Professional Development and Finance   

Many people do not view nonprofits as a business, which can create problems. A nonprofit MUST be run in a business-like manner to ensure success and survival. This workshop will show you how nonprofits are a business, with some variations from a for-profit business.

PowerPoint provided following each class at no additional fee. 

 

Are you already a Notary and looking for ways to increase your income? Make the most out of your notary commission by becoming a certified Loan Signing Agent. You’ll have an instructor in real time teach you how to notarize loan documents and give you a simple strategy and all the tools you need to launch your new business as a Loan Signing Agent. Our expert teachers are seasoned in the business; they'll teach you the process of completing a signing, best practices in the industry, and how to get loan signing assignments. A certificate is awarded upon completion of the course. Topics include:

• Notarize a loan package from any bank successfully every time
• The dos and don'ts of the profession
• What to discuss with your clients
• How to develop your own business
• Getting signed up with busy signing agencies

Cost: $129, includes materials fee. Your materials fee includes a digital workbook, practice loan documents, and a Certificate of Completion. 

Prerequisite: You must have completed the "Becoming a Notary Public' seminar prior to taking this class. 

Whether you want to boost your income, create a new job opportunity, provide a service to your community, or increase your value to your current employer, this is the perfect opportunity. In this Secretary of State approved class, you will learn how to perform valuable services by certifying or witnessing signatures on official documents. Notary skills are valuable in almost any industry: real estate, legal, medical and banking to name just a few. This class gives you the knowledge to pass the exam and practice as an effective Notary. Participants receive 2 practice tests and will take the official Notary exam directly following the class.

You will receive a Guidebook, Proof of Completion, notary application and access to the instructor’s site with additional educational materials to utilize, however this is optional.

Important, Please Read: After registering with Community Education at Las Positas College, create an account here: www.notarypublicseminars.com/signup. Your registration fee includes access to NPS study guides and powerpoint presentations. Please utilize this site prior to class. It is highly recommended that you study information on the NPS teaching site prior to class as the exam has become more difficult. Contact NPS: info@npsnotary.com with account related questions. No refunds are available once study materials have been accessed.

Bring the following items to take the exam:

1. Proper ID, which may be one of the following:

    a. State-issued Driver’s license or ID card
    b. Canadian or Mexican Driver’s license
    c. U.S. passport or a passport issued by a foreign government
    d. U.S. military ID card

2. one 2 x 2” color passport-size photograph. You may not use the photo that is in your current passport! You need a separate photo that is standard passport size that is given to the Secretary of State proctor as part of your exam application.

3. $40 exam fee in the form of a personal, business, or cashier’s check made payable to the Secretary of State. This fee is for the exam, and is in addition to the class and materials fees.

4. #2 pencil

5. Must be 18+ years of age. Livescan fingerprints are required to become a notary. Serious Convictions may disqualify applicants. Due to State regulations, no one will be admitted to the classroom after 8:15 a.m. You must return from breaks on time.

Cost: $99 and $50 collected on site for private exam seat and seminar materials
Seminar 8am to 4pm, Exam check in 4:00-4:30 pm. Exam starts at 5:00 pm and ends at 6:00 pm. 

Please note that you will need to purchase a parking permit to park on campus. Daily or semester permits can be purchased here: https://www.tocite.net/laspositascollege/portal

 

ChatGPT (AI) is here to stay and is the future for writers and content creators. Don’t be left behind! No prior AI experience required. Do you want to learn how to incorporate the power of cutting-edge technology to gain ideas and inspiration, write web content, articles, and even novels or scripts? In this beginner-friendly course, you’ll learn how to:

• register for a FREE ChatGPT account
• input effective writing prompts to avoid nonsense responses
• build creative content, from stories to marketing copy
• determine its capabilities and limitations
• understand ethical/legal considerations using ChatGPT

There’s no doubt ChatGPT and similar AI systems will force the job market to evolve. It’s crucial for everyone to adapt, learn new skills, and be open to working in collaboration with AI, so start building your expertise in the world of ChatGPT now! The instructor LeeAnne Krusemark is a former journalist, current author and editor, and a nationwide Professor of Publishing at higher learning institutions, including Harvard Adult Education. Informative handouts for future use are included in class fee. 

