Community Ed - Prescott   

This course will focus on the history of mining throughout Arizona. From minerals mined by Native Americans to the mineral discoveries made by European settlers followed by the United States during it westward expansion. Learn why copper is one of the 5Cs in Arizona. Coverage includes some of the individuals who sought to exploit Arizona's vast mineral wealth. Learn about Arizona's Copper Kings and the towns they founded based upon the mineral wealth extracted. Understand the significance of Arizona's vast mineral wealth and its contribution to industry in the United States and the world.

This is a festive, hands-on Buche de Noël (French Christmas Yule log) cooking class where you’ll learn how to make this classic holiday dessert from scratch—complete with a delicate sponge cake, rich filling, and signature “tree bark” styling. In this hands-on class, students will bake and roll sponge cake, prepare a flavorful filling, create their own yule log and ice with frosting/ganache. Students will have the opportunity to decorate with festive touches such as meringue mushrooms and snow-dusted accents. Students take home their beautifully decorated Buche de Noël to share (or save for later!)

This is a festive, hands-on Buche de Noël (French Christmas Yule log) cooking class where you’ll learn how to make this classic holiday dessert from scratch—complete with a delicate sponge cake, rich filling, and signature “tree bark” styling. In this hands-on class, students will bake and roll sponge cake, prepare a flavorful filling, create their own yule log and ice with frosting/ganache. Students will have the opportunity to decorate with festive touches such as meringue mushrooms and snow-dusted accents. Students take home their beautifully decorated Buche de Noël to share (or save for later!)

An introduction to guitar as a musical instrument, that will include Anatomy of a Guitar, basic music Theory for guitar, intro to rhythm and strumming patterns, how to read Tablature, intro to open string chords, how to practice, intro to finger picking, how to hold a guitar, and how to hold a pick. Instruction on how to play a melody. Personal instruction and performance feedback on class assignments. This class is for the beginner and would be a good refresher for those with experience.

Suggested items to bring are guitar, tuner, two picks one med and one light, strap or footstool.

Guitar instruction for those who have completed the Beginning Guitar Class One, or have developed skills from prior guitar instruction. This class is for the Intermediate guitar player and would be a good refresher for those with extensive experience. Learn theory, song structure, how to choose song materials, and a practice strategy to be able to perform the song.

Suggested items to bring are guitar, tuner, two picks one med and one light, strap or footstool.

Belly Dance is a dance of joy with roots in North Africa. Also known as Raqs Sharqi, it is celebrated around the world. This is a mixed-level class and beginners are warmly welcome. Our Fall session will focus on earthy, grounded movements of the dance's folkloric roots. We will learn technique and combinations, with a focus on enjoyment of the process — everyone progresses at their own pace.

Wear comfortable clothing and soft dance shoes (or bare feet). Bring a hip scarf if you have one, loaners will be provided if you don’t.

 

 

Elevate your pool skills to the next level by mastering the fundamentals. You will develop stroke, sharpen ball pocketing skills, apply principles of precise position play, employ practice drills and learn proven strategies for winning 8 ball. You will enjoy individualized instruction on caroms, combinations, banks and cut shots. We'll focus on drills and technique to help you become a better player. The goal is to thoroughly appreciate the depth of skill and fun offered by the sport of pocket billiards.

Classes are held at Barefoot Bob’s in Prescott Valley. Handouts and cues are provided. Must be 21 years of age.

 

This four week course explores how dogs think, communicate, and respond to the world around them. You’ll learn how genetics, environment, socialization, and learning history shape behavior, while building practical skills for reading body language, stress signals, play, conflict, and dog-to-dog communication. The course also covers common behavior challenges including fear, reactivity, resource guarding, and over arousal, with an emphasis on prevention and emotional wellbeing. In the final week, participants learn training foundations, desensitization, counter conditioning, and handler skills that support clearer communication, safer interactions, and stronger relationships with dogs. Please note: In-class learning is without dogs. Home practice encouraged with dogs between classes.

If you have ever wanted to sharpen your knife skills, this is the class for you! This hands-on, skill-based class will teach you all the skills needed to become confident in your knife handling. Students will learn about different types of knives and their common uses, safety and sharpening using a sharpening steel and a tri-stone. After practicing proper grip and cutting techniques, students will chop, mince, slice, dice (sm, med, lg), and chiffonade a variety of food items. Students will enjoy a fresh chop salad and stir fry made from their beautiful cuts! Students are encouraged to bring their own knives. House knives available.

