Special Interests and Hobbies

Guilford Technical Community College is pleased to offer a variety of lifelong leisure learning and personal enrichment courses. Whether it's a Life Coach Certification or learning about Photography, check here for a variety of courses to choose from.

Current Courses

Entrepreneur Boot Camp

Starting a business is something that all of us have thought about at one time or another. Yet statistics show that most businesses fail within the first five years. This course provides insight into the characteristics, knowledge, and skills needed to become a successful entrepreneur.

At the end of this course, you will be able to identify the abilities required of successful entrepreneurs and how to acquire them, develop goals to help establish your business, develop an outline for your plan, and take home techniques to successfully manage your new business. This class is 100% online and is asynchronous, there are no specific times. You may login at your leisure. Please contact our office at communityeducation@gtcc.edu, and provide your name, email address, and course registered for. Once we confirm your enrollment and payment, you will be emailed a web address to get access to your online classroom. Tuition Cost: $195 

Course Name Dates Days Hours Campus Room Register
CSP-4000-LE11 Entrepreneur Boot Camp

2/5-3/1

Online Online Online Online Register Now

Introduction to Fiction Writing

Designed specifically for those with little to no fiction writing experience. Find your pathway toward your fiction writing goals. Learn the basic building blocks of story: character, plot, and setting. Then learn about the different forms of fiction writing and some of the genres you might like to explore. Whether you've never written a word of fiction or haven't written since high school or college, you will complete the course with the skills you need to get started. Create a new work of fiction or revive an old one that's been sitting in your bottom drawer. This class is 100% online and is asynchronous — there are no specific times. You may login at your leisure. Please contact our office at communityeducation@gtcc.edu, and provide your name, email address, and course registered for. Once we confirm your enrollment and payment, you will be emailed a web address to get access to your online classroom. Tuition Cost: $195

Contact Personal and Professional Enrichment at (336) 334-4822, ext. 55021 or communityeducation@gtcc.edu for more information.

Top 10 Things to Know as a Life Coach

Coaches must have the necessary life experiences and communication skills to be totally present to their clients, to really listen to them, and provide a safe arena to express ideas. This course will help students learn the top 10 things you need to know as a life coach and will help you have a better understanding of what life coaching is and what it is not. You will have the opportunity to build a foundation as a life coach by pursuing mastery in coaching by designing supportive coaching environments. This 20-hour course is the first step in pursuing a career as a life coach. Tuition Cost: $125

Contact Personal and Professional Enrichment at (336) 334-4822, ext. 55021 or communityeducation@gtcc.edu for more information.

Life Coach Certification

This 40 hour course is part two of becoming a life coach, and examines life coaching and analyzes the foundational environment on which the practice of coaching is founded and facilitates applicable concepts and methods. This is a continuation from the course, The Top 10 Things to Know as a Life Coach, the coach is more engaged in the practice of coaching, conversation styles as well as coaching-related skills including, actively listening, accountability, questioning, planning, designing actions and goal setting. You will gain mastery in coaching with demonstration of core competencies describe by International Coaching Federation (ICF). Tuition Cost: $280

Course Name Dates Days Hours Campus Room Register
CSP-4000-LC12 Life Coach Certification

3/18/24 - 5/8/24

M, TH 6 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. Jamestown AT 260 Register Now

 Leader Coach in You

This new course will help students learn who are Leadership Professionals wanting to add additional tools to their toolbox. Leaders must have the necessary life experiences and communication skills to be totally present in their environments, to really listen and respond in ways that remove judgement, woke to bias- shift the bias mindset, full of empathy and always building collaboration. This course will focus on how Coaching dramatically enhances the leadership style of leaders. Tuition Cost: $50

Contact Personal and Professional Enrichment at (336) 334-4822, ext. 55021 or communityeducation@gtcc.edu for more information.

Floral Design

You will learn the basics of how to create stunning flower arrangements, bouquets, corsages, wreaths, baskets and more for parties, banquets, weddings, birthdays, funerals, and other occasions. Excellent preparation for a career as a full-service or specialty florist, catering florist, flower broker, interior landscaping firm specialist, greenhouse grower, fresh flower buyer or freelance floral designer. Extra cost for materials. You may contact the instructor for supplies needed for class, Gwendolyn Stephens at  gstephens@gtcc.eduTuition Cost: $75

Contact Personal and Professional Enrichment at (336) 334-4822, ext. 55021 or communityeducation@gtcc.edu for more information.

Basic Photography

See the world through the lens of a camera and learn to create strong photographic images. This course is designed for students to learn about the basic mechanics of a camera and how each part is used to create quality photographs. In addition, the course will teach vocabulary terms associated with photography and how each of the terms relates to photography and the photographer. Please bring camera to class on first day. Tuition Cost: $70

Course Name Dates Days Hours Campus Room Register
CSP-4000-BP12 Basic Photography

2/28/24 - 4/3/24

W 6 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. Jamestown AT 322 Register Now

 

Abstract Photography I

This course will expand your understanding of photographic composition by completing a series of challenging assignments. Each week, an assignment will be given using different elements to create visually appealing abstract images. The completed assignment will be shared with the class for review. Upon completing the class, students will review their portfolios and select images to be displayed locally. Tuition Cost: $70

Contact Personal and Professional Enrichment at (336) 334-4822, ext. 55021 or communityeducation@gtcc.edu for more information.