Whether you are asking for organizational contributions, selling school fundraising items, putting on an event, or other requests, is asking for and bringing in funds to support your organization or program a challenge? You are not alone. You don’t have to apologize when asking for support and contributions for your organization. In this course you will learn techniques to bring in funds and resources for your project or organization. This workshop is valuable for staff, Boards, volunteers, and anyone who is involved with raising funds for your nonprofit organization.

PowerPoint provided following each class at no additional fee. 

 

With the guidance of Jennifer Thaete, Estate Planning and Probate Attorney, we will review the primary options in creating an estate plan including: Trusts, Wills, Financial and Health Care Powers of Attorney; a general overview of Probate, Conservatorship and Estate Taxes will be discussed in concert with the above.  All information is in plain English, and handouts will be provided. 

Many well-paying professional jobs are now available, both domestically & internationally! We are getting back to our travels and many Americans are motivated to travel all across the USA & worldwide. Before Covid foreign tourists were finding America to be a great value and this is returning quickly. Many people will not travel unless they book a tour, take a cruise or travel with you their friend who knows the destination. Travel & tourism is the world’s fastest growing industry, and relatively recession proof. If you love to travel, earn income as a tour director. Learn about tour director salaries and work part or full-time leading tours for major companies. Travel free on a tour by becoming an “affiliate” or “tour coordinator”, putting together a group of friends to go on a trip and you go free (& possibly earn extra income). Learn how to put together your own tours and market them to friends, family or the public, starting your own tour business. Learn the qualifications needed to be a tour guide, the “Five Easy Ways To Get A Job In the Tour Industry”, how to design excellent tours & negotiate group discounts, and “101 Ways To Promote Your Tour & Make It A Success” in this online class.

Instructor Gina Henry, founder of Go Global, Inc., leads tours worldwide, working with major tour companies as well as her operating her own tour business of 30 years. She is an International Tour Management Institute (ITMI) certified tour director & teaches travel classes nationwide.

Tuition includes instructors 100-page digital book "GET PAID TO BE A TOUR GUIDE & TRAVEL FREE” (a $39.95 value) which provides names, phone numbers, and websites of all of the contacts you need to put this practical information to use. Go to www.GinaHenry.com for more instructor information.

 

Unlock the full potential of your gala fundraisers! Designed for nonprofit leaders, event organizers, and fundraising professionals, this course will equip you with strategic planning, effective marketing, and innovative revenue optimization techniques. Learn to secure high-value sponsors, design engaging event experiences, and implement successful auction strategies. With expert guidance and practical insights, you'll transform your fundraising events into highly profitable endeavors that support your organization's mission. Join us and elevate your fundraising success!

Age range: 18+

Did you know that the California is hoping to make 100% of vehicles operate on battery power by the year 2035? Therefore, one of fastest growing businesses in California, United States, and worldwide is electric vehicles, which means there is a demand for EV (electric vehicle) charging stations; we will need millions of charging stations to be installed in garages, parking lots, roadside electric poles, among many other convenient locations. Therefore, there is a demand for installers and service providers all over US and worldwide. This course will offer A to Z of EVCS (electric vehicle charging station) design, installation, and operation, including troubleshooting.

Materials Fee: There is a $20 materials fee due to the instructor for digital class materials.  

Certificate of Completion is awarded to those who attend the full 12 hours of the course. 

Age range: 18+

Add some spark to your future!
Have you heard of others talk about TIG or MIG welding and wondered what those were? Technically speaking, those are called Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW) and Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW). These two welding process are used throughout the manufacturing, construction, research, energy, transportation, aviation, food, pharmaceutical and defense industries.

