CUNY Continuing Education Programs: Opening Doors to Opportunity

Continuing Education programs within the City University of New York (CUNY) system provide a vital pathway for adult learners to achieve their educational, career, and personal goals. These programs cater to a diverse population, offering a wide array of courses and services designed to meet the evolving needs of New Yorkers.

The Role of Adult and Continuing Education

The Division of Adult and Continuing Education plays a crucial role in the CUNY system. These divisions, such as the one at LaGuardia Community College, serve thousands of New Yorkers from diverse cultures, ages, ethnicities, and educational and economic backgrounds. Whether the goal is to learn English, earn a high school equivalency diploma, prepare for college, acquire job training, advance a career, or grow a business, CUNY continuing education programs offer resources and support.

Key Features of CUNY Continuing Education Programs

Several key features distinguish CUNY continuing education programs and contribute to their effectiveness:

Expert Instructors: Courses are taught by experienced professionals and experts in their respective fields, ensuring that students receive practical, up-to-date knowledge and skills.
Supportive Classroom Environment: CUNY continuing education programs foster a supportive learning environment where students feel comfortable asking questions, collaborating with peers, and seeking assistance from instructors.
Diverse Student Body: The diversity of the student body enriches the learning experience by exposing students to different perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences.
Affordable Programs: CUNY is committed to providing affordable access to education, and its continuing education programs are no exception. Many programs offer low-cost tuition or are even free for eligible participants.
Scholarships: Scholarship opportunities are available for many programs, making them even more accessible to students with financial needs.

Program Areas and Offerings

CUNY continuing education programs encompass a wide range of areas, including:

English Language Learning, High School Equivalency & Pre-College

These programs equip students with the knowledge, skills, and support they need to reach their educational goals and move forward in life.

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English as a Second Language (ESL): Beginning, intermediate, and advanced level courses are available to recent immigrants, international students, visitors, and others in need of ESL instruction. Students can practice their English skills using the latest technology in the TELC Media Center.
High School Equivalency (HSE): The Adult Basic Skills (ABS) Department prepares adult continuing education students to earn a high school equivalency diploma and achieve their college and career goals. ABS offers free and low-cost instruction in reading, writing, and math skills to adults over 19 years of age in both English and Spanish for adult basic education (ABE) and high school equivalency (HSE) preparation. ABS is an official New York State GED® Testing Center.
Pre-College: Programs such as MATH Start offer instruction for students who need to increase their math proficiency before starting credit classes.

Career Skills & Workforce Training

These programs provide students with the skills and hands-on experience they need to enter into high-demand industries.

Healthcare: Programs such as the Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) Program train students to become important members of the medical team. Other healthcare-related courses include Basic Cardias Life Support, Basic Spanish for Healthcare Professionals, Hemodialysis, Medical Assistant Specialist, and Medical Billing and Coding.
Technology: Software Engineer bootcamp students complete an intense, accelerated training provided in partnership with industry leaders General Assembly, Software Guild & Udacity. IT/Networking students prepare for certification in CompTIA A+ and Network+.
Finance: CUNY continuing education programs may offer courses in areas such as financial literacy, bookkeeping, and accounting.
Construction: CUNY continuing education programs may offer courses in areas such as carpentry, electrical work, and plumbing.
Other Areas: CUNY continuing education programs may offer courses in a variety of other areas, such as culinary arts, hospitality, and tourism.
Career and Technical Education (CTE): The CTEA Center offers career advisement, work readiness, and job placement services for students graduating from Career and Technical Education training programs.

Small Business & Entrepreneur Services

These programs provide resources and support to individuals who run a business or are just starting out.

Business Advising: Areas of advising include how to start a business; legal requirements; business and financial planning; marketing; business expansion; assistance with franchises; international trade and more.
Training and Workshops: CUNY continuing education programs offer a variety of training and workshops on topics such as business planning, marketing, and finance.
Access to Capital: CUNY continuing education programs may partner with organizations that provide access to capital for small businesses.
Partnerships: CUNY continuing education programs partner with employers to promote industry-informed workforce development.

Veterans Workforce Initiatives

LaGuardia Community College is dedicated to serving veterans of all eras and assisting them with the transition into their next phase of life. Veterans Workforce Initiatives facilitates enrollment of veterans into a variety of free and affordable training or pre-college programs while also offering case management and other support services.

CUNY Language Immersion Program (CLIP)

This program is for individuals who are CUNY freshman, have limited English proficiency, and want to study English as a Second Language (ESL) before beginning college credit courses. Classes meet for 25 hours each week and students may stay for one, two, or three semesters. There are day and evening classes.

CLEP-the College level Examination Program (CLEP)

CLEP allows you to demonstrate college-level achievement through a series of exams in undergraduate college courses. There are currently 2,900 colleges that grant credit and/or advanced standing for CLEP exams. BMCC is an open testing center and administers all 34 computer-based exams in its secure testing laboratory.

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Business Training Center

The Business Training Center can make arrangements for in-house presentation of Continuing Education programs, courses, workshops, and seminars, which can be designed to the specifications of your organization. Companies and organizations may also arrange to send employees on campus for training at a special tuition rate or on a contractual basis. Certificates of Completion will be awarded for such programs.

Professional Development

Professional Development focuses on career enhancement and functional marketplace expertise through the acquisition, or development of project management and leadership skills, business writing fluency, and increased knowledge and proficiency in QuickBooks and Microsoft Office programs including Excel and PowerPoint.

Examples of CUNY Continuing Education Programs

LaGuardia Community College: As the largest continuing education division among all the CUNY campuses and one of the most comprehensive in the country, LaGuardia Community College offers a wide range of programs that serve thousands of New Yorkers.
Borough of Manhattan Community College (BMCC): Through the Center for Continuing Education and Workforce Development, Borough of Manhattan Community College responds to community needs by providing specialized classes and employment services.

The Impact of CUNY Continuing Education Programs

CUNY continuing education programs have a significant impact on the lives of individuals and the economic vitality of New York City. By providing access to education and training, these programs help individuals:

Improve their employment prospects
Increase their earning potential
Achieve their educational goals
Become more engaged citizens

CUNY continuing education programs also benefit the city by:

Providing a skilled workforce for local businesses
Stimulating economic growth
Reducing poverty and inequality

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