If you have ever wanted to sharpen your knife skills, this is the class for you! This hands-on, skill-based class will teach you all the skills needed to become confident in your knife handling. Students will learn about different types of knives and their common uses, safety and sharpening using a sharpening steel and a tri-stone. After practicing proper grip and cutting techniques, students will chop, mince, slice, dice (sm, med, lg), and chiffonade a variety of food items. Students will enjoy a fresh chop salad and stir fry made from their beautiful cuts! Students are encouraged to bring their own knives. House knives available.

Learn to see within the objective world that we live in. A simple way to create objective and non-objective abstract art using colors, shapes, textures, and composition. This class is open to any media, wet or dry, that is designed to be applied to a 2-D surface. The art can be created from photo reference or from an object. The student may also choose an emotion or state of mind to illustrate. Consider putting love, happiness, friendship, life, birth, etc., on canvas. The instructor will show photo references. Suggested supply list available and bring your own art supplies to class.

 

Ready to awaken your inner MYSTIC and dive deep into the world of metaphysical energy? Join us for a journey through the sacred arts of crystals, intuition, and pendulum work. This isn’t just a class—it’s a portal to higher consciousness.

$15-30 supplies payable to the instructor at class: pendulums, energy grids, tumbles stones and crystals.

 

Animals are family—and the bond we share with them can bring profound love, healing, joy, grief, and transformation. This compassionate and interactive course is designed for animal lovers, veterinary professionals, rescue workers, caregivers, and anyone seeking a deeper connection with—and meaningful ways to support—the animal beings they love, care for, or work alongside. Together we’ll also explore ways to honor and care for our own hearts through the tender—and sometimes challenging—experiences that come with loving animals deeply. A $10 materials fee payable to the instructor at the first class.

Retirement is no longer simply about slowing down — it's an opportunity to rediscover who you are, what brings you joy, and how you want to live the next chapter of your life with meaning and authenticity. This inspiring 6-week course is designed for adults who want to create a more purposeful and fulfilling retirement. Through guided reflection, group discussion, creative exercises, and personal exploration, participants examine identity beyond career roles, reconnect with forgotten passions, strengthen relationships, nurture emotional and spiritual well-being, and develop a personal vision for an authentic life.

What could be more rewarding than having the graphic art skills to capture the likeness of your beloved pet or favorite animal? I will introduce you to my five principles that will open the door to your creative skills: 1. drawing a likeness, 2. applied color theory, 3. becoming comfortable with your chosen media, 4. compositional theory, 5. developing your own style. This class is open to all media. The instructor will show photo references. Suggested supply list available and bring your own art supplies to class.

 

Never taken a French class before? Traveling to France and would like to know how to get around? This course is for you! This is an introduction to French language, culture, and customs. Topics Include: French pronunciation, basic greetings and introductions, numbers and Euros, and everyday vocabulary (food, travel, family, etc.).

This is a follow up course for those who have already taken one or two previous "Intro to French" classes with the instructor. While still an introduction to French language and culture, this class digs deeper. Widen your vocabulary, learn more about French customs and traditions, and keep developing basic conversational skills!

This course is made for those who have already taken French classes and would like to brush up on their conversational skills. If you would like the opportunity to fully immerse yourself in the language, this class is for you! Review grammar and language through interactive activities and conversations with the instructor. .

Please note: This class is entirely in French.

This five-class series looks at five different aspects of getting your affairs in order. Class 1 is an overview of the entire process, including what questions you need to ask and what decisions you need to make. Class 2 explores 37 administrative details your family will need to know. Class 3 covers health care and legal documents you need now and after your passing. Class 4 looks at ten options for your postmortem care. Class 5 explores making yourself immortal through digital recording, as well as suggestions for creating your own obituary and memorial service.

Our most popular course for nearly a decade running, Conversational Italian with Sandy Immerso is a showcase for what makes community education so powerful: An excellent teacher, an engaged class-room community, and a fantastic subject.                      

