PHCC to expand baby boomer career training

In his many years as an educator, David Barzelay appreciates the differences between an 18- to 20-something student taking his community college class and someone older than 50, who has life experience under his or her belt.

The current economy has brought together young and older workforce members alike into the unemployment lines. Now more than ever people are seeking additional training to give them a leg up.

Thanks to a $10,000 grant from the American Association of Community Colleges, PHCC officials are looking to expand retraining programs and other classes to give older students that opportunity.

Courtney Boettcher, marketing coordinator for Pasco-Hernando Community College, said in a media release that students this fall can take part in additional workforce training and retraining opportunities for students 50 and older at the New Port Richey and new Spring Hill campuses.

Through the current Encore Academy, older students can already enroll in classes from painting and creative writing to music appreciation and philosophy. Corporate training topics, such as management, computer applications and business administration are also offered for noncredit.

They can also take part in workshops on computers, photography and other interest areas.

Enrollment costs are $125 per term and $175 per semester for credit courses requiring an application and are available depending on whether there is space available.

However, enrollment isn't required for those who wish to take some of the workshops at the campus.

"It's a way to increase their education to help them find a different job," Boettcher said. "In some cases, people just want to expand on their education and keep learning."

According to the press release, the $10,000 grant was awarded through a competitive process to expand beyond "lifelong learning" programming that includes workforce training and retraining opportunities for plus-50 students.

The $10,000 grant is part of a larger $3.2 million dollar grant from The Atlantic Philanthropies.

With the additional money, PHCC officials will use the funds to design more programs for baby boomers, who may be returning to community college for job training or career development.

Boettcher said it's unknown how many were enrolled in the program as of press deadline and that it's unknown how many are currently enrolled for classes in the fall.

"You have some people who enroll for the whole year while some just participate in the workshops," Boettcher said.

Meanwhile, Barzelay, who is a PHCC adjunct professor, said older students have a lot to offer in school and many times come to classes with a much different mindset than their younger counterparts.

"Generally speaking, older students are better qualified to take these courses than kids coming out after receiving a public education," Barzelay said. "For one thing, they received an education back when people used to put a premium on receiving a basic education, so they come here with better reading and writing skills to a degree."