Gulf Coast State College to soon begin classes for Education Encore program
PANAMA CITY − Starting Jan. 20, Gulf Coast State College will begin offering courses through its spring Education Encore program, which provides noncredit enrichment classes for those wanting to expand their horizons.
According to Lara Herter, program coordinator, Education Encore is geared toward seniors, but it is available to people of all ages. It began at the college more than 40 years ago.
"Just like you've got to exercise your body, you've got to exercise your mind," Herter said. "I think that's really important to our seniors (who) join these classes. A lot of these classes are open-discussion classes, so they do get them talking and thinking.
"It's just a really great opportunity for folks to get out there, to get active and to spend time with other people."
Charity tournament for education:'A worthy cause': GCSC Foundation to host golf tournament to fund scholarships
Other local classes:Haney Technical College in Panama City has openings for spring semester
Herter said there are more than 50 Education Encore courses, each spanning six weeks. It costs $125 to enroll, and students can select up to four classes. The classes will be held on campus every Friday.
She also said the program includes classes on subjects such as the history of tourism in Bay County, art, the environment and climate change, literature and current foreign policies. There also are active classes for yoga and aquatic exercise.
The Education Encore program is offered at Gulf Coast State College twice a year, during the fall and spring. Herter said the fall term is smaller and typically consists of only local residents. About twice as many people sign up for the spring term thanks to the area's many winter residents.
"Some of our snowbirds have been taking classes with us for years, so it's really nice to see our winter residents each year come back to participate with Encore," Herter said.
There is no deadline to register for Education Encore. Those interested in attending the program can register in person or online through the college's website at www.gulfcoast.edu.
"A lot of our participants are lifelong learners, so they enjoy continuing their learning journey," Herter said. "I think one of the most important pieces to Encore is the socialization. ... As you get older, it is harder to meet people and meet new friends.
"This is a great opportunity for folks to meet people who are likeminded, who enjoy the same kind of subjects that they do."
This article originally appeared on The News Herald: Gulf Coast State College to soon begin classes for Education Encore
