Professional Education   

Join us for a fun and easy three-session course on Artificial Intelligence (AI). This course is for everyone—students, business owners, parents, and anyone who wants to learn how AI can improve their work and lives. This course will explore how AI is part of our everyday lives, even if we don't realize it. We'll show you simple AI tools that you can use at home, at school, or at work. Whether you want to save time, get more organized, or find new ways to solve problems, this course will give you helpful tips.

We invite you to discover the amazing ways AI can bring positive changes to your life! You don’t need any special knowledge—just bring your curiosity and an open mind as we explore together!

By the end of this course,you will...

• Understand AI Basics: Explain what Artificial Intelligence (AI) is in simple terms
• Recognize AI in Daily Life: Identify how AI is used in everyday devices and applications
• Use Simple AI Tools: Demonstrate how to use easy AI tools to make tasks faster and easier
• Improve Tasks with AI: Apply AI solutions to everyday home, school, or work activities
• Create a Personal AI Plan: Develop a simple plan for continuing to use AI tools to help in the future

Material provided:

All course and reading material will be provided in printable digital format.

All material will be free and available online.

Age range: 16+

Ideal for: students, business owners, and parents

This is a HYBRID course. You can attend in person, or you can join live via zoom. 

Join us for a fun and easy three-session course on Artificial Intelligence (AI). This course is for everyone—students, business owners, parents, and anyone who wants to learn how AI can improve their work and lives. This course will explore how AI is part of our everyday lives, even if we don't realize it. We'll show you simple AI tools that you can use at home, at school, or at work. Whether you want to save time, get more organized, or find new ways to solve problems, this course will give you helpful tips.

We invite you to discover the amazing ways AI can bring positive changes to your life! You don’t need any special knowledge—just bring your curiosity and an open mind as we explore together!

By the end of this course,you will...

• Understand AI Basics: Explain what Artificial Intelligence (AI) is in simple terms
• Recognize AI in Daily Life: Identify how AI is used in everyday devices and applications
• Use Simple AI Tools: Demonstrate how to use easy AI tools to make tasks faster and easier
• Improve Tasks with AI: Apply AI solutions to everyday home, school, or work activities
• Create a Personal AI Plan: Develop a simple plan for continuing to use AI tools to help in the future

Material provided:

All course and reading material will be provided in printable digital format.

All material will be free and available online.

Age range: 16+

Ideal for: students, business owners, and parents

This is a HYBRID course. You can attend in person, or you can join live via zoom. 

We are offering classes on campus and through livestream, take one or both for the price of one. As the exam has become more difficult to pass, taking advantage of our offer will ensure your success.

• Proper ID, which may be one of the following: State-issued Driver’s license or ID card, Canadian or Mexican Driver’s license, U.S. passport or a passport issued by a foreign government, or U.S. military ID card
• 2 x 2 color passport photo
• Check or money order for exam payable to the Secretary of State $40, retake fee $20. (This fee is in addition to the class fee.)
•  #2 pencil

 

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 or are currently a licensed CA notary. Age range: 18+

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. The instructor will send a zoom link before class.

Age range: 16+

If your goal is to become a published freelance writer by selling a magazine article, short story, poem, or even a novel to a traditional publisher, this comprehensive workshop will guide you to, then past the editor's desk. You will discover how to:

• become a “published” writer overnight
• submit manuscripts the correct way
• find the right publisher for your work
• write irresistible query letters
• determine when and how to get an agent
• 100 ways to make money as a freelance writer

If you really want to succeed, this step-by-step workshop is a must! Informative handouts for future use are included in class fee. 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. 

Age range: 16+

This course is suited for business owners and entrepreneurs preparing to pitch their ideas. The course focuses on creating and delivering a compelling business plan presentation. Participants will learn techniques for structuring their pitch, engaging their audience, and articulating key elements of their business model, including financial projections, competitive advantage, and growth strategies. The course also includes guidance on crafting visual aids and anticipating questions from investors or stakeholders. By the end of the course, participants will be ready to present their business plan confidently and persuasively.

Learning Outcomes: Structuring a business pitch, communicating financial projections, designing visual aids, engaging with audience questions.

