Continuing Your Education Once You’re Out of School

For thousands of Southern Californians, getting a high school diploma or college degree is not the end of their education. The area’s community colleges and four-year institutions, as well as a host of smaller learning centers, provide what has become known as “continuing education” for people who aren’t satisfied to end the learning process.

In fact, the largest program for continuing education--not only in Southern California but in the country--is UCLA Extension, with more than 100,000 people enrolling each year.

Of those 100,000, according to Leonard Freedman, dean of the extension, at least 60% enroll either to keep pace with the technological and management changes in their professions or to learn new skills because they are “bored with their existing jobs, for whatever reasons, and want to move over to new ones.”

“Los Angeles in particular is a remarkable place for continuing education,” Freedman said. “We have the kind of population that is above-average in income, education and cultural interests. The Los Angeles area is a cultural and technological center.

“But as Californians, we get a reputation for less impressive factors like being laid-back,” he added. “The fact is, many people here are committing their time and money toward continuing education, which takes effort and commitment.”

Southland colleges and other learning institutions are offering this year a myriad of continuing education classes and programs designed to update, advance or lead to a change in occupations and careers.

A further purpose of continuing education is to address the needs of the whole community. UC Irvine, for example, will be conducting classes for personnel involved with hazardous waste disposal--an increasingly pressing need--in its “Toxic and Hazardous Substances Program.”

UC San Diego, meanwhile, has teamed up with local industries to conduct its “ExtenNET” program, offering engineering, computer science and business-related courses over the local television airwaves. Both programs are listed below.

The following is a sampling of some of the courses available around the Southland. A quick check with neighborhood institutions not mentioned in the list might turn up similar courses, which can have the advantage of being closer to home and may save on fees. Check course catalogues or ask school officials about prerequisites, if any, to classes and programs. If they’re job-related, continuing education classes in most cases are tax-deductible.

UCLA Extension

“Intensive Business Program.” This is a short-term, practical daytime program for persons just out of college who are entering the job market or for those seeking career advancement or change. Staff provides job placement information and assistance. Call (213) 206-1617.

“Applied Behavioral Science Programs at Ojai.” For executives, managers, administrators and human resource personnel in industrial, engineering, business, government, military and educational organizations. Call (213) 825-4801.

“Professional Designation in the Use of Microcomputers in Education.” A program of classes aimed at educators to gain the skills and knowledge of computers to be used as an instructional tool or to teach computer science in use at elementary and secondary schools. Call (213) 825-4191.

“Sequential Programs in the Motion Picture & Television Arts & Sciences.” Courses in all categories of film and TV leading to certificates and internships. Call (213) 825-9064.

For further information, write to UCLA Extension, 10995 Le Conte Ave., Los Angeles 90024, or call the advisory service for extension students, (213) 206-6201. Classes are held not only on the UCLA campus in Westwood but at the Downtown Center, 1100 S. Grand Ave., and at various locations throughout Los Angeles County.

L.A. City College

“Second Start.” A training program in retail sales/cashiering, clerical/computer and janitorial maintenance for low-income residents of Los Angeles who are 55 years of age or older. This program is free with job search assistance provided. Call (213) 669-4393.

For information write to Los Angeles Community Colleges, 617 W. Seventh St., Los Angeles 90017, or call (213) 628-7788.

UC Irvine

“Toxic and Hazardous Substances Program.” A new certificate program for personnel responsible for hazardous waste management. Classes include “Regulatory Framework for Toxic and Hazardous Substances,” which examines governmental regulations and requirements.

“Careers in Fund Raising.” Train to be a resource development specialist for nonprofit organizations. A half-day seminar in February, 1986.

For information, write UCI Extension, P.O. Box AZ, Irvine 92706, or call (714) 856-5414.

Cal State Northridge

“Travel Agent Certificate Program.” Six classes, including “How to Be a Successful Travel Agent: an Overview” and “How to Increase Your Commissions in Group Sales.”

“Courses for International Students.” Along with an “Intensive English Language Program,” courses are offered in “business/computers” for foreigners who plan to engage in business with U.S. companies or conduct business in this country.

“Business Management-Price Waterhouse Program.” A certificate program for executives, managers and technical specialists with growing and mid-size companies. Teaches key elements necessary to improve productivity and increase profitability.

