Education Encore gears up at Gulf/Franklin Center

No tests, no grades, no stress, just fun.

That is the mantra for Education Encore at Gulf Coast State College’s Gulf/Franklin Center.

Registration for this year’s Education Encore, which provides non-credit enrichment classes for adults on a variety of topics, will be held beginning at 1 p.m. ET on Wednesday, Jan. 18 in Room A101 at the Gulf/Franklin Campus..

Education Encore strives to provide a learning environment that is fun, lively and offers diversity, insight and wisdom in which adults can explore new ideas.

“The Continuing Education Department at Gulf Coast State College sponsors the Education Encore program because the school’s commitment to quality learning experiences for all citizens regardless of age,” said Jim Barr, GCSC coordinator of Community Education Programs. “All courses are conducted in a relaxed and supportive atmosphere by incredible instructors.”

Barr said participants in Education Encore range from 20 to 75.

One man in his 40’s decided to enroll because of the program’s motto – No tests, no grades, no stress, just fun – and as a result of his experiences in the program was motivated to become a full-time academic student, Barr added.

Instructors include local author Michael Lister, television weather personality Judy Dickey and local artist Jennifer Bonaventura, among others.

Barr noted that just as exercising the body maintains physical fitness, one goal of Education Encore is to maintain the fitness of the mind.

“For participants who have never attended college, the program gives them an opportunity to ‘live’ the college experience,” Barr said.  “Participants who have attended college have an opportunity to ‘re-live’ their  college experience.

“You are never too old to learn.”

Education Encore offers courses on a wide range of subjects, including computers, exercise, art, drawing, photography, religion, writing, Spanish, story crafting, history and weather.

Classes meet six consecutive Wednesdays beginning Jan. 25 and ending Feb. 29.

There will be three periods – from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m.; 9:45 to 10:45 a.m. and 11 a.m. to 12 noon. All times EST.

The fee is $66 for the six-week program – the fee is the same whether taking one, two or three classes.

“This is a great opportunity to continue your education or pursue a longtime interest,” Barr said.

To browse the selection of classes offered please visit the website at www.gulfcoast.edu/EducationEncore. For more information call 872-3823 or transmit an e-mail to Barr at jbarr@gulfcoast.edu.