Professional Education   

Discover how investors are using the emerging new construction co-living model to generate strong cash flow and build long-term wealth.You'll learn how to purchase turnkey, purpose-built co-living properties in some of the nation's fastest-growing housing markets using long-term fixed-rate financing.

Topics include:

• Understanding the rent-by-the-room co-living investment model.
• Investing in turnkey new construction single-family homes, duplexes, and fourplexes.
• Financing options, including 30-year fixed-rate mortgages with as little as 25% down.
• Serving the growing workforce housing market by renting individual private bedrooms.
• Strategies for maximizing cash flow, long-term appreciation, and overall investment returns.
• Building passive income through professionally managed rental properties.

You'll also learn about typical investment price ranges, including single-family homes starting in the low $300,000s, duplexes averaging around $600,000, and fourplexes averaging approximately $900,000.

Whether you're purchasing your first investment property or expanding an existing portfolio, this class provides an overview of how the new construction co-living model can fit into a long-term real estate investment strategy. No prior real estate investing experience is required.

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+

 

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. 

Age range: 18+

AI tools change every few months, but the skill that doesn't expire is knowing how to learn any of them. This hands-on workshop teaches adaptability: the discipline of learning any AI tool fast instead of memorizing one app. Your instructor is a Silicon Valley engineer with 25+ years adapting to automation changes across R&D labs and consulting contracts where immediate delivery was never optional. That same adaptability is what this course is built on. You'll co-edit professional documents with AI in real time, customize AI to remember your work style across sessions, and build structured prompts that turn generic answers into professional output, along with privacy configuration and cost strategies most users never discover. You walk away with prompt templates, a cost-routing guide, and an artifact you built with AI, ready to use Monday. Live demos preview AI agents like Hermes and Claude Code handling multi-step work for you, a glimpse of advanced courses. No experience or laptop required.

Age range: 18+

AI tools change every few months, but the skill that doesn't expire is knowing how to learn any of them. This hands-on workshop teaches adaptability: the discipline of learning any AI tool fast instead of memorizing one app. Your instructor is a Silicon Valley engineer with 25+ years adapting to automation changes across R&D labs and consulting contracts where immediate delivery was never optional. That same adaptability is what this course is built on. You'll co-edit professional documents with AI in real time, customize AI to remember your work style across sessions, and build structured prompts that turn generic answers into professional output, along with privacy configuration and cost strategies most users never discover. You walk away with prompt templates, a cost-routing guide, and an artifact you built with AI, ready to use Monday. Live demos preview AI agents like Hermes and Claude Code handling multi-step work for you, a glimpse of advanced courses. No experience or laptop required.

Age range: 18+

Discover how artificial intelligence can help you start, grow, and streamline your business—no technical experience required. In this beginner-friendly course, you'll learn to confidently use leading AI tools including ChatGPT, Claude, and Microsoft Copilot to improve marketing, increase productivity, generate content, and simplify everyday business tasks. Through hands-on activities and real-world examples, you'll master effective prompting techniques and create a personalized AI Action Plan you can use immediately. Students also receive a library of 50+ ready-to-use business prompts and course guides.

A Certificate of Completion is awarded to those that meet the following criteria:

• Attendance at all four weekly sessions (or approved makeup work if one session is missed)
• Submission of completed Student Guides 1 through 4
• Completion of the personalized AI Action Plan (Week 4)
• Participation in at least one live hands-on activity per session

Age range: 18+

Dive into the world of AI-powered marketing and media creation. Learn to craft engaging social media posts, design visuals, and generate video content using AI tools. This class is ideal for entrepreneurs, educators promoting programs, and professionals managing brand awareness with limited resources and time.

Age range: 18+

Explore how AI can transform the way you conduct research and analyze information. This session will guide you in using AI to find relevant data, simplify complex materials, and produce actionable insights. Whether you’re a business owner making strategic decisions or an educator curating knowledge, this class will enhance your capabilities. Age range: 18+

DESIGN. GENERATE. IMPRESS. This beginner-friendly workshop introduces designers to the practical use of AI in the creative process. Come away understanding how to use AI as a tool to enhance creativity, not replace it! Learn how to generate ideas, create visual concepts, and improve workflow using simple AI tools in fast and easy way—no technical background required. The course focuses on real design applications, showing how AI can support interior design, architecture, and even digital art. By the end of the workshop, you will be able to create smarter and design faster, and most importantly you will experience the future of design, now!

