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:
- Career Skills
- Citizenship
- College Skills
- Computers
- Construction Technology
- CSEC Training
- Education
- English as Second Language
- GED Preparation and Test-Taking Skills
- Green Gardener
- Health and Fitness
- Human Resources
- Land Surveying
- Math and English Skills
- Spanish for Healthcare Workers
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.
***
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.