Cambridge Center for Adult Education: A Hub for Lifelong Learning
The Cambridge Center for Adult Education (CCAE), based in Harvard Square, stands as a testament to the power of lifelong learning and community engagement. With a rich history dating back to the 19th century, CCAE has evolved into a dynamic institution offering a wide array of courses and programs designed to enrich the lives of adult learners. Housed in two historic properties listed on the National Register of Historic Places, CCAE provides a unique and inspiring environment for intellectual and personal growth.
Historical Roots: From Social Union to Adult Education Center
The story of CCAE begins with the Cambridge Social Union (CSU), founded in 1871 and formally incorporated in 1876. The CSU played a vital role in providing educational opportunities for adults in the Cambridge community. In 1889, the CSU purchased and moved into the former Brattle house. The Cambridge Social Union withstood the financial troubles of the First World War and the Great Depression. However, a 1937 feasibility study showed that the organization was in trouble. Recognizing the need for a more comprehensive approach to adult education, the Cambridge Social Union joined forces with the Boston Center for Adult Education in 1938, officially becoming the Cambridge Center for Adult Education.
A Broad Spectrum of Courses and Programs
CCAE offers more than 2,000 classes each year in seven centers of excellence, reflecting the diverse interests and needs of its students. These centers encompass a wide range of subjects, including:
- Languages and World Cultures: Explore the world through language acquisition and cultural immersion.
- Visual Arts: Unleash your creativity through painting, drawing, photography, and other visual arts disciplines.
- Performing Arts: Discover the joy of music, theater, and dance.
- Literary Arts: Hone your writing skills, explore different genres, and engage with literature.
- Culinary Arts: Master the art of cooking and baking, from basic techniques to gourmet cuisine. CCAE’s fully-equipped kitchen includes 2 conventional ovens and 1 convection oven. Evening cooking classes (3 hrs. and 10 person minimum) include a chef, food, and wine for $95/person plus a $100 facility fee. Lunch cooking classes are also available.
- Business & Technology: Acquire the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in today's competitive job market.
- Special Initiatives: Engage in innovative and interdisciplinary programs that address current social and cultural issues.
A Community of Learners and Educators
CCAE prides itself on fostering a vibrant and inclusive community of learners and educators. Over 300 professionals teach classes, consistently earning excellent reviews from students. The center also hosts a variety of events, including the Blacksmith House Poetry Series, which has been featuring nationally known and emerging writers since 1973. CCAE also runs an annual fall Writers’ Conference and hosts daytime lectures as part of the Gonson Society Lecture Series. New to CCAE’s event programming is a Friday night concert series.
Historic Properties: A Unique Learning Environment
CCAE is located in two historic properties at 42 and 56 Brattle Street, near the Harvard Square MBTA station in Cambridge.
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- 42 Brattle Street: In 1889 the Social Union purchased and moved into the House of William Brattle at 42 Brattle Street, which was built in 1727.
- 56 Brattle Street: In late 1972 the Cambridge Center acquired the Blacksmith House (the former Window Shop) property. Blacksmith House includes the Dexter Pratt House, built in 1811, where Longfellow observed the Village Blacksmith at work under the Spreading Chestnut Tree in 1839.
These historic buildings provide a unique and inspiring setting for learning and creativity. CCAE offers a variety of classroom and meeting spaces suitable for diverse meeting needs, ranging from standard class and conference rooms to a state-of-the-art kitchen.
Commitment to Accessibility and Community Engagement
The Cambridge Center for Adult Education strives to be one of the broadest ranging and most innovative communities of adult learners in the country. CCAE’s annual operating budget is $2 million, and in the past several years has strategically expanded programming and made extensive improvements to its physical plant. The Board appointed Linda Burton as the new Executive Director in June of 2016.
CCAE is deeply committed to serving the Cambridge community and ensuring that its programs are accessible to all. The center offers need-based financial assistance to make its courses affordable for individuals with limited financial resources. For more than a century, CCAE has served as an integral part of the fabric of our community, bringing small groups of people together to learn something new. CCAE is committed to inviting everyone to participate in its programming, regardless of financial means. For more information, and to apply for a scholarships, view the scholarship guidelines.
CCAE also actively engages with the community through partnerships with local organizations and institutions. For example, CCAE has collaborated with the Senior Center to offer interactive cooking classes, such as a Taste of Thai class where seniors made their own Thai inspired lettuce and spring rolls.
The STEAM Initiative
Cambridge is at the center of innovation. With its renowned universities and booming technology and life science industries, the city is a regional jobs center and a critical hub in the global economy. More than half the people working in Cambridge are employed in education and professional and technical services, including scientific research and pharmaceuticals. The STEAM Initiative provides opportunities for residents to access these careers paths and learn new skills. Are you interested in a career in science, technology, engineering, the arts, or math? Do you want to tap into the local innovation economy?
Read also: Finding Accommodation in Cambridge
Private Classes
Enjoy the full CCAE experience, in a more intimate setting, just for you and your group! Our private classes are a great way to celebrate special occasions, spark creativity in team-building events, or simply have fun with friends. Whether you're planning a company outing, a birthday celebration, or a casual get-together, choose from one of our preexisting class offerings or we’ll work with you to design the perfect in-person or online class customized for your group. "The event was absolutely fantastic and everyone had a great time.
Testimonials
Here are some testimonials from students who have taken courses at CCAE:
- “Enjoyed it immensely. Jacob [Lavoie] was a wonderful teacher and made a comfortable environment in class where everyone could not only feel as though they could ask questions, but could also be themselves!"
- "Olga [Katsovskiy] seems genuinely inspired by the material, and that inspiration reaches others. Also, she seems knowledgeable and diplomatic, and inherently inclusive."
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