Course Materials:

• An account with web-based app Midjourney is needed. Free version is available, or upgrade for $10 a month. 

Age range: 18+

Do you want an overview of the needs, processes, requirements, and planning for creating, incorporating, and applying for nonprofit status with the IRS and state for the organization? This workshop will provide information to understanding what lies ahead.

PowerPoint provided following each class at no additional fee.  

Age range: 18+

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+

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. 

Age range: 16+

Discover the best copy/paste, drag and drop website builders that will meet your needs and create an appealing, modern, dynamic, small business website. Included is a complete comparison review of the top website and e-commerce store builders. Determine the best planning and layout for your site’s specific requirements, with an attention-grabbing initial focal point. Learn Search Engine Optimization (SEO), social media marketing, the tips and traps, and dos and don’ts of website design. Taught by a multi award-winning instructor and published author from Seattle.Age range: 18+

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+

 

Self-publishing is all the rage, but is it the best option for you? 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+

 

Whether you're looking to launch a profitable side hustle, make a full-time career pivot, or simply add a powerful new skill set to your professional toolkit, this virtual workshop gives you a clear, actionable roadmap to get started. Managers, supervisors, and trainers will find these techniques immediately applicable — helping teams break through barriers and perform at a higher level. And for those ready to turn coaching into a business, you'll also walk away with innovative, low-cost marketing strategies to find your first clients. No prior experience required — just a desire to help others succeed.

Age range:18+

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. 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+

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+

 

Build on the skills from Introduction to AI for Everyday Work (recommended) and learn to use ChatGPT, Gemini, and other tools more effectively. This course focuses on advanced prompting, research, multimodal tools, GPTs, Gems, and connections to external applications for practical, everyday work and personal use using entry-level subscription features.Intermediate AI Tools: ChatGPT, Gemini, and more.

Age range: 18+

Discover the potential of AI tools in this introductory session designed for professionals, educators, and small business owners. Learn how to integrate AI into your daily tasks, from simplifying workflows to boosting creativity and productivity. By the end, you’ll understand how to interact with AI tools effectively and explore their endless possibilities.

Age range: 18+

In this workshop, instructor and professional voice coach, John Morris, will share a comprehensive introduction to Voice-Over (VO) and Podcasting followed by hands-on experience using your speaking voice for commercials, films, videos, and more. In this introductory class, you will learn about a unique, outside the box way to break into this creative, fulfilling, and potentially lucrative industry.

This course is live-remote. The instructor will send you a meeting link prior to the beginning of class. 

Age range: 18+

 

The law affects your rights, your family, your finances—and your future. Do you know how it really works? In just three sessions, you’ll get a clear, practical overview of California’s court system. Learn how civil and criminal cases move through the courts, and explore real-life topics like criminal law, personal injury (torts), and family law. No prior experience needed—just a desire to better understand the legal system and how it impacts your everyday life. Age range: 18+

Turn ideas into action and learn how successful projects get done. This course introduces the fundamentals of project management and provides the training hours needed to qualify for the Project Management Institute’s PMP® or CAPM® exams. Learn practical tools and techniques for planning, organizing, and leading projects from start to finish. Perfect for beginners, aspiring project managers, team leaders and stakeholders, and professionals looking to strengthen leadership and organizational skills. Those new to project management will leave prepared to manage small projects with greater confidence and effectiveness. Experienced managers earn credits toward renewal of certification. Stakeholders and team leaders will gain insight into project oversight, improving their ability to ask focused questions and identify issues early.

For those new to project management, you will come away with…

• the knowledge and skills to lead smaller projects with a low degree of complexity and risk.
• the basics of the project management discipline,
• having practiced different methods and tools and built a tool chest ready to apply to your first project management assignment.
• 20 professional development hours towards your PMP® certification requirement

For seasoned project managers, you will…

• earn 20 professional development hours to apply in obtaining or maintaining a certification
• (For people that engage as stakeholders) fine-tune critical thinking skills that focus on projects
• build insight into problem areas to be watchful of
• learn how to ask more pointed questions.