These welding processes are capable of joining most metals and are within your reach! Are welding skills something that could expand what you currently have in your personal skills tool bag or resume? Would knowing more about welding help you understand the hardware you help design or build? Would knowing more about welding help you communicate or collaborate more effectively with your peers on the shop floor? Is welding something of interest and you have always wanted to give it a try? Now is that time!

• “Learn by Doing” hands-on welding experience
• Lecture discussions to support welding lab
• Basic Welding Joints and Welding Symbols
• Welding Power Sources & Equipment
• Welding Inspection & Testing
• Welding of Steel, Stainless Steel & Aluminum
• Welding Procedure Specification (WPS)
• Welder Qualification
• All materials & equipment supplied

This welding course is based upon work supported by the NNSA Minority Serving Institutions Partnership Program under Award No. DE- NA0004160, which is a collaboration with Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory to provide deployment of workplace skills in context to the work done at LLNL.

 

Do you like to shop? You can get paid to shop at almost every local store in your area, plus there are many online shopping assignments you can do from home. Mystery shop on vacation all across the USA and in over 70 countries worldwide - FREE hotels, restaurant meals, car rentals, sightseeing tours, etc. Mystery shopping has become the most cost-efficient way for stores & businesses to know their customers and stay in business, especially during these challenging economic times. Learn how to avoid scam companies and work for the best mystery shopping companies that pay the most. Get the names & contact information for the TOP 100 MYSTERY SHOPPING COMPANIES including addresses, websites, and phone numbers to make all these ideas practical. We review actual mystery shopping assignments so you know exactly what to do, including the paperwork. Get paid or keep the items you buy on assignment. A FREE dinner for two at a nice restaurant, a FREE hotel night, a FREE tank of gas, FREE groceries, FREE dry cleaning & more. Learn how to play up your qualifications for the best assignments, how to fit mystery shopping into your daily schedule, and how to earn the most income.

Instructor Gina Henry has been a professional mystery shopper for over twenty years. She teaches in 90 cities nationwide and wrote the book “How To Travel Free”. Tuition includes instructors 100-page digital book "Mystery Shopping - Get Paid to Shop” (a $39.95 value). Go to www.GinaHenry.com for more instructor information. 

World traveler Gina Henry will show you how she has used mystery shopping to pay for many of her local expenses as well as travel costs to over 101 countries worldwide in the last 30 years. She teaches for over 96 schools nationwide online. Check out GinaHenry.com for more instructor information.

 

This Secretary of State approved class will prepare you to take the exam again by reviewing all relevant Notary law. You will take the official notary exam directly following the class. Renewing Notaries are required to take the exam and be fingerprinted again. Your commission must be current to qualify for the three-hour class.

You will receive a Guidebook, Proof of Completion, notary application and access to the instructor’s site with additional educational materials to utilize, however this is optional.

Important, Please Read: After registering with Community Education at Las Positas College, create an account here: www.notarypublicseminars.com/signup. Your registration fee includes access to NPS study guides and PowerPoint presentations. Please utilize this site prior to class. It is highly recommended that you study information on the NPS teaching site prior to class as the exam has become more difficult. Contact NPS: info@npsnotary.com with account related questions. No refunds are available once study materials have been accessed.

Bring the following items to take the exam:

1. Proper ID, which may be one of the following:
    a. State-issued Driver’s license or ID card
    b. Canadian or Mexican Driver’s license
    c. U.S. passport or a passport issued by a foreign government
    d. U.S. military ID card

2. one 2 x 2” color passport-size photograph. You may not use the photo that is in your current passport! You need a separate photo that is standard passport size that is given to the Secretary of State proctor as part of your exam application.

3. $40 exam fee in the form of a personal, business, or cashier’s check made payable to the Secretary of State. This fee is for the exam, and is in addition to the class and materials fees.

