What are some continuing education offerings in Greenville? Each of the academic leaders — Furman University, Clemson University and Greenville Technical College — offers diverse continuing education courses. The curriculum ranges from workforce job training to niche specialties. And some classes are just good fun.
Several spring classes in the Upstate begin in March. Furman University offers OLLI, Clemson University’s business advancement includes a miniMBA, and Greenville Technical College offers skills workforce training including a brand-new culinary institute.
Who is the typical Furman OLLI student? Most OLLI members are 55 and older (they’ve had members who were 101!), retired or semiretired, and interested in lifelong learning. They welcome learners of any age, but you do have to be able to attend classes during the day.
How many classes does OLLI offer in a semester? There are more than 55 courses planned for the spring term, ranging from cooking to ancient Greek, history, science, exercise and more. (The Your iPhone class looks especially useful for those us born before 1985.) In addition, there are eight lunch-and-learns, 14 Friday bonus events, special interest groups and book groups. The two hiking classes meet in person and explore nearby hiking trails, but the rest of the classes for now are by Zoom. OLLI classes begin March 22 and registration is open now.
How about Greenville Technical College classes? There are hundreds of classes offered through Greenville Tech in industries such as health care, construction, nursing training, safety management, leadership and manufacturing. (Conversational Spanish is an eight-week class, but Forklift Training takes one full day.) Many classes include certification requirements for various industries. Online registration is open, with new classes being added regularly. They range from in person to virtual.
What is CHI Greenville? The brand-new Culinary Hospitality and Innovation Center is a training facility offered at Poe West in the Village of West Greenville. Classes include ServSafe food preparation to introduction to commercial kitchens. There are also fun classes including Introduction to Cake Decorating with an option for kids (ages 9 and over).
How about corporate training? A new offering from Clemson is a virtual class offering a miniMBA schedule available soon. Classes will begin on May 21 and run until August 2021. The miniMBA offers a robust class variety, including Operational Management, Leadership Training (including Six Sigma), Data Analytics and Accounting.
How has Zoom helped? “Ten years ago, we would have had to say, ‘We’ll see you when the pandemic ends,’” says Nancy Kennedy, director of OLLI. “Instead, we have been able to continue our programs. For some people, this program has become even more important during this time of isolation and separation from friends and family.”
More information is available at:
OLLI (Osher Lifelong Learning Institute)
furman.edu/olli
864-294-2998
Greenville Technical College
Truist Culinary Hospitality Innovation Center
chigreenville.com
864-250-8000
Greenville Technical College Continuing Ed and Corporate Training
gvltec.edu/edct
864-250-8000
Clemson Center for Corporate Learning
thinkclemson.com
864-656-2200
Amy Ryberg Doyle served for 12 years on Greenville City Council. She is married and has four children. An outdoors enthusiast, she likes to bike, swim and run, but not all in that order. She power-naps daily.