Career Outlook:

Project managers with formal training and credentials stand out in the market. The Project Management Professional (PMP®) credential is considered the global gold standard in certifications, but obtaining this credential requires formal project management training and demonstrated experience in the discipline.

Based on the 2023 salary survey performed by the Project Management Institute (PMI®), 66% of respondents reported compensation increases over the past twelve months, with 61% stating greater than 5% increases. In the United States, the median income of project managers without a PMP® was reported to be $90,000 and with a PMP® $130,000.

Age range: 18+

Turn ideas into action and learn how successful projects get done. This course introduces the fundamentals of project management and provides the training hours needed to qualify for the Project Management Institute’s PMP® or CAPM® exams. Learn practical tools and techniques for planning, organizing, and leading projects from start to finish. Perfect for beginners, aspiring project managers, team leaders and stakeholders, and professionals looking to strengthen leadership and organizational skills. Those new to project management will leave prepared to manage small projects with greater confidence and effectiveness. Experienced managers earn credits toward renewal of certification. Stakeholders and team leaders will gain insight into project oversight, improving their ability to ask focused questions and identify issues early.

For those new to project management, you will come away with…

• the knowledge and skills to lead smaller projects with a low degree of complexity and risk.
• the basics of the project management discipline,
• having practiced different methods and tools and built a tool chest ready to apply to your first project management assignment.
• 20 professional development hours towards your PMP® certification requirement

For seasoned project managers, you will…

• earn 20 professional development hours to apply in obtaining or maintaining a certification
• (For people that engage as stakeholders) fine-tune critical thinking skills that focus on projects
• build insight into problem areas to be watchful of
• learn how to ask more pointed questions.

Career Outlook:

Project managers with formal training and credentials stand out in the market. The Project Management Professional (PMP®) credential is considered the global gold standard in certifications, but obtaining this credential requires formal project management training and demonstrated experience in the discipline.

Based on the 2023 salary survey performed by the Project Management Institute (PMI®), 66% of respondents reported compensation increases over the past twelve months, with 61% stating greater than 5% increases. In the United States, the median income of project managers without a PMP® was reported to be $90,000 and with a PMP® $130,000.

Age range: 18+

62% of employers reject candidates based on how they speak, yet 98% of people lack formal speaking training. Don't let your communication skills hold you back. This hands-on workshop with premier voice coach David Goldberg teaches you to speak with clarity so decision-makers remember—and hire—you. Whether you’re seeking a promotion or pivoting fields, you’ll learn to master elevator pitches, navigate AI-screened interviews, and project executive presence. Gain a reliable toolkit to clarify your value and manage tough questions with confidence, even when the pressure is on.

Age range: 18+

Learn the fundamentals of Live Scan fingerprinting in California with our 2-hour training class. Get step-by-step guidance on certification requirements, hands-on practice with fingerprint equipment, and expert insights. Includes cost to complete Fingerprint Rolling Certification through CA Department of Justice.

Age range: 18+

Learn the fundamentals of Live Scan fingerprinting in California with our 2-hour training class. Get step-by-step guidance on certification requirements, hands-on practice with fingerprint equipment, and expert insights. Includes cost to complete Fingerprint Rolling Certification through CA Department of Justice.

Age range: 18+

Have you ever thought about becoming your own boss? Have you been laid off recently and are ready for a fresh start? Have you always wanted to start your own business but weren’t sure where to begin? This course will show you how to take control of your career and financial future through the power of franchising — a proven business model that turns ambition into ownership.  In today’s uncertain job market, especially with technology layoffs on the rise, franchising offers a reliable, structured path to entrepreneurship. You’ll learn how to leverage established systems, training, and brand recognition to launch a business with built-in support and a higher chance of success.

