Community Education
By Janice Hayes, staff writer

Do you always wish you had learned to: play the piano,
take better pictures, sew from a pattern? Or maybe you have
a burning desire to learn more about Vegan diets, or the
Marshall Arts. It is never to late to learn!

When Bobbie Mendenhall received a community education catalog in the mail, she decided it was time to enroll in some classes.

"I have two small children and am a stay at home mom," Bobbie says, "and the idea of taking a break and taking some classes appeals to me. I want to learn to sew and catch up on some health care training I have missed since quitting work as a physical therapy assistant. Community education is perfect for me because the classes are cheap (and) class times are flexible, (allowing) me to attend classes in the evening and on weekends if I want. My friends and I are even talking about trading babysitting so we can all attend the classes we want."

For people like Bobbie who desire interesting, convenient classes on a myriad of subjects and at convenient times, community education is a perfect fit. Community education classes are offered in most communities and are usually delivered through partnerships operating between local colleges and universities and local school districts. As in Bobbie's case, these groups act together to deliver quality classes which can provide enrichment as well as education. Students may develop a new talent or hobby, enhance and perfect job skills, complete a GED, improve English skills, or work toward reaching occupational goals.

Community education classes are also ideal for people such as Terri Miller, a nurse working and living in Jackson, Wyoming.

"I rely on classes offered through our continuing education program to keep me up-to-date on various skills and techniques necessary in my profession," Terri says. "I actually attend classes at least twice a year to keep my professional skills in line and sharp. Ultimately, this pays off through enhanced job performance and better pay."

Other unique opportunities for education and learning exist through community education. For example, Brigham Young University hosts a free lecture series through their Travel Study department, which features various world travelers and teachers discussing their journeys to many intriguing parts of the world. Most universities with travel study departments offer similar programs as well as hosting special travel tours to various places in the world. These, too, are open for community involvement.

Furthermore, adults are not the only ones who can benefit from community education. For parents wanting recreational and educational opportunities for their children at an affordable cost, community education is a wonderful option. In a recent community education catalog, classes for youth and children included arts and crafts, dance, American Sign Language, reading skills assistance, and plenty of sports such as fencing, karate, and wrestling. Classes for children as young three were available.

For parents and children alike, one great advantage of community education is the many convenient locations at which these classes are held. Most local schools, libraries or other community centers are open to community education classes. Some may even be held at local private business locations or on the campus of local universities or colleges. For those people not wanting to travel at all, many community education programs offer online and distance learning courses where the furthest you have to travel is to your computer.

With these online classes you can update skills, discover a new talent, or chart a career path at your own pace and in your own home. Online courses are offered in subjects such as health care, writing, computer skills, certification prep, test prep and business administration. Most courses run for about six weeks and consist of around 12 lessons. Lessons are usually supplemented by interactive quizzes and assignments plus tutorials and online discussions. All you need to get started on these courses is Internet access, an email address, and a web browser.

Ever thought of teaching your own community education class? Someone may benefit from learning your unique gardening secrets or enjoy taking advantage of your finesse with a foreign language. Through community education there are as many possibilities for teaching classes as there are for taking classes and most programs are actively looking for good instructors with new class ideas. In most instances, no professional degree is necessary and the instructors are paid on a percentage rate depending on the number of students who register for their class. Anyone with an interest or a talent to share can contact the community education department listed in their community education catalog.

To obtain one of these catalogs, contact your local community center, school district office, or the continuing education department at a college or university near you. Then sit down, browse through the offered classes, and discover the many ways community education can enrich your life. Whether you want to enhance job skills or simply learn to sew, you, like Bobbie Mendenhall, can look forward to having your mind and talents expanded no matter what your stage of life or circumstance may be.

Ten Reasons to take Community Education Classes:

1. Classes are cheap and time-flexible.

2. You can enhance job skills

3. You can develop a new talent or hobby.

4. You put yourself in a learning environment.

5. Most of your family can take classes.

6. Classes are held at convenient locations

7. You can be involved by sharing your talents and skills

8. Online and distance learning is available

9. You can make new friends or take a friend

10. Learning lasts forever!