Adult school looks for students

The Huntington Beach Adult School still has room available in its popular computing classes, following its computer center’s move to a new location on the Ocean View High School campus, 17071 Gothard St., Huntington Beach.

The school has long been known as “Huntington Beach’s best-kept secret.”

“But we can’t be anymore,” said computer instructor Tracy Foreman. “If we’re going to survive, we can’t be a secret.”

The school is coping with new locations and budget cuts that have seen many of its programs chopped or modified.

But despite the move, more than 300 adults have signed up for computer classes at the school’s new Career Training Center. The classes, which fill up quickly, range from basic skills (for people who have never touched a computer) to occupation- or hobby-specific topics, such as Photoshop Elements, Windows & File Management and how to fix your own computer.

There also are self-paced computer classes in the school’s open-entry lab, or $10 Friday and Saturday workshops and fast-track classes on many topics.

Planned certification programs in data entry and office administration are geared to help lifelong learners develop a new career path, or to enhance their skills for new positions.

Lifelong learners praise the school’s instructors for their willingness and ability to work with people at all skill levels. They rallied for its continuation during tense budget debates earlier this year.

Classes start Sept. 9, and new ones begin monthly. This fall’s class sessions are from Sept. 9 to Oct. 2; Oct. 5 to Nov. 6; and Nov. 9 to Dec. 18. Many of the popular Computer Basics classes are still available, among others.

Registration begins on site starting Sept. 1; the fee for each five-week class is $58, or $48 for seniors ages 55 and older. There is a reduced rate for the Sept. 9 to Oct. 2 session of $48, or $38 for seniors ages 55 and up.

To view a full class schedule, visit www.hbas.edu/ctc or stop by the Career Training Center at the bottom of the Ocean View High parking lot.