Tillamook Bay Community College Adult Learning Programs

Education doesn’t have to end after high school or college graduation or a long professional career, and at Tillamook Bay Community College, there’s always something to learn

Education is the ultimate investment in oneself, and whether it’s seeking a GED or wanting to learn about photography, expanding skill sets also expands opportunities.

Tillamook Bay Community College is offering a diverse array of courses.

GED education

Nowadays, a high school diploma is often the bare minimum for most places of employment, and if that is a step that still needs to be taken, TBCC is offering a GED course. For only $15 per term for the class, students can be prepared for the GED exams required to achieve a high school equivalency diploma. Students can sign up for the course anytime during the term, and to sign up, either call student services at (503) 842-8222 ext.1100, or visit the campus at 4301 Third Street in Tillamook or email studentservices@tillamookbaycc.edu.

Adult basic education

For anyone looking to sharpen reading, writing or math skills, TBCC is offering its ABE (Adult Basic Education) program. ABE can be a helpful option for anyone who wishes to take the GED or would like classes to prepare for college courses, and it only costs $15 per term. To sign up, contact student services.

Community education

TBCC offers non-credit courses for people who simply want to learn. There are several options for classes such as handwriting and calligraphy, personal finance and even a class on cryptozoology, taught by zoologist Karl Anderson.

JoAnn Critelli, Community and Continuing Education Coordinator, said there’s something special about community education. “That’s kind of the nice thing about community education, it allows those folks in our community to share their passions, and on the flipside, it gives community members the opportunity to learn something they’re passionate about,” said Critelli.

TBCC partners with Tillamook County Family YMCA and North County Recreation District Fitness for many of the community education course offerings. To sign up for or learn more about Community Education courses, contact Tillamook County Family YMCA or North County Recreation District Fitness. TBCC Student Services can also be contact for further questions regarding community education.

And while a lot of information is available online, for Critelli, it’s great to come togther and learn as a community. “The nice thing about Community Education classes is that it builds community, just bringing people together, sharing their experiences,” said Critelli.

AARP Smart Drivers Course

Three times a year AARP offers its Smart Drivers Course, and its soonest course is Tuesday October 8th from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The course costs $20 for AARP Members and $25 for non-AARP Members. To pre-register for the course, call 503-871-2816. Taking the course could also lower car insurance rates.

Students will brush up on road safety rules as well as being taught about how driving is changing, including new laws, new lane markings and new technology in automobiles.

Golden Age discount

For anyone 62 or older, there is the option to audit classes. Students who sign up to audit a course during the general registration period pay only 50% of the cost of tuition. If a class still has vacancies on its first day, students can sign up on the first day of a course to audit it for free. For more information on the Golden Age Discount, please contact student services.