NEW! - Abstract Photography II

This course is a continuation of Abstract Photography I, and students will expand their understanding of photographic composition by completing a series of challenging assignments. Each week, an assignment will be given using different elements to create visually appealing abstract images. The completed assignment will be shared with the class for review. Upon successful completion of the class, students will review their portfolios and select images to be displayed locally. Tuition Cost: $70

Course Name Dates Days Hours Campus Room Register
CSP-4000-AP12 Abstract Photography 2

2/27/24 - 4/2/24

W 6 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. Greensboro W2 216 Register Now

 

NEW! - Introduction to Macro Photography

The course is designed to expand the student’s understanding of Macro Photography concepts by completing a series of challenging assignments. Each week students will be given a new assignment using close-up photography concepts to create visually appealing images. Tuition Cost: $70

Course Name Dates Days Hours Campus Room Register
CSP-4000-MP11 introduction to Macro Photography

4/9/24 - 5/14/24

Tu 6 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. Greensboro W2 216 Register Now

 

Basic Portrait Photography

This course is designed to improve skills in portrait-taking by giving students the tools to be able to pose and place subjects in attractive lighting. Lighting in this course will be available light; there will be no strobe/flash instruction. Subjects will consist of one or two adults. Students also will learn how to process images using Adobe Lightroom to work with presets and skin tones. Coursework includes learning light patterns by photographing in different light ratios. The class will consist of a mixture of lectures and hands-on labs. By the end of this course, students will be able to photograph people in different light sources and patterns. Students also will learn how to pose subjects. Tuition Cost: $70

Contact Personal and Professional Enrichment at (336) 334-4822, ext. 55021 or communityeducation@gtcc.edu for more information.

 

Advanced Portrait Photography

This course is designed to improve skills in portrait-taking by instructing subjects on how to pose and create attractive lighting.  Lighting in this course will be using a combination of multiple ambient light (available light) and strobe/flash instruction in this course. Subjects will consist of 1-2 adults, children, and a posing baby doll. Students will also learn how to process images using Adobe Lightroom to work with presets and skin tones. Coursework includes learning about light patterns by photographing the same subject in different light ratios. The class will consist of a mixture of lectures and hands-on labs. Prerequisite:  Portrait Photography I.  Tuition Cost: $70

Contact Personal and Professional Enrichment at (336) 334-4822, ext. 55021 or communityeducation@gtcc.edu for more information.

Portrait Retouching

This course is designed to improve skills in Photoshop pertaining to retouching of the face, skin, body, hair and other elements of portraits such as the background or making composites. Each week students will learn different techniques and build their skill set for retouching portraits. Portraits will consist of photos taken from the previous class the same week. Students will also learn how to process images using Adobe Lightroom to work with presets and skin tones. Course work includes developing retouching skills to finalize portraits. The class will consist of lecture and hands-on labs. By the end of this course, students will be able to retouch a variety of skin imperfections, tone images, body contour images, and use basic Photoshop techniques to elevate their portraits. Tuition Cost: $70

Contact Personal and Professional Enrichment at (336) 334-4822, ext. 55021 or communityeducation@gtcc.edu for more information.

 

Advanced Portrait Retouching

This course is a continuation of Portrait Retouching I, and students will expand their understanding of Photoshop pertaining to retouching of the face, skin, body, hair, and other elements of portraits, such as a background or making composites.  Each week, students will learn different techniques and build their skill set for retouching portraits.  Portraits will consist of photos taken from the previous class in the same week.  Students will also learn how to process images, using Adobe Lightroom to work with presets and skin tones.  Course work includes utilizing retouching skills to finalize their portraits earlier in the week. Class will consist of a mixture of computer labe lecture and hands-on labs.  Prerequisite:  Portrait Retouching I  Tuition Cost: $70

Contact Personal and Professional Enrichment at (336) 334-4822, ext. 55021 or communityeducation@gtcc.edu for more information.

Basic Videography – Cell Phone

This course is designed to improve skills in recording videos by giving students the tools to be able to record, do simple edits, as well as attractive lighting. Lighting in this course will be using ambient light (available light). There will not be any strobe/flash instruction in this course due to the complications of video and strobe. Video projects will consist of a variety of subjects and themes. Students will also learn how to process videos using various programs and apps. Coursework includes learning about different ways of capturing the subject to appeal to a potential client and light patterns in different light ratios for recording people. The class will consist of a mixture of lectures and hands-on labs. Completion of this course will be required before registering for advanced videography classes. Tuition Cost: $70

Contact Personal and Professional Enrichment at (336) 334-4822, ext. 55021 or communityeducation@gtcc.edu for more information.

