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Education is often called the key to success. While some people follow a traditional educational path, moving from high school to higher education and then into a career, others have a more complicated journey to reaching their educational goals. If you are returning to school to pursue a career change or looking to advance in your chosen field, here are a few community resources that can help you find your own success.
Library Programs
Libraries provide a host of important resources for their communities. For those who are looking to continue their education, libraries can help connect individuals with many resources that will help them succeed. Free access to academic databases and journals can help those pursuing a PhD gather the research they need to write their thesis. Textbooks can be expensive, and libraries can help individuals track down the books they need without having to buy or rent for the semester. If time and distance require an individual to take their courses online, wi-fi hotspots for libraries can be checked out like a book so that patrons can access their courses at home. Libraries will also often host events that allow community members to learn more about a given topic, such as becoming a realtor or home appraiser. Check your local library’s bulletin board for events that pertain to your chosen field of study.
Community College Programs
A semester of classes may be too much to commit to for those who are juggling families and a full-time job. Many community colleges offer classes that are designed to help adult students continue their education on their own time. These classes don’t require applying to the school, getting financial aid, or meeting with a counselor to schedule classes. These programs generally last a few weeks and can range from art and fitness classes to coding and physical training certification. They are much cheaper than a full semester of classes and are designed to keep the schedules of adults juggling work and education in mind. These courses can be the first stepping stone to a fulfilling new career without breaking the bank. If you’re taking a course to advance in your chosen field and provide more value to your employer, they might just cover the cost of your classes for you.
Need-Based Internet
The internet is becoming increasingly important to learning. It can also be prohibitively expensive for some individuals. In order to help families close the internet gap, some major carriers offer reduced-cost internet plans for those who demonstrate a financial need. Some schools lend wi-fi hotspots to students who demonstrate a household need for the entire year, which allows them and their families to access the internet at home as needed. Mobile hotspots for schools may be given out based on need, but some schools also embrace their place as the providers of wi-fi access to anyone willing to make the trip to the parking lot to use it. While it may not be ideal to drive to the school to complete work or access courses, it’s an option for those looking to continue their education without having to worry about the cost of technology.
Seminars
Seminars are shorter than college courses but can pack a lot of information and opportunity into a short amount of time. While some may be free to the public or to members of a certain organization, many are not. If you’re looking for up-to-date information in a particular field or to network, however, seminars are a good opportunity for just that. Seminars can also be a good gauge to see if you genuinely want to enter a particular field before dedicating more time and money to the pursuit.
Continuing your education is a noble pursuit. Whether you’re taking a less traditional approach to after-high school education or returning to learning after a long hiatus, using these community resources will help you find the path to success.