For information, write to Office of Continuing Education, Cal State Northridge, 18111 Nordhoff St., Northridge 91330, Adm. 302, or call (818) 885-2644.

Abram Friedman Occupational Center

“Health Occupations Education.” Paramedical training classes that, when completed, qualify students for entry-level employment. Training held at hospitals, private offices and clinics. For information, call (213) 731-6371.

The center is operated by the Los Angeles Unified School District’s division of adult and occupational education. Registration and class material fees are minimal. Other courses offered vary from auto repair to word processing. Apprenticeships in trade and industrial fields are also available. For information, write to Friedman Occupational Center, 1646 Olive St., Los Angeles 90015, or call (213) 742-7636.

UC San Diego

“ExtenNET.” UCSD’s instructional television service in conjunction with San Diego County industries will be airing courses from UCSD’s division of engineering and extension program. Extension classes will be in computer science, business and management. Companies wishing to participate can phone (619) 452-3429.

“The Program in Technology and Entrepreneurship.” Leaders from 35 San Diego high-tech businesses and service industries will exchange information, ideas and resources “to contribute to the realization of San Diego’s high-technology potential.” Conferences and sessions begin in October. Call (619) 452-3412.

For information, write to UCSD Extension, X-001, UC San Diego, La Jolla 92093, or call (619) 452-3400.

Pasadena City College

“CBEST.” Workshops in math, reading and writing designed to prepare and familiarize aspiring teachers with the California Basic Education Skills Test, a requirement for teaching credentials. Classes are being offered in November.

“Small Business Organization and Development.” One-day seminars, with the next one on Jan. 11, 1986. Covers causes of small business failure and how to avoid them. Fee: $30.

For information, write to Office of Community Services, 1570 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena 91106-2003, or call (818) 578-7261.

Cal State Fullerton

“Registered Apartment Managers Program.” Sponsored by the National Assn. of Homebuilders’ registered apartment managers program, this course introduces management principles and practices. Completion of program fulfills the Department of Housing and Urban Development certification requirement for employment by a public housing agency. The next class begins in January.

“Starting a Word Processing Service.” Learn how to begin in this business, including where to find clients, what the tax breaks are and what hardware and software is available. Evening seminar on Dec. 2.

For information, write to CSUF’s Office of Extended Education, Building T-14, Fullerton 92634, or call (714) 773-2611.

The Learning Network

“How to Develop, Pitch and Sell Your TV or Film Project.” Speakers will include Tony Bill, producer of “The Sting,” and Susan Merzabach, producer of “Desperately Seeking Susan” Oct. 5 at the Century Plaza Hotel. $65.

The Learning Network is a private, for-profit institution offering more than 140 courses and seminars. For information, write to the Learning Network, 520 S. Sepulveda Blvd., Suite 201, West Los Angeles 90049, or call (213) 476-1267.

NOCROP

“Plant, Water and Animal Science Occupations.” Completion of plant and animal science programs can lead to work in agriculture and ranching, veterinarian assistance, sales, zoos and pet shops. Water classes can lead to jobs in swimming instruction and lifeguarding.

For information, write to the North Orange County Regional Occupational Program, 2360 West La Palma Ave., Anaheim 92801, or call (714) 776-2170.

Learning Tree University

“Office Organization: Increasing Productivity.” A one-day seminar that is part of the Office Management and Supervision program of classes. This seminar is designed for the secretary or administrative assistant seeking a promotion into management. Oct. 2. $56.

“IBM PC Hands-On Seminars.” One- and two-day seminars on the personal computer for the beginner to the advanced student. Includes “Accounting & Bookkeeping on the IBM PC” and “Display Writer II.” A handful of classes are being offered in October.

Learning Tree University is an 11-year-old nonprofit organization with campuses in Chatsworth and Thousand Oaks. For information, write Learning Tree University, 20920 Knapp St., Chatsworth 91311, or call (818) 882-5599.

UC Santa Barbara

“The Legal Assistantship Certificate Program.” Aimed at legal secretaries, this program is also offered at UC Irvine and UC Santa Cruz and is approved by the law school at UC Davis. Prerequisites are a bachelor’s degree and one year of full-time experience in a law office or two years recently as a legal secretary. Classes are already in session, but the program is continuous throughout the year.

For information, write to University of California Extension, Santa Barbara 93106, or call (805) 961-4200.