 

Age range: 18+

Are you ready to bring your ideas to life in 3D? Join us for a hands-on Introductory CREO Workshop, where you'll dive into the world of parametric modeling and Computer Aided Drafting (CAD) design using PTC CREO—an industry-leading software used in engineering and product development!

Age range: 18+

This Creo workshop is supported by the NNSA Minority Serving Institutions Partnership Program under Award No. DE-NA0004160, which is a collaboration with Lawerence Livermore National Laboratory to provide deployment of worksplace skills in context to the work done at LLNL. 

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. 

Age range: 18+

 

Join Jennifer Thaete, Estate Planning and Probate Attorney, as she reviews and discusses the primary legal documents most commonly used in creating an estate plan including: Trusts, Wills, Financial and Health Care Powers of Attorney; She will cover the Pros and Cons of these options; and a general overview of Probate and Conservatorship will be discussed in concert with the above.  All information is in plain English, and handouts will be provided. 

Age range: 18+

Join Jennifer Thaete, Estate Planning and Probate Attorney, as she reviews and discusses the primary legal documents most commonly used in creating an estate plan including: Trusts, Wills, Financial and Health Care Powers of Attorney; She will cover the Pros and Cons of these options; and a general overview of Probate and Conservatorship will be discussed in concert with the above.  All information is in plain English, and handouts will be provided. 

Age range: 18+

Self-publishing is all the rage, but is it the best option for YOU? (participants must also attend “Beginner’s Guide to Getting Published”) And, can you do both? You will discover the pros and cons of all the self-publishing options, including print-on-demand and e-book publishing, as well as Amazon options, and see how they compare to traditional publishing. Informative handouts, including a rated description of 50 self-publishing companies for future use are included in class fee.

Prerequisite: participants must also attend “Beginner’s Guide to Getting Published," which is offered right before this class. 

Age range: 16+

 

A class for anyone interested in starting a business from home!

Tired of working for someone else? Do you need to make more money? Turn your talents and hobbies into profits by starting a home business. Taught by a Chamber of Commerce Past President and award winning business owner, this is probably the most comprehensive business start up workshop you will ever find. You will discover:

• more than 250 legitimate home business ideas
• mandatory legal documentation
• many ways to market your product/service
• how to take tax deductions (this workshop included!)

Informative handouts for future use are included in class fee. 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. 

Age range: 16+

You don’t need to be famous to have a legacy to leave behind. Create an inspirational autobiography for family, friends, and others. Learn how to recall vivid memories, analyze events and people that shaped who you are, and bring your story to life. Your handout, included in the class fee, will have an outline to help you organize and write your memoir step-by-step. Printing/publishing options will also be discussed. 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. This course is LIVE REMOTE during the date and time listed. The webinar login information will be emailed the day before class.  

Age range: 16+

 

If you’re into “buy and hold” strategies, then the smartest thing you can do right now is to buy out-of-state. After all, why buy one house in Los Angeles or SF bay area, Seattle WA or NYC for $1,000,000 (with massive negative cash flow), when you can buy ten $150,000 new builds income properties  or five $250,000 new builds income properties out of state in the fastest growing markets in the country and enjoy positive cash flow and long term appreciation. And why deal with landlord headaches when you can use “turnkey” companies to manage these properties for you. The marvelous thing about turnkey companies is that they do everything for you. They find and buy the houses for you, rent it to qualified tenants, manage the property for you, and then send you a check every month. Won’t you love receiving rental checks every month? This is the most exciting cash flow passive income strategy ever!

Also, you will learn about using your IRA to buy income property, the power of Short-term Rental Tax loophole,  Cost Segregation, Real Estate Pro Tax status & 1031 tax deferred exchanges.

But wait, there’s more:

You can even pivot your long term rentals into short-term rentals (Airbnb) and even into a fast-growing asset class “Mid-term rentals” and 2-4 times X your cash flow!!!  AKA the trifecta effect!

About your Instructor:
Seewing Yee, Bachelors (B.B.A.) in Accounting and a Masters (M.S.) in Taxation,  He conducts over 200 real estate seminars each year throughout California at over 30 adult schools, colleges and universities for the past 20 years.

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+

 

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.