Age range: 18+

Have you ever thought about becoming your own boss? Have you been laid off recently and are ready for a fresh start? Have you always wanted to start your own business but weren’t sure where to begin? This course will show you how to take control of your career and financial future through the power of franchising — a proven business model that turns ambition into ownership.  In today’s uncertain job market, especially with technology layoffs on the rise, franchising offers a reliable, structured path to entrepreneurship. You’ll learn how to leverage established systems, training, and brand recognition to launch a business with built-in support and a higher chance of success.

Age range: 18+

Bring your design ideas to life with Procreate's Digital Drafting for Interior Designers, a creative and practical course that teaches you how to sketch, render, and communicate interior spaces using Procreate on the iPad. Together, we will explore digital drafting techniques, presentation layouts, and visual storytelling methods that can enhance your workflow and design presentations. Whether you are beginning your design journey or looking to modernize your creative process, this course will help you build valuable digital skills used in today’s design industry. 

Course Materials:

• Apple iPad + Apple Pencil
• Procreate app installed on your ipad, priced at $12.99 (one-time purchase): Please note that the app works only on Apple iPad and must have an Apple Pencil, too. The app is not compatible on other tablet, chromebook or laptop.

Age range: All those 18+ are welcome!

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

Great leaders are great "speakers"—they sell a vision and inspire action simply by the way they speak. Whether you are leading a team, pitching a client, or presenting to a board, your vocal delivery determines if people tune in or tune out. In this dynamic class, premier voice coach David Goldberg adapts the secrets of professional broadcasters to the corporate world. You will learn to "hook" your audience immediately, use vocal variety to sustain engagement, and project a natural and charismatic authority that makes people follow your lead.

Age range: 18+

This Secretary of State approved class will prepare you to take the exam again by reviewing all relevant Notary law. Renewing Notaries are required to take the exam and be fingerprinted again. Your commission must be current to qualify for the class.
Please note: Must be 18+. Live Scan fingerprints are required. This can be done after the notary exam. Serious Convictions may disqualify applicants. 

Cost: $95 collected at time of registration with Community Education: This covers the live stream seminar, reservation for the in-person exam, and digital materials. 

There is a $40 exam fee. This is collected by your exam proctors on exam day. Check or money order made payable to the Secretary of State only. No cash or credit/debit cards accepted.

The total cost of the course is $135.00. 

Important, Please Read: After registering with Community Education at Las Positas College, create an account using this link to access the educational site created by NPS (optional). You'll find cheat sheets, practice exams, and short PowerPoint presentations to maximize your learning experience: www.notarypublicseminars.com/signup .

Bring the following items to take the exam:

• 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
• 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.
• Check or money order for exam payable to the Secretary of State for $40. Retake fee is $20. 
•  #2 pencil

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+

Strategy involves identifying essential objectives and executing them effectively. Achieving this requires alignment among Projects, Portfolios, and overarching Strategies. This program focuses on establishing that alignment to transform strategic plans into tangible results.

In this one day seminar, engage with strategy across portfolios, programs, and projects, integrating your diverse experiences and objectives into a structured plan. By reviewing and applying strategic tools, you will develop the ability to implement these methods effectively in professional environments. Learn the leadership skills needed to sucessfully execute strategy. Moreover, gain insights into the influence of organizational culture, the importance of maintaining focus and position, constructing product and service models, and understanding how organizational size affects implementation. A light breakfast and lunch will be provided. 

Who is this class for? Strategic management is applicable across all organizational levels and types, including both for-profit and nonprofit entities, and is not limited solely to senior executives.

Age range: 18+

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. 

Age range: 18+

Do you want an overview to learn, understand or review the techniques and functions of operating and managing a nonprofit organization? This class can be valuable for staff, volunteers, Board members, and those considering starting a nonprofit organization.

PowerPoint provided following each class at no additional fee. 

Age range: 18+

 

You don’t need a journalism degree or previously published articles to write for anyone’s online blog, magazine, or website. Some opportunities offer exposure, while many pay well -- $1 a word and more. In this fast-paced session, you will learn how to: find ideas, sources, and more than 1,000 opportunities that pay, conduct interviews and create interesting content, protect your copyright, write query letters, and then use this credibility to sell other articles or even your self published novel. 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.