According to Jessica Spohn, coordinator of the Nellie Mae-funded ABE-to-College Transition Project, the Higher Education Information Center (HEIC) is an underused resource for adult educators and students. This Center, located at the Boston Public Library (with a smaller site at the Asian American Civic Association in Chinatown) is a user-friendly place and provides free counseling and services for students exploring post-secondary study.

ABE classes can visit the Center and get assistance in their research, or counselors from the Center will visit adult education classrooms. According to the HEIC Web page:

"The Higher Education Information Center provides education, financial aid, and career information and counseling to Massachusetts residents of all ages and backgrounds. The Center also conducts education awareness programs in middle schools, high schools, and community agencies serving youth and adult population throughout the Boston area.

The Higher Education Information Center is a division of The Education Resource Institute (TERI), a national nonprofit organization offering education loans for undergraduate, graduate, and professional study. Major funding for the Center is provided by the US Department of Education, Boston area colleges and universities, the Massachusetts Board of Higher Education, the American Student Assistance Corporation, the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission, and the Boston Public Schools. All services are free; no appointment is necessary."

HEIC Main Office
Boston Public Library, Copley Square
700 Boylston Street
Boston, MA
617-536-0200

Monday through Thursday, 9am to 9pm
Friday and Saturday, 9am to 5pm
Sunday, 1 to 5pm

HEIC at Asian American Civic Association
200 Tremont Street
Boston, MA
617-426-9492

Wednesday, 9am to Noon; 1 to 4pm

Toll-Free Information Hotline
1-877-ED-AID-4U    (1-877-332-4348)