About Us

We believe all adults can learn and grow.

We foster an inclusive space in which all cultures, traditions, and social identities are welcomed and respected.

We create equal access to education because systemic injustices lead to unequal opportunities and barriers to participation.

We seek out the knowledge and experience of our community partners and work together on shared goals.

We believe learning is empowering and deserves to be celebrated.

In 1987, founder Jean Fleschute launched an adult education program called Community Learning Center (CLC), meeting a dire local need for adults who had not finished high school. Starting with 67 students, Ms. Fleschute and devoted volunteers taught classes in the Germantown, Kensington, and West Oak Lane neighborhoods and began CLC’s hallmark of student-centered education that promotes a love of lifelong learning. 

In 1994, Community Learning Center became an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation. Throughout its history CLC has worked diligently to establish its reputation as an outcome-driven organization. 

Today, CLC’s two main locations at 2701 North Broad Street (at Lehigh Avenue) and at 229 North 63rd Street (between Race and Vine Streets) in West Philadelphia serve as campuses for myPLACE, an assessment and referral service funded by Philadelphia’s Office of Adult Education (formerly called the Mayor’s Commission on Literacy), the starting point for adult education services in Philadelphia. CLC’s West Philadelphia site is also the location of CLC’s Pearson Vue Authorized Test Center, where candidates can take the GED® and other Pearson Vue tests.

Building on a long history of partnership with other organizations, CLC is currently growing its partnership with Philadelphia Works Inc., a nonprofit that finances and oversees employment and training services that enable Philadelphians to find and qualify for work. Through this partnership, CLC offers classes at three PA CareerLink® sites and teaches occupationally relevant academic skills to participants in a building trades workforce development program.