4. #2 pencil

5. Must be 18+ years of age. Livescan fingerprints are required to become a notary. Serious Convictions may disqualify applicants. Due to State regulations, no one will be admitted to the classroom after 8:15 a.m. You must return from breaks on time.

Cost: $50 with $50 in collected on site for private exam seat and seminar materials. 
Seminar: 12:45 pm to 4pm, Exam check in 4:00-4:30 pm. Exam starts at 5:00 pm and ends at 6:00 pm. 

Please note that you will need to purchase a parking permit to park on campus. Daily or semester permits can be purchased here: https://www.tocite.net/laspositascollege/portal

''3D SketchUp for Beginners'' is a comprehensive, step-by-step introductory course designed for those with little to no experience in 3D modeling. Those interested in interior design and architecture, even hobbyists and DIY enthusiast will find the course helpful; you will explore the world of 3D modeling and master the basics of SketchUp, a user-friendly and powerful 3D modeling software. Over the duration of the course, students will learn how to navigate the SketchUp interface, create and manipulate 3D models, apply textures and materials, and generate wonderful perspective views for presentation purposes. 

By the end of this course, students will have acquired essential skills in 3D modeling:  

• Proficiency in using SketchUp tools and commands. 
• The ability to create basic 3D objects and interior related elements and some architectural components. 
• Techniques for applying materials and textures to models. 
• Methods for creating detailed and accurate 2D and 3D drawings. 
• The capability to produce high-quality 3D models for presentations and client proposals.

This course equips students with the foundational knowledge needed to confidently use SketchUp for personal projects, academic assignments, or professional tasks in interior design and architecture. 

This is a HYBRID course. You can join the class in person or on zoom, LIVE REMOTE. 

Materials:

1. Desktop PC or laptop with internet connection (computers will be provided for in-person students / or students can bring their own laptop)
2. SketchUp Free web-based software (cost: free) : limited access to other features. Students should create an account through sketchup.com either before class or on the first day of session. 
3. SketchUp Studio for Students* : 1-year license download for only $55. This includes a Pro account meaning unlimited access to almost everything including 3d rendering. Students need to produce proof school registration. (*This is totally optional and depends on student's own preference)

Age Range: 18 and above are all welcome.

How does your board function? The board is legally and functionally responsible for everything in the organization, yet many board members do not know or understand their roles and responsibilities. This class will cover the basic information to improve your board. Valuable for board members, Executive Directors and anyone considering joining a nonprofit board.

PowerPoint provided following each class at no additional fee. 

 

Enhance your chances of securing your dream home! Designed for all potential homebuyers and real estate professionals, this course provides essential strategies to make your offer stand out in a competitive market. Learn how to craft compelling offers, effectively communicate with sellers, and navigate bidding wars with confidence. This course will help guide you through understanding seller motivations, leveraging contingencies, and presenting yourself as the ideal buyer. By the end of this course, you’ll be equipped with the tools and insights needed to get your purchase offer accepted and move closer to homeownership success. Join us and turn your offer into a winning bid!

Please note: Community Education and Las Positas College to not offer or endorse financial advice. Please consult your financial and/or investment advisor regarding changes to your financial planning situation.

Age range: 18+

Working remotely is now the thing. Why not add travel into the mix? Join thousands of individuals who are taking their work with them and hitting the road! You can make your travels sustainable by earning a living as you travel. Professional traveler Gina Henry has been doing this for years and shares her wealth of knowledge. Get the “how to” of living on the road including downsizing, putting your stuff in storage, getting your mail, how to have a “physical address”, the RV lifestyle, timeshares, international living, long-term rentals, housesitting, and more. Learn the best ways to set up your remote office and get quality wifi in your hotel, long-term rental, and out of your car or RV. Plus learn about the many remote jobs available.

Gina Henry founded Go Global, Inc. 26 years ago and has been location independent and working remotely for the past six years traveling year round.

Tuition includes instructors 100-page digital book ''Work Remotely and Become a Digital Nomad” (a $39.95 value).