As parents, it’s easy to put your own growth on the back burner, but learning doesn’t have to stop once the school years are behind us. One-day enrichment classes at Anne Arundel Community College (AACC) offer a flexible, affordable way to explore new hobbies, gain practical skills, or simply take a well-deserved break to do something just for yourself. They’re perfect for a creative date night, girls night out, or even a parent-child activity. Whether you want to express your artistic side, try your hand at baking, or dip into personal finance, these short, engaging classes are a great way to recharge. Best of all, there’s no grades!
The AACC Personal Enrichment courses span over a variety of programs, giving you freedom to tailor your experience to your interests. Courses are offered in the following fields: Arts/Dance/Music/Theatre, Computer/Technology, Food and Beverage, History and Heritage, Home/Garden/Lifestyle, Parenting and Family Life, Personal Finance, Recreation and Fitness, World Language and Writing.
An Insight Into Basic Investing- No matter what may be going on in our lives, we tend to inevitably crave security and ponder what the future has in store. What better way to gain peace of mind than to learn all about setting yourself up for financial success and stability, which is the exact goal of this class. You will learn all about the differences between stocks, bonds, mutual funds, and certificates of deposit while also talking about common misconceptions about investing, and how to steer clear of them. Once you have a better understanding of investments, you can then move into more specific courses, focused on the analysis of stocks, bonds and investments.
Fiction Writing Strategies- In a world of short form, rapid content, the art of writing has been slowly pulling to the wayside. This class offers the perfect way to stay sharp on your writing while also engaging the creative brain. Patrons will analyze the process of a fiction writing assignment by learning and implementing the building blocks of fiction, identifying ways to improve each area. Through utilizing writing activities to pinpoint any areas that need work , students will acquire the ability to evaluate and apply what they have learned to both their own and other people’s writing. The course will cost $138, and is available on October 9 and 14 from 6 to 8 p.m. in the comfort of your own home. After completing this, you can then dip your toes in poetry!
So Simple Sewing– Ever had a loose button on your clothes, or maybe your favorite tote bag is starting to fray, either way this course will give you the ability to learn basic sewing skills to help fix your not-so-simple everyday issues. You will learn how to operate a sewing machine, or brush up on your skills. Discuss sewing safety, practice threading the machine and bobbin, and identify its main components. The class costs $83, however all materials and a sewing machine are included. Students will complete a lined grocery bag in class. This course is offered on September 23 and December 2, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. each day. After taking this entry-level course, you can move onto So Simple Sewing 2 and 3!
Indian Cooking- Looking for a creative date night idea? Learn the basics of Indian cookery while preparing favorites like beef vindaloo, tandoori chicken, and shrimp masala with coconut milk. For $85 (plus $40 fee, ingredients included), you and a partner can spend the evening cooking together on October 17 from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.
Systematic Training for Effective Parenting- Those taking this course will gain the ability to learn critical skills in disciplining techniques, parent-child communication, and child-rearing concerns. Parents will obtain training with a goal in mind of reducing parent-child disputes and enhancing family collaboration. Aimed at providing parents with the most flexibility possible, all parenting courses are one-on-one, with the ability to schedule when the time works for you! Moreso, there are several other parenting courses such as Managing Anger in Family Life, Parenting Through Separation and Divorce, The Explosive Child, and Rules, Routines and Rituals.
The Art of Perfect Pies- With fall and winter right around the corner, there’s never been a better time to hone in on your pie-making abilities! Participants will discover tried-and-true recipes for modern, eye-catching takes on America’s favorite pies, using basic doughs to add seasonally based fillings. The $100 charge includes all ingredients needed. Students are required to wear long pants and closed-toe shoes. This class is offered on October 26 and November 9, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. both days. Not a pie fan? There are cake decorating, cookie making and gingerbread building courses too.
Cookie Exchange- Gather your friends for a festive girls’ day out. In this holiday-themed class, you’ll spend Dec. 14 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. baking cookies together, using provided recipes and ingredients. Cost is $145 (plus $55 fee). All you need to bring is your holiday spirit.
Whether you’re reigniting an old passion, learning a new skill, carving out a little time for yourself, or looking to enhance parts of your life, AACC’s Personal Enrichment courses offer something for everyone. With one-day classes across dozens of topics, these are perfect opportunities for you to learn on your own terms. So why not take the leap? Sign up for a course that excites you, and rediscover the joy of learning just for fun!
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