BUSINESS & PROJECT MANAGEMENT   

Class Overview

Learn how you can guide a project and team members successfully using effective project management tools. Gain experience using a practical approach to project management that can be applied immediately to your workplace. In this accelerated class, you can fast track yourself to completion in two quarters.

This Accelerated Project Management class is designed to address the specific challenges that often get in the way of delivering projects and following through on commitments.  The core curriculum brings to life the latest Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK) guidelines, and revisions, developed and taught by credentialed project management professionals.

Step up the pace and complete your program more quickly with an accelerated format. Move through the program’s full curriculum in a condensed time frame, attending more class hours each week, for fewer weeks overall.

2022-2023 Schedule Details: Eight courses (33 sessions, M & W, 6:00 - 9:15 pm))

1. Foundations of Project Management: Sept. 28, Oct. 3, 5, 10, 12, 17
2. Requirements & Procurement Management: Oct. 19, 24, 26, 31
3. Project Cost Management: Nov. 7, 9, 14, 16
4. Project Quality & Control: Nov. 21, 28, 30, Dec. 5
5. Project Risk Management: Jan. 4, 9, 11, 18
6. Project Leadership Essentials: Jan.  23, 25, 30, Feb. 1
7. Intro to Agile Project Management: Feb.  6, 8, 13, 15
8. Capstone: Project Simulation: Feb. 22, 27, March 1

Learning Objectives

• How to define project scope, choose an approach and translate a statement of work into a complete and effective project plan
• Tactical leadership skills, stakeholder management practices, and team-building capabilities
• Risk definition, risk management processes, and change management procedures
• Presentation and communication skills needed for project management

Who might Enjoy This Class

• Individuals who lead or serve on projects.
• Professionals seeking hands-on skills for managing and overseeing projects and team members.
• Anyone who wants to increase their value to their employer, or their marketability in the job market.

Career Outlook

"According to PMI’s 2021 Talent Gap report, 2.3 million new project management employees will be needed each year to meet global talent demands by 2030." --- PMI 2022 Job Report

Class Overview

Discover the world of Computer-Aided Design and Drafting (CAD). This course is designed to help prepare you with the drafting and design skills needed to compete in the rapidly changing 21st century global workplace, and to qualify for entry-level AutoCAD drafting positions. 

In this class, learn the skills to become comfortable with the software used by architects, engineers, and construction professionals to create precise 2D and 3D drawings. AutoCAD will allow you to draft, annotate, and design 2D geometry and 3D models with solids, surfaces, and mesh objects. 

If you're already working in the industry, this course can also help experienced drafting personnel assume more senior positions and gain confidence in your software skills. Enjoy significant hands-on experience sequenced to build upon previous classroom, lab, and work experiences. Explore the following topics:

•    Getting started with AutoCAD
•    Basic drawing and editing
•    Drawing with precision
•    Organizing with layers
•    Object types
•    Inserting blocks

Learning Outcomes

•    Establish a basic understanding of the software
•    Learn introductory techniques
•    Gain insight into industry best practices

Who Should Take This Class?

Prerequisites: Basic computer skills (able to use the keyboard and mouse) and the ability to comprehend English.
•    Individuals interested in competing for entry-level drafting positions
•    Architects, engineers, and construction professionals
•    Seasoned professionals that would like to improve their confidence and skills with this software

Class Overview

Continue to learn Computer-Aided Design and Drafting (CAD). This class is a continuation of AutoCAD Level 1. 

Gain drafting and design skills needed to compete in the rapidly changing 21st century global workplace and qualify for entry level AutoCAD® drafting positions. If you already have experience working in drafting, this class will help you assume more senior AutoCAD® positions and gain more confidence in your software skills.

Enjoy significant hands-on experience sequenced to build on previous classroom/lab and work experiences. Explore the following topics:

•    Paper space and layouts
•    Printing your drawing
•    Text and dimensioning
•    Creating and managing blocks
•    Hatching
•    Advanced editing features

Learning Outcomes

•    Continue building on your knowledge of AutoCAD
•    Gain experience working with intermediate-level skills and tools
•    Learn new elements of the software
•    Understand industry best practices

Who Should Take This Class?

Prerequisites: Completion of AutoCAD Level 1 or previous experience using AutoCAD. Basic computer skills (able to use the keyboard and mouse) and the ability to comprehend English.
•    Anyone who has completed our AutoCAD - Level 1 course
•    Individuals interested in competing for entry-level drafting positions
•    Seasoned professionals that would like to improve their confidence and skills with this software

Class Overview

Continue learning Computer-Aided Design and Drafting (CAD) in this class which is the continuation of AutoCAD Level 2. 