Learn to Fly Drones for Beginners

Do you want to learn how to fly a drone (a.k.a. small Unmanned Aerial System-sUAS) for recreation while doing it legally and safely? If so, this class offers hands-on flight training using modern training aircraft combined with classroom topics regarding Federal Aviation Administration(FAA) regulations that govern drone flying. Topics covered include aviation airspace, weather, maintenance, aerodynamics, physiology, and more. Successful completion will position students to pass the mandatory FAA test for recreational drone pilots, called The Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST). Included in this course is an overview of commercial drone pilot, called FAA Remote Pilot, requirements for those interested in making money with their drones. There are no prerequisites or books required to attend this class. No class held on 10/9 & 10/11/23Tuition Cost: $175

Note: Drone flight training will be coordinated on pre-arranged dates and times and will take place on the GTCC Greensboro Campus, 3505 Wendover Ave E, Greensboro, NC 27405. Depending on available daylight, meeting days/times may be modified to capitalize on the most advantageous time.

Contact Personal and Professional Enrichment at (336) 334-4822, ext. 55021 or communityeducation@gtcc.edu for more information.

 

Commercial Drone Pilot Certification Prep

This course is designed to help students prepare for commercial drone pilot certification also called FAA Remote Pilot Certification, that allows drone operators to legally charge for photography/videography services. This course is well suited for the drone pilots wanting to work for companies, start their own business, or add this tool to their existing work. Book Required: 2022- 2023 Test Prep Bundle: Remote Pilot/ASA. Prerequisites: The Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST) certificate is completed via Learn to Fly Drone Beginners class or independently.   Tuition Cost: $175

Note: Drone flight training will be coordinated on pre-arranged dates and times and will take place on the GTCC Greensboro Campus, 3505 Wendover Ave E, Greensboro, NC 27405. Depending on available daylight, meeting days/times may be modified to capitalize on the most advantageous time.

 Contact Personal and Professional Enrichment at (336) 334-4822, ext. 55021 or communityeducation@gtcc.edu for more information.

 

Basic Fundamentals of Drone (UAV) Operation

Are you considering purchasing a drone/UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle) for personal or business reasons? Do you need to know how to operate or know the basic functions of flying a drone? This class will cover the basic fundamentals of drone safety, laws for flying a drone, and how to operate a drone. Upon completion of the class, you will learn the basic operation and safety of flying a drone/UAV. Tuition Cost: $45

 Contact Personal and Professional Enrichment at (336) 334-4822, ext. 55021 or communityeducation@gtcc.edu for more information.

 

DEI & Organizational Success

Diverse organizations are found to be more creative more productive, have higher levels of employee engagement, and experience lower rates of attrition. Diversity is also shown to return higher profits. This unit will guide students in an understanding of why diversity, equity, and inclusion are important to organizational success. Students will learn to appreciate and work effectively with diverse groups, confront unconscious biases that hinder workplace inclusion, and identify essential factors that contribute to an inclusive workplace environment.  This course is 100% online and is asynchronous; there are no specific times, and you may log in at your leisure.  Please contact our office at communityeducation@gtcc.edu, and provide your name, email address, and course registered for.  Once we confirm your enrollment and payment, you will be emailed a web address to get access to your online classroom.  Cost $195.00

Course Name Dates Days Hours Campus Room Register
CSP-4000-LE15 DEI & Organizational Success 4/1/24 - 4/26/24 Online Online Online Online Register Now

 

Developing Leadership Skills

For future and emerging leaders in Gen Y, discover the key concepts of being a leader and influence. Learn the unspoken secrets that leaders know and the strategies they employ/exhibit for influencing others. Leadership skills are acquired and learned. The action takes place by attending meetings, running meetings, interacting with others one on one, and employing successful techniques to convince and influence others. You can become a leader if you know the do's and don'ts, what to say, what not to say, what to do, and what not to do. This course is 100% online and is asynchronous; there are no specific times, so you may log in at your leisure. Please contact our office at communityeducation@gtcc.edu, and provide your name, email address, and course registered for. Once we confirm your enrollment and payment, you will be emailed a web address to get access to your online classroom.  Cost $145.00

Course Name Dates Days Hours Campus Room Register
CSP-4000-LE13 Developing Leadership Skills 3/4/24 - 3/29/24 Online Online Online Online Register Now

 

Ways to Register

Students can register in one of three ways: REGISTRATION is REQUIRED before attending class.

  • Online: Register
    • Use the Search function to search for Course Title or Course Code.
  • In Person:
    • Greensboro, 3505 E. Wendover Ave., Continuing Education Center, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday-Thursday
    • High Point, 901 S. Main St., H1, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Thursday
  • Mail: Download the Con Ed Registration Form from the website and mail it to GTCC, P.O. Box 309, Jamestown, N.C. 27282.