This phenomenological study examined the transition of a group of adult English language learners from an Adult Basic Education program to a community college. The purpose of the study was to gain a deeper understanding of the driving forces of Adult Basic Education English language learners who had successfully transitioned from a non-credit Adult Basic Education program to community college degree programs. The study was guided by an overall question: What is the experience like for ABE ESL students who transition to community college degree programs? Two sub-questions helped build the evidence of the study: (a) How do ABE ESL transfer students perceive differences and similarities in academic cultures between an ABE ESL program and a community college? and (b) What do ABE-ESL transfer students say about what kinds of support and which services contributed to their successful transition? The data collection for this study included focus group and in-depth individual interviews. The result of this study suggested that Adult Basic Education English language learners' transition to community college degree programs were more successful when the students felt a sense of caring through supporting services. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]