Continuing Education

Even if you're not looking to get a degree, taking courses can help build skills and keep your mind growing. Continuing education courses, whether through a college or a town itself, provide the opportunity to learn more about a subject while enriching your life, meeting new people, and building skills. They are open to adults (and, often, teenagers) of any age and can prove to be valuable in many facets of life.

College Courses

Many colleges, especially community colleges, will let you take just one or two courses, without participating in a degree program. Enrollment fees and tuition charges still apply, but you can pick and choose which courses appeal to you most without worrying about meeting requirements for a degree. From literature to art to science to public speaking, college courses can offer valuable training or simply let you pursue a subject that's always interested you.

An added perk with taking college courses is that if you decide down the road that you want to pursue a degree, you will most likely get credit for the courses you have completed.

As with any college courses, contact local schools for more information.

Individual Courses

Many towns offer continuing education programs. The courses offered in these programs can vary from single-session lectures and workshops to several-week classes with homework assignments.

Continuing education programs offer specific information on topics from physical education to financial planning to cooking. While there is usually a charge for these courses, including class materials, they do not usually provide college credit. The purpose of these courses is for personal growth only.

Contact your local town hall or library to get more information on local continuing education programs.