Employers look for workers who have reading, math and writing skills. If you want to improve in these basic skills, there are free classes offered through the Adult Basic Education (ABE) program, created by the U.S. Department of Education.How does ABE work?Eligibility. To be eligible for ABE, you must be at least 16 years old, not enrolled in high school, and work below the 12th grade level in one or more of these areas: reading, math, writing English, speaking English.Free to the public. ABE programs are free and available to the public through public schools, libraries, community-based organizations, and other groups.What ABE covers. Programs teach basic skills such as reading, math, high school equivalency preparation, and English as a Second Language (ESL) for non-native speakers.