Gain the drafting and design skills needed to compete in the rapidly changing 21st century global workplace and and get prepared to qualify for entry level AutoCAD® drafting positions. If you already have experience as drafting personnel, this class will help you assume more senior AutoCAD® positions and gain more confidence in your software skills.

Enjoy significant hands-on experience sequenced to build on previous classroom/lab and work experiences. Explore the following topics:
•    Design center
•    Advanced drafting tools
•    Managing Xref files
•    Setting up plotter and CTB Files
•    Blocks and attributes
•    Custom buttons and toolbars
•    Import/export file formats

Learning Outcomes

•    Continue building on your knowledge of AutoCAD
•    Gain experience working with advanced-level skills and tools
•    Learn new elements of the software
•    Understand industry best practices

Who Should Take This Class?

Prerequisites: Completion of AutoCAD Level 1 or previous experience using AutoCAD. Basic computer skills (able to use the keyboard and mouse) and the ability to comprehend English.
•    Anyone who has completed our AutoCAD - Level 2 course
•    Individuals interested in competing for entry-level drafting positions
•    Seasoned professionals that would like to improve their confidence and skills with this software

Class Overview

This class is for anyone who is ready to be their own boss. Come to class and we will workshop your business idea and develop the basic tools of starting a business plan. 

In class, we will talk through how to start your small product-based business in a sustainable way. Learn about pricing and marketing strategies, and common pitfalls to avoid. Gain an understanding about key ideas such as how to know when to seek outside production, or add employees. 

Learn how to run a business without it running you. Enjoy guidance from people with extensive business experience eager to pass on what they have learned to new entrepreneurs.  This class will teach you how to start scrappy and lean – and how to stay that way. 

Supplies Needed 

Bring your computer, notebook, and a product idea for your business. You will also need a way to download and print pdf worksheets.

Learning Objectives

• Avoid the pitfalls that most new entrepreneurs face
• Have the confidence and resources to strike out on your own with your product based business idea
• Outline a business plan that has been workshopped
• Develop a business that is sustainable

Who Might Enjoy This Class

• Anyone who has a business idea that would like to turn it into their day job
• People with a product in mind who would like guidance developing a business plan
• New entrepreneurs who would like support building a more sustainable business model

Class Overview

The world of grant seeking is becoming more competitive. Gain the skills to become a successful grant writer either as the head of an organization, program manager, or as a fund developer. Learn a series of key skills related to project design, development and persuasive writing. 

Discover where to find grant opportunities, how to write grant reports, and how to build relationships with grantmakers so that you have all the information you need to get funding for something you care deeply about. Explore the ethics involved in writing proposals and reports, and receiving funds. 

Topics will include:

• Grantwriting as an essential skill for organization leaders, program managers and fund developers
• Prospect research -- learning where to find grants and best approach to research
• Project development – using the logic model to design your project
• Formulating goals, outcomes and objectives
• Preparing a project work plan and timeline
• Budgeting your project
• Evaluation 
• Editing for persuasive communications
• Packaging your document for either snail mail or email
• Building relationships with grantmakers
• The ethics involved in the grantwriting process

This online class includes 18 lessons with videos, text, writing assignments, and quizzes, plus an hour weekly meeting for group discussion. It is usually taught as a college-level course with 16 hours of instruction plus additional writing time outside of class. However, as an online class, you can do the class at your own pace. You will receive one-on-one personalized feedback on your writing and grant strategy - a huge asset of this class that sets it apart from others. 

In order to achieve the certificate, you will need to complete a grant proposal within the eight weeks, following the course curriculum. Your instructor, Allison Shirk, has more than 20 years of experience writing grants. She will guide you through this process step by step.

Meet weekly via Zoom for discussions, and use course communication systems for written assignments and online group interaction. Students must create an account in the online course. Google Drive is utilized for peer review of writing assignments.

Learning Objectives

• Properly outline goals for grants
• Develop proposals that will help you win grants
• Utilize skills in how to present your proposal
• Develop relationships with grantmakers
• Have a finished grant proposal developed with the guidance of an expert 

Who Might Enjoy This Class?

• Nonprofit founders, program managers, or employees who are responsible for securing funding
• Fund development consultants who are interested in honing their skills
• Freelance writers interested in expanding their available services
• Anyone interested in a career in nonprofits, fund development, or grantwriting

***FREE INFO SESSION on Tuesday, 9/27; 6-7pm***

Interested in this field but would like to know more? Come to a free online information session. Ask questions and meet the instructor!