 

Embark on an exciting journey into the world of digital art with our Procreate course designed for interior design students! This course will equip you with the skills and knowledge needed to create stunning digital artwork on your iPad using Procreate, a digital art application. You will learn how to navigate the Procreate interface, use essential drawing tools, and understand the fundamentals of color theory. Dive into hands-on exercises and guided tutorials designed interior design students to master techniques such as sketching, painting, and blending. Explore the power of layers, brushes, and special effects to add depth and dimension to your creations. With personalized feedback and support from your instructor, you will gain confidence and proficiency in using Procreate to release your creativity. By the end of the course, you will have the tools and convenience to create stunning digital art pieces that showcase your unique style and vision. As an interior design student, learning ProCreate can significantly benefit  you by producing quality design sketches, elevating your design workflow and becoming more confident in your skills, building you a strong portfolio, and making you more competitive in the design industry.

Course Materials:

• Apple iPad + Apple Pencil
• Procreate app installed on your ipad, priced at$12.99 (one-time purchase): https://procreate.com/

Age range: All those 18+ are welcome!

This is an in-person course. Please come prepared with your Apple iPad, Apple Pencil, and Procreate installed on your iPad.

Course modality: This is a hybrid course, meaning you can join in-person or live remote. 

Looking for ways to make money online? Turn your ideas or homemade products into income by starting an online business. You will learn how to: find a gap in a niche market and fill it; build your own website, and market your business effectively (including SEO) so potential customers will find you; take care of business forms and taxes; create multiple sources of income (including Affiliate commissions). You’ll also get info about the 25 most popular online businesses to start. Informative handouts for future use are included in class fee. The instructor LeeAnne Krusemark is a Chamber of Commerce Past President, current author/editor, and a nationwide Professor of Publishing at higher learning institutions, including Harvard Adult Education. The webinar login information will be emailed the day before class.

Age range: 16+

In "Tax Strategies for Real Estate Investors," you will learn legitimate strategies that may reduce your taxes by 50%.

By the end of this seminar, you will walk away learning……..

• How to qualify for the Short-Term Rental Tax loophole
• How to use Cost Segregation & Bonus Depreciation to drastically reduce your taxes
• How to qualify for “Real Estate Professional” status and claim unlimited passive losses to off-set your active income
• How to buy real estate using your “self-directed IRA”
• How to use the IRC 1031 tax deferred exchange rules to trade up to higher quality properties as well as to leverage into more investment properties
• How to maximize your car, travel and transportation deductions
• How to hold title in your real estate: LLC, S Corp, C Corp.?

You will walk through a sample tax return to see the impact of your deductions. BONUS:Learn how to buy investment properties in the best real estate markets throughout the country for $60,000-$100,000+

Come experience the #1 real estate wealth building seminar in the country and find out what your return will be! On-line seating is limited. To assure your seat for financial independence, register today!

Seewing Yee, Bachelors (B.B.A.) in Accounting and a Masters (M.S.) in Taxation, He conductsover 200 real estate seminars each year throughout California at over 30 adult schools,colleges and universities for the past 20 years.

Mr. Yee was a 20-year US Army veteran and an ex-“Real” Boot Camp Drill Sergeant instructor. Since his 2002 Military retirement, he has mentored hundreds of real estate investors toachieve “FIRE” A.K.A. “Financial Independence Real Estate”.

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.

 

 In what could be the most enlightening webinar you’ve ever taken, our instructor and professional voice coach will show you how you can actually begin using your speaking voice for commercials, films, videos, and more. Most people go about it the wrong way. In this introductory class, you will learn about a unique, outside the box way to break into this creative, fulfilling, and potentially lucrative industry. Voice-overs can be managed on your own terms, on your own turf, in your own time, and with minimal overhead!  Age range: 16+

This intensive course provides a schedule of crafting a novel from start to finish, which you can finish in as little as 90 days! This class will also help you stay motivated throughout the journey. You will learn how to:

• select your novel genre and develop a compelling premise
• create multidimensional characters and immersive settings
• craft a detailed plot outline
• manage your time to keep your writing flow consistent
• combat common roadblocks including writer’s block
• master the art of self-editing: refining your plot, and fixing pacing, dialogue, and characterization problems.
• receive constructive criticism from beta readers
• explore publishing options

By the end of this class, you will know how to complete your novel and have the knowledge and confidence to move forward with the publishing process. 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. The webinar login information will be emailed the day before class.

Age range: 16+