Join one of the most exciting groups of learners west of the Mississippi (but only a hop, skip, and a jump from Italy) today!         Please note: This class is intended for individuals with an intermediate-level conversational grasp of the language. This is not a beginner course; if you are interested in Beginning Italian, please contact us at 928-634-6537.
 

Introduction to Computers and Artificial Intelligence is designed for beginners who want to build confidence using modern technology. Students will learn computer fundamentals, file management, email, web browsing, internet safety, cloud storage, and the basics of Microsoft Word and Excel. The course also introduces artificial intelligence (AI), including how to use AI tools effectively and responsibly for everyday tasks, learning, and productivity. Additional topics include smartphone technology, cybersecurity awareness, and digital best practices. No prior computer experience is required!

 

Explore Jewish civilization historically and in contemporary times. Delve into secular and religious expressions of Jewish culture, concepts, and ideals. Get a sense of human place, purpose, communal and personal life. Learn the influence of Jewish thought on other religious and secular cultures. Also, antisemitism and other modern challenges will be discussed. Recommended but NOT required books: Seasons of Our Joy; Way of Man; The Sabbath; Jewish History in 100 Nutshells.

 

Investing doesn't have to be overwhelming. This three-session course builds a practical foundation for understanding today's financial markets. Students will develop a working vocabulary covering stocks, bonds, mutual funds, ETFs, and annuities, as well as learn a structured framework for evaluating investment decisions. Topics include basic portfolio construction, risk and return, asset allocation, and common financial planning pitfalls. Students will also gain insight into working effectively with financial advisors, accountants, and attorneys. Whether you are brand new to investing or looking to bring more clarity to decisions you are already making, this course cuts through the noise.

Have you imagined having a college experience since graduating from high school but have found that many traditional college classes are out of reach because of your disability? Life Skills Academy is a class for young adults like you who are looking for a supportive and social college environment focused on creative life-long learning as well as foundational skills for thriving in the community. Our lessons are centered on enriching communication, peer connections, health & wellness, encouraging responsibility, and creative problem solving all in a fun and interactive way. We make room to explore the areas of interest our students have too. Come and learn with us!

The American Red Cross Lifeguard Certification course will train and certify participants to be a lifeguard for swimming pools. The Lifeguard certification course includes the following American Red Cross certifications: Lifeguarding, First Aid and CPR/AED for the professional rescuer, valid for 2 years. Courses are all a blended learning course format with online education, classroom, and in-water components. American Red Cross requires all Lifeguard certification candidates to complete the American Red Cross Lifeguard Certification Online Course prior to the first-class date. Participants must be at least 15 years old at the time of the course. Attendance is required at all class sessions. 
 

Medicare will be explained in everyday terms: what it does and does not cover, what to expect and how to navigate the system. Learn the ins and outs of Medicare prescription drug plans, Medicare supplements, and Advantage plans. Get a comprehensive overview from a specialist with over 28 years of experience in Arizona.

This is an educational event designed to inform about Medicare and Medicare related programs.

In this course, students will learn practical techniques to enhance mental, emotional, and physical well-being through mindfulness and meditation. Each week, participants will explore a new practice, including breath awareness, body scanning, stress management, and applying mindfulness in their own lives. Classes will feature guided meditations, interactive discussions, and practical exercises designed to deepen self-awareness and reduce stress. Students will also participate in a group project aimed at bringing mindfulness to the community. Whether new to meditation or looking to strengthen an existing practice, students will gain skills to cultivate inner peace, focus, and resilience.

Unlock clarity of mind and greater vitality in this practical six-week series taught through the American Zen Tradition. This course teaches gentle, time-tested breathing and stretching exercises that help lower stress, improve sleep, and boost everyday energy. No prior experience or flexibility is required. All our exercises can be done comfortably from a standard chair, or seated on a cushion on the floor. All our exercises contribute to slowing our heart rate, developing a whole-body awareness, and focusing on living in the present moment with compassion, tranquility, and peace. Join us as we fully experience our body, breath, and mind. We look forward to stretching and breathing deeply together!

Your life is full of unique stories. Bring them to paper in this interactive class full of tips, techniques, discovery, writing and camaraderie. Whether you are thinking about or have started your memoir, this class will keep you motivated.