REGISTER FOR INFO SESSION

Class Overview

The world of grant seeking is becoming more competitive. Gain the skills to become a successful grant writer either as the head of an organization, program manager, or as a fund developer. Learn a series of key skills related to project design, development and persuasive writing. 

Discover where to find grant opportunities, how to write grant reports, and how to build relationships with grantmakers so that you have all the information you need to get funding for something you care deeply about. Explore the ethics involved in writing proposals and reports, and receiving funds. 

Topics will include:

• Grantwriting as an essential skill for organization leaders, program managers and fund developers
• Prospect research -- learning where to find grants and best approach to research
• Project development – using the logic model to design your project
• Formulating goals, outcomes and objectives
• Preparing a project work plan and timeline
• Budgeting your project
• Evaluation 
• Editing for persuasive communications
• Packaging your document for either snail mail or email
• Building relationships with grantmakers
• The ethics involved in the grantwriting process

This online class includes 18 lessons with videos, text, writing assignments, and quizzes, plus an hour weekly meeting for group discussion. It is usually taught as a college-level course with 16 hours of instruction plus additional writing time outside of class. However, as an online class, you can do the class at your own pace. You will receive one-on-one personalized feedback on your writing and grant strategy - a huge asset of this class that sets it apart from others. 

In order to achieve the certificate, you will need to complete a grant proposal within the eight weeks, following the course curriculum. Your instructor, Allison Shirk, has more than 20 years of experience writing grants. She will guide you through this process step by step.

Meet weekly via Zoom for discussions, and use course communication systems for written assignments and online group interaction. Students must create an account in the online course. Google Drive is utilized for peer review of writing assignments.

Learning Objectives

• Properly outline goals for grants
• Develop proposals that will help you win grants
• Utilize skills in how to present your proposal
• Develop relationships with grantmakers
• Have a finished grant proposal developed with the guidance of an expert 

Who Might Enjoy This Class?

• Nonprofit founders, program managers, or employees who are responsible for securing funding
• Fund development consultants who are interested in honing their skills
• Freelance writers interested in expanding their available services
• Anyone interested in a career in nonprofits, fund development, or grantwriting

***FREE INFO SESSION on Tuesday, 9/27; 6-7pm***

Interested in this field but would like to know more? Come to a free online information session. Ask questions and meet the instructor!

REGISTER FOR INFO SESSION

Class Overview

Project management skills are essential in a wide variety of professional roles, and can even be a wonderful asset in your personal life. Learn how to reach the goals of a project successfully, leading the work of a team.

Gain knowledge, skills, tools and techniques that you can apply to a wide variety of projects, even though they are each unique. Focus on managing a single, stand-alone project as the basis for your learning. Each session we will work through  aspects of the project lifecycle, from planning, to executing, to closing, and everything in between. You will be able to follow the same steps for managing future real life projects. 

During this course, explore the following aspects of project managment:

• Project lifecycles from initiation through planning, executing, controlling, and closing
• Scope management
• Cost management
• Project charters
• Creating a work breakdown structure
• Network diagramming
• Finalizing the project plan
• Stakeholder identification
• Scheduling and schedule management
• Earned value measurement
• Change control

This course's curriculum is based on the Project Management Institute's (PMI®) Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK® Guide), and provides the foundation for your training to become PMP certified

Learning Objectives

• Be able to list a typical set of deliverables needed to effectively manage a small, stand-alone project
• Write a project charter for a small project
• Create a project plan for a stand-alone project
• Know how to develop a work breakdown structure
• Be familiar with the estimating process
• Be able to develop a project schedule, including estimating, PDM network diagramming, critical path method and developing a Gantt Chart
• Understand the importance of risk management and be able to facilitate risk management planning for a small project
• Identify key project management activities go on during the execution phase of a project
• Understand project scope creep and describe the change control process
• Know what activities are associated with the project performance control and be able to define operating metrics and control thresholds
• Identify key project closing activities
• Understand the importance of lessons learned and their impact on future projects
• Use MS Project to effectively plan, schedule, analyze resource utilization and track Project performance.

Who Might Enjoy This Class

Prerequisites: An understanding and experience with MS Windows and Office products; two or more years of experience in a project management environment is helpful, but not required.

• Product or program managers, coordinators, staff or supervisors
• Anyone interested in understanding project management
• Journey-level project managers seeking to deepen their expertise and understanding
• Subject matter experts
• Financial analysts
• Team leaders, stakeholders and senior leadership