Looking to learn a personally enriching new hobby, socialize with friends, get some exercise, or pursue an academic degree to enhance your career? It’s never too late to learn! Older adults in Allegheny County who are interested in pursuing educational opportunities for the purpose of knowledge, skills-building, or just plain fun have an abundance of choices through the Community College of Allegheny County.
“We essentially have four programs that senior Allegheny County residents can take advantage of through CCAC,” explains Mary Jo Guercio, Director of Community Training and Development at the Braddock Hills Center. “These classes are held throughout the community, as well as at our campus.”
The four programs are as follows:
Free classes at senior centers:
Through the generosity of the Allegheny County Department of Aging Area Agency on Aging, CCAC hosts free classes at its 40+ senior centers in Allegheny County for adults ages 60 and older. The classes focus primarily on physical and emotional wellness.
“Each senior center selects a number of classes each year based on the needs and wishes of the seniors attending the center,” Mary Jo comments.”
Classes are offered Monday through Friday between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. and are taught by CCAC instructors. Offerings range from exercise classes (tai chi, aerobics, chair aerobics, line dance, water aerobics, gentle yoga, and walking) and crafts (quilting, seasonal crafts, and painting) to general interest classes (photography, healthy cooking, nutrition, and fraud prevention) and academic subjects (like writing your memoir, and computers and technology).
To participate, register at your local senior center. To locate a center, visit https://www.alleghenycounty.us/Human-Services/Programs-Services/Older-Adults/Senior-Centers.aspx.
Free academic classes for college credit:
Residents of Allegheny County ages 65 and older can take up to six credits of class instruction per semester tuition free. The cost of books and classes is the student’s responsibility and varies depending on the course. A few other restrictions for enrollment may apply.
Visit the CCAC website for more details on the registration form: https://www.ccac.edu/advising/_files-advising/senior-registration-form.pdf#search=senior%20citizens%20credit%20classes.
Non-credit, fee-based community education classes:
CCAC also offers a variety of community education classes and activities designed to serve individuals with educational goals that do not require college credit. Subjects include general interest, fitness, health, food and beverage, computer/technology, nutrition, mind and spirit, dance, languages, home and garden, hiking and walking, sports and recreation, music, finance, writing, arts and crafts, academic preparation, and business and entrepreneurship.
The length and prices vary depending on the subject matter. To learn about each of the many classes offered each semester and where throughout Allegheny County the classes take place, visit https://www.ccac.edu/workforce/_files-workforce/comm-ed-catalog-fall-2022.pdf If you have specific questions, email communityeducation@ccac.edu.
Plus 50 Initiative:
Want to take certain types of classes, brush up on specific skills, or sign up for something fun . . . but don’t know how or where to begin? Help is available to walk you through the process and answer any questions you might have. Anyone age 50 or older who wants to attend CCAC to earn or finish a credit degree, certificate, or diploma can call Mary Jo directly (contact information below) for assistance with the application process, financial aid, advising, and registration.
CCAC makes it easy to learn a new language, master skills for starting a small business, or get healthy through cooking and exercise class instruction, and so much more. There’s no time like to present to sign up and enjoy what CCAC has to offer!
To learn more, contact Mary Jo Guercio at (412) 501-0018 or mguercio@ccac.edu.