Personal Enrichment

Summer 2024 Community Education Personal Enrichment Courses

View the Summer 2024 Course Book as a PDF.

American Sign Language - Part 2

Thursdays
May 21 – July 11
5:30-8:30 p.m.
CRN# 60212  
CFP 750-51  
Fee: $125

If you’ve taken Introduction to American Sign Language with us and want to expand on your vocabulary skills, then this is the class for you! Students will solidify confidence and fluency of already obtained vocabulary and grammatical structure, explore new vocabulary, and further explore entities of Deaf Culture. Pre-req: CFP 748 Introduction to American Sign Language. Register for American Sign Language Part 2.

Aikido for Adults and Teens

Thursdays
June 13 – July 25
7-8:15 p.m.
CRN# 60202
CFP 800-51
Fee: $75 

This course will be taught at the YWCA, 44 Washington Ave., Schenectady, NY 12305

Students, ages 14 and older, will practice Hombu style Aikido, which strengthens the body, mind, and spirit. Aikido uses blending and redirecting techniques, Jujutsu joint locks and boxing elements that keep this martial art applicable for all individuals. Aikido promotes self-defense, flexibility, strength building and coordination. Students are asked to wear comfortable clothing and bring a water bottle. Register for Aikido for Adults and Teens.

Intro to Watercolor Painting

Wednesdays
June 26 – July 31
6-9 p.m.
CRN# 60183 
CFP 155-51
Fee: $165

Students will learn watercolor techniques and material use basics while creating a still life, a portrait, and a landscape.  Topics include color mixing, adding texture, shading, and more. Materials needed: watercolor paper, large brush, medium brush, small brush, pencil, eraser, sharpener and the following paints: cool and warm yellow, cool and warm red, and warm and cool blue. Register for Intro to Watercolor Painting.

Beginning Hip Hop For Teens/Adults 

Section #1

Tuesdays
July 2 – 30
6-7 p.m. 
CRN# 60311  
CFP 145-51  
Fee: $60

Section #2

Tuesdays
August 6 – 27
6-7 p.m. 
CRN# 60312  
CFP 145-52  
Fee: $60

This class will be located at Dreamlights Studio at the Viaport Mall, 93 W. Campbell Rd., Schenectady, NY 12306

Students 16 years and older will learn Hip Hop basics, using classic to contemporary music and styling. As a freestyle form of dance, the focus will be on toning, movement and freestyle techniques for creative freedom and musicality. Register for Beginning Hip Hop.

Intro To Ballet And Modern Dance For Teens/Adults 

Section #1

Tuesdays
July 2 – 30
6-7 p.m.
CRN# 60203
CFP 742-52  
Fee: $60

Section #2

Tuesdays
August 6 – 27
6-7 p.m.
CRN# 60204  
CFP 742-53  
Fee: $60

This class will be located at Dreamlights Studio at the Viaport Mall, 93 W. Campbell Rd., Schenectady, NY 12306

Students will learn elements of classical ballet, classical modern dance (Horton, Lemon, Graham…) with a healthy dose of post-modern dance (generally a mix of theater and dance) and jazz. Please wear stretchy clothing, have long hair pulled up in a pony tail, and be prepared to dance in socks or bare foot. Register for Intro to Ballet and Modern Dance.

New! Floral Embroidery 

New! Beginning Line Dance For Teens/Adults 

Section #1

Wednesdays
July 10 – 31
6-7 p.m. 
CRN# 60324  
CFP 830-51  
Fee: $60

Section #2

Wednesdays
August 7 – 28
6-7 p.m. 
CRN# 60325  
CFP 830-52  
Fee: $60

This class will be located at Dreamlights Studio at the Viaport Mall, 93 W. Campbell Rd., Schenectady, NY 12306

Come join us and learn how to Line Dance, the All-American classic, using many popular music styles you’ve heard since the early 1970s, then head out to local dance venues to join the fun. No experience needed. Register for Beginning Line Dance.

New! Composting and Worm Composting at Home 

Thursday, July 11
6-8 p.m. 
CRN# 60322 
CFP 755-51  
Fee: $27

Are you curious about composting but don’t know where to start? Are you a veteran composter, but looking for different perspectives? Come and learn the simple science and practice behind traditional forms of composting, and also vermicposting – using worms to create a rich soil amendment. There are many options available, even systems that work in the smallest apartments. This workshop will include a live worm farm demonstration, a Q. and A. session, and some great discussion. Register for Composting and Worm Composting at Home.

Latin Dance Club For Teens/Adults 

Section #1

Thursdays
July 11 – August 1
7-8 p.m. 
CRN# 60247
CFP 882-51
Fee: $60

Section #2

Thursdays
August 8 – 29
7-8 p.m. 
CRN# 60310
CFP 882-52
Fee: $60

This class will be located at Dreamlights Studio at the Viaport Mall, 93 W. Campbell Rd., Schenectady, NY 12306

Students, ages 16 years and older, will learn the basic steps, style and rhythm of Merengue, Bachata, Salsa, and Cha Cha. No partner or experience necessary. Register for Latin Dance Club.

Ballroom Dance For Teens/Adults 

Section #1

Thursdays
July 11 – August 1
6-7 p.m. 
CRN# 60307  
CFP  881-51
Fee: $60

Section #2

Thursdays
August 8 – 29
6-7 p.m. 
CRN# 60308
CFP 882-52
Fee: $60

This class will be located at Dreamlights Studio at the Viaport Mall, 93 W. Campbell Rd., Schenectady, NY 12306

Students, ages 16 years and older, will learn the basic steps, style and rhythm of the Waltz, Rumba, Swing and Foxtrot. No partner or experience is necessary. Register for Ballroom Dance.

New! Power Tools 101 

Saturday, July 13
10 a.m.-12 p.m. 
CRN# 60323  
CFP 756-51  
Fee: $27

In this workshop, students will learn the fundamentals of hand power tools every DIY enthusiast and handy person should know. The class will dive into the essential tools of the trade: the drill, impact driver, jig saw, multi-tool, and circular saw. Students will explore the revolutionary technology behind brushless tools and how they out-perform their regular counterparts. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to upgrade your toolset, join us as we demystify power tools, learn the best practices, and discover the advantages of investing in brushless technology. NOTE: Students will try out tools, such as a drill vs. an impact driver, and learn the differences in how they operate. Register for Power Tools 101.

Getting Paid to Talk: Intro to Voice-Overs

Tuesday, July 16
6:30-9 p.m.
CRN# 60201
CFP 725-51  
Fee: $35

This course will be held at Voice Coaches, 26 Vly Road, Colonie, NY 12205

From audio books, training material, animation, gaming, and commercials to socially relevant content, television, and more, today’s voice-over field has become a great way to leverage your individual interests, voice qualities, and communication skills in a whole new way. Learn about how the industry really works today, trends in opportunity in the community, and areas of future growth, and hear about the top traits casting professionals look for when hiring voice professionals. Students will also hear samples from working voice-over artists. Because this class is small, students will have the opportunity to record a sample professional voice-over under the direction of our instructor, who can offer feedback and advice. If you’ve ever wondered how to begin in voice-over part-time, full-time, or for supplemental or retirement income, this workshop is a great, upbeat, and realistic first step. Register for Intro to Voice-Overs.

New! Felt Flowers