By Garrett Rieck

College of the Canyons has started expanding its offerings of free courses ranging from vocational and workforce preparation training to GED preparation. Although students don’t earn units for these classes, they do have an opportunity to take free college classes in a risk free environment and earn college certificates to acknowledge their skill attainment. Classes are graded as Pass (P) or No Pass (NP) and there is no penalty for students who receive a grade of NP. Classes are repeatable for any student who needs extra attempts in order to reach their goals.  

Course Offerings

Courses are offered through The School of Personal and Professional Learning at College of the Canyons, which provides lifelong learning classes to residents of all ages and abilities with opportunities for professional development, vocational training, skill development, and language acquisition. These courses are offered tuition-free and are supported by the State of California. Below is a list of the programs currently being offered:

Application and Registration for the School of Personal and Professional Learning

Students can apply and register online or can call or visit at the following locations:

Valencia Campus, Canyons Hall-167

Phone: (661) 362-3304

Monday 9:00am-6:00pm

Tuesday 9:00am-7:00pm

Wednesday 9:00am-6:00pm

Thursday 9:00am-6:00pm

Friday 9:00am-1:00pm

Canyon Country Campus, CCC-202A

Phone: (661) 362-3913

Tuesdays 10:30am-7:00pm

Email us at: freeclasses@canyons.edu

Accommodations are Available for Students

The Disabled Students Programs and Services (DSP&S) Office at College of the Canyons provides services for students with disabilities in compliance with the American Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.

DSPS provides accommodations to its student’s contingent upon documentation on the type of disability the student has. The purpose of accommodations is to provide “otherwise qualified” students with disabilities the opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge in their studies. Below is a list that includes (but is not limited to) the accommodations provided at College of the Canyons.

  • Alternate Media
  • Assistive Technology
  • Counseling
  • Test taking accommodations
  • Preferential Seating
  • Priority Registration
  • Shared Notes
  • Sign Language Interpreter
  • Recorded Lectures
  • eText

Please visit the DSPS website for valuable information about the program, eligibility criteria, and procedures to follow for accessing services. You can also contact the DSPS Office at (661) 362 – 3341, or visit the office in Seco Hall 103.

Further Questions?

The School of Personal and Professional Learning at College of the Canyons is constantly expanding with new educational opportunities for existing students and community members. If you are interested in learning more about the program please contact the office at (661) 362-3320 or PPL@canyons.edu.  

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Author: Garrett Rieck is the lead faculty member in the School of Personal and Professional Learning at College of the Canyons. He represents College of the Canyons on the Mayor’s Committee for Employment of Individuals with Disabilities.