hour free, engaging, and interactive class, you will learn:

Budgeting to create savings
Understanding credit reports
Getting out of debt
Avoiding predatory lending
Getting a mortgage

Upon completion of the program, you'll also earn a Homebuyer Education Certificate. This class is free and offered to everyone. Free childcare is provided upon request during in-person sessions.

Classes will be scheduled and posted on the calendar. Please contact Community Action Duluth for more information.

If you are looking for a class with a lower time commitment or are interested in only the Homebuyer Education Certificate, you can learn more about the Framework Homebuyer Course here.

Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)

Take part in our 6-week Certified Nursing Assistant course. Classes are normally in the evenings and childcare is provided upon request. The course includes three days of clinicals at Benedictine Health Center (we do not provide childcare during clinicals). Once you complete the course you take the Nurse Assistant Test at an eligible nurse assistant test-out provider (generally Lake Superior College or Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College). Once you are certified you will be eligible for jobs that earn a living wage.

FAIM Matched Savings

Looking for a way to build savings to purchase a car or other asset? Take part in our FAIM savings account program.

For every $1 you save, $3 will be added to your FAIM account with a maximum match of $6,000 allowing you to save up to $8,000. In addition to help building your savings, you will be provided with guidance and coaching towards your goals and take part in our Common Cents class.

Use the savings for a small business start-up, small business expansion, educational expenses, or for the purchase of a home or vehicle.

To participate, you must:

Be a Minnesota resident age 18 years or older
Have earned Income
Be within income guidelines
Have assets below $10,000

Learn more about applying and enrolling in our FAIM program here.