Courtesy photo.
SANTA BARBARA — It all started in 1918 with 81 students enrolled in a citizenship and English as a Second Language Adult Education “evening program.” 100 years later, SBCC School of Extended Learning offers more than 1,000 tuition-free and fee-based classes for students at any stage in life seeking to enhance career or life skills, learn English or obtain a high school diploma. School of Extended Learning’s wide variety of options also include classes in parenting, training in ancient herbal medicine, and computer skills. New classes are offered each week through December 15.
“The School of Extended Learning honors a long legacy in our community, and I’m proud of the way we are evolving to meet our varied community demand,” said Dr. Melissa V. Moreno, Interim Vice President, School of Extended Learning. “Our classes serve so many people in need, and bring together communities and innovative ideas through a unique balance of tuition-free and fee-based programs at both Wake and Schott campuses. In addition, we are embedded in every corner of our community, offering programs in the evenings at high schools, junior high and elementary schools. We even bring programs to the jail, and to assisted living centers throughout Goleta, Santa Barbara and Carpinteria. We truly offer something for everyone.”
Extended Learning is celebrating this 100-year milestone at Wake Campus on Sunday, September 9 from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m.
Highlights of Extended Learning Options This Fall
Tuition-Free Parenting Skills classes have returned based on community demand. Extended Learning offers more than 25 classes for parents to attend with their children aged 3 months to 5 years. Classes include Music Times, Creativity and Preschoolers, and Nature Walk.
Tuition-Free Health classes have also returned. For example, two new classes begin the week of October 22 including Chinese Medicine First Aid Kit, offered on Mondays, where students learn effective ancient herbal remedies. And, Acupressure – Simple Patterns for Pain Relief and Relaxation, offered on Thursdays, where students discuss the theory and practice of acupressure as a healing art.
Tuition-Free English as a Second Language program continues with over 120 course offerings, in locations throughout our community.
Tuition-Free Adult High School and GED program offers convenient and nurturing drop-in environment at both Wake and Schott campuses to assist adult students with obtaining that ever important high school diploma or equivalent.
Extended Learning’s Fee-Based Program offers over 100 classes in a variety of topics including popular fitness and recreational classes such as yoga and keelboat sailing. New classes include Adult Children of Aging Parents on Thursdays beginning September 20. Students learn to help parents meet the challenges of aging, communicate effectively and find necessary resources and tools. On Saturday October 13, a one-day class Dying in Grace, students discuss difficult topics surrounding death, such as dealing with a terminal diagnosis of a loved one, and when it is time for hospice.
Mind & Supermind lecture series on November 5 features psychologist, researcher and author Dr. Jean Twenge. Her lecture, iGen: The Smartphone Generation and the Future, focuses on today’s super-connected kids born after 1995, the iGeneration. This generation is growing up less rebellious and more tolerant, but not necessarily happy and apparently completely unprepared for adulthood. Dr. Twenge will explore the impact this generation will have in our collective future. This program is $25 in advance, $40 at the door.
Application and registration is required and can most conveniently be completed in person at the Wake Campus at 300 N. Turnpike Road or Schott Campus at 310 W. Padre St. Registration is also available by phone at (805) 683-8200 or online at www.sbcc.edu/ExtendedLearning
For more information about how to apply and register, visit http://sbcc.edu/extendedlearning/apply-reg.php
About the SBCC School of Extended Learning: The School of Extended Learning responds to the diverse learning needs of the adult population in the Santa Barbara community by advancing career and life skills, and building bridges to credit.