Classes and Education

Updated September 2018

Clackamas Community College Community EducationClasses are offered at many locations around Clackamas County, including Canby, Estacada, Gladstone, Oregon City and West Linn.

Classes include arts and crafts, fitness, writing, dance, animal care, financial planning, computers, cooking, language and more.  Please see web site to download their latest offerings for credit and non-credit offerings.
Community and City OfferingsCheck with your city or community recreation department for educational opportunities and class offerings. Here are some to try:

City of Hillsboro: classes in arts, fitness and language

City of Portland Parks & Recreation: Scroll down the page and click on “I want to search for classes.”

Tualatin Hills Park and Recreation District: Click on ‘Find A Class’
County LibrariesBook clubs, computer classes, homework help, story readings, movie showings, crafts, current event discussions, knitting groups, language exchange, special events and performances and much much much more. Take a look at your local library!

Clackamas: Click on ‘Library Events’ and then select your specific neighborhood library

Fort Vancouver Regional Library District: Click on “Events”

Multnomah: see calendar or use the ‘Event Finder’

Washington: Click on “WCCLS Calendar” or select from “Events”
CraigslistThe web site has a section just for classes and you’ll find everything from yoga and martial arts to piano and language. Some classes are offered by businesses, others by individuals.
EventbriteSearch for events by location and categories such as classes, networking and more.
Free GeekFrom web site: “Free Geek offers a range of educational opportunities including hands-on experiences in our Build and Adoption Programs as well as a wide variety of desk-based learning in our classroom. All classes are free to our volunteers and the general public. Please sign up in advance by visiting the volunteer desk at Free Geek or calling us at 503-232-9350.”

Please visit web site for latest class offerings and schedule.
Health Clinics & HospitalsFree and low-cost community health education classes and programs are offered by the following medical providers:

Adventist Health: click on ‘Classes and Events’
Kaiser Permanente: click on ‘Programs and Classes’
Legacy Health: scroll to the bottom of the page and click on ‘Find a Class or Event’
Providence Health & Services
Tuality Healthcare: click on ‘Education’ and then ‘Community Education’
Home DepotThe national chain offers free, in-store clinics on a regular basis. Open to everyone, the clinics simplify complex projects with easy-to-follow instructions. Some of the clinics include:
– Energy Efficiency in Your Home
– Tiling Floors and Walls
– Closet Organization
– Learn How to Hang Drywall
– and much more

Visit web site and to see what classes are upcoming for your nearby Home Depot. The chain also offers kid’s workshops. Designed for kids 5-12, these free workshops teach do-it-yourself skills and tool safety, while instilling a sense of accomplishment. Offered on the first Saturday of each month between 9 a.m. and noon at The Home Depot®
Lowe's How-to ClinicsOffers regularly scheduled home-improvement clinics. The web site is a bit clunky so your best bet is to just call your local store to inquire about what clinics are offered next.
MetroEast Community MediaSubmission from Krista 09/16: “Metro East in Gresham Oregon offers a year worth of classes for $25 a year.”
Please see web site for additional information.
Mt. Hood Community College Community EducationCommunity Education activities include everything from art to exercise, communication to computers, investing to furniture building, world languages to drivers education – all offered at convenient times and locations throughout the community. Please see web site for latest offerings.
Neil Kelly Design/BuildOffers free monthly remodeling and design seminars at their eastside and westside showrooms. Topics include design and remodeling of kitchens, bathrooms and basements; green remodeling; closest design; whole house remodeling; and more.
New Seasons MarketsOffers free or low-cost classes and workshops on a variety of classes on nutrition and health. Call the Wellness Class Hotline at (503) 280-5177 or visit the web site for a listing of classes by store location.
Portland Community College Community EducationOffers hundreds of non-credit classes held all over the Portland area. See web site for a listing of classes. Some examples: ballroom dancing, cooking, photography, language, computers and more. Class tuition and fees vary depending on materials and subject. Also check the FREE Brown Bag Lunch and Learn Lecture series, occurring Thursdays at the downtown central library. See web site for the schedule.
Portland Housing CenterWe’ve gone through the classes offered by this organization and highly recommend it. Start with a free orientation to learn more about the classes and services and then you determine your next step. Please see web site for complete details.
Portland State University Senior Adult Learning CenterSubmission from Karl 02/2015:
Article “Free classes and free Internet? Yes, if you’re 65 plus!”

Profile of PSU’s Senior Adult Learning Center.
Worksource OregonSee web site for location and contact information for your local Worksource office. After you register in-person, gain access for free use of computers and resources and for employment-related classes and workshops.

Have something to contribute?  Please email your submission here.