This course teaches students Basic Life Support CPR techniques useful in recognizing and responding to cardiac and breathing emergencies.  First aid for pets discusses common techniques, i.e. allergic reaction, heat stroke, restraint, you can provide at home for your pet. This class includes a power point presentation followed by a live dog demonstration and manikin experience.

The Pie in the Sky class will have students making pies like the professionals! Tender, flaky all-butter crusts, perfectly fluted edges, and creating several delicious fillings are only a few of the skills students will learn during this class. This is a make and take class! This class will feature a Double Crusted Winter Cranberry and Fresh Pear Pie, Glorious Dutch Crumb Apple Pie and Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Pie. Students will have an opportunity to sample each pie. They will make one 9-inch pie of their choosing to take home.

Accommodations for gluten free and allergies available with advanced notice.

Regulate • Observe • Orient • Trust - An Experiential Qigong Lab: Students will take a deeper dive into foundational Qigong concepts including Yin-Yang theory, meridians, the five elements, Qi, mindfulness, emotional awareness, conscious intention, and the relationship between attention, perception, and lived experience. Classes may include guided reflection, meditation, discussion, group awareness practices, and intention exercises designed to cultivate greater clarity, self-trust, emotional coherence, and intentional living. We will actively explore awareness and intentionality as we learn how thoughts, emotions, breath, and body patterns shape experience. Beginners welcome.

 

Soften • Harmonize • Integrate • Nourish • Energize: Qigong is a gentle yet deeply effective mind-body practice that helps release tension, calm the nervous system, restore energy, and improve overall well-being. Through flowing movements, breathwork, self-acupressure, mindful movement, gentle somatic exercises, meditation, and relaxation techniques, students often experience greater mental clarity, improved flexibility and circulation, increased balance, and a calm, focused sense of energy and vitality. Classes are accessible, easy to follow, and designed for real people and real bodies. Movements are done either standing or sitting in a chair. Dress is comfortable clothes. No experience necessary. 

 

Soften • Harmonize • Integrate • Nourish • Energize: Qigong is a gentle yet deeply effective mind-body practice that helps release tension, calm the nervous system, restore energy, and improve overall well-being. Through flowing movements, breathwork, self-acupressure, mindful movement, gentle somatic exercises, meditation, and relaxation techniques, students often experience greater mental clarity, improved flexibility and circulation, increased balance, and a calm, focused sense of energy and vitality. Classes are accessible, easy to follow, and designed for real people and real bodies. Movements are done either standing or sitting in a chair. Dress is comfortable clothes. No experience necessary. 

 

Restore • Exhale • Soften • Transform: A deeply restorative evening experience. The first hour of class will focus on gentle Qigong designed to release stress, regulate the nervous system, and quiet the mind. The final portion of class invites you into deeper relaxation through immersive guided meditations featuring peaceful forests, quiet mountain lakes, desert breezes, and soothing sounds of nature. These sensory-rich meditations are designed to calm the body, settle the mind, and create space for deep restoration and inner stillness. Perfect for anyone seeking relaxation, better sleep, emotional balance, and a gentle reset. Movements are done either standing or sitting in a chair. Dress is comfortable clothes. No experience necessary. 

Explore the healing art of Reiki in this USUI Reiki certification course through Yavapai College and Earth And Herbs Arizona. Open to beginners, returning students, and those pursuing Master Level certification, this course covers Reiki Levels I, II, and III through hands-on practice, energy awareness, and self-healing techniques. Students will learn within a supportive community and have opportunities for continued mentorship and practice through Earth And Herbs Arizona long after the course ends. Discover new realms of healing, intuition, and personal transformation through this ancient practice.

Planning for retirement can be complicated, and deciding when to claim Social Security is one of the most important retirement decisions you may make. In this class, we will discuss how Social Security benefits are calculated, how benefits may be taxed, and strategies to help determine when to begin taking benefits. We will also review common retirement risks and ways to help manage them. Join us to learn practical strategies designed to help maximize your Social Security benefits and create a more confident retirement income plan.

Did you know that Spanish is the 4th most spoken language in the WORLD? And if you speak English and Spanish, you can communicate with most of the people on 2 entire CONTINENTS? So, let’s start you on your journey to becoming bilingual! In this class you will learn some basic words and phrases in order to count small amounts of money, order food at a restaurant and buy a plane/boat/bus ticket. We will use real objects to learn new vocabulary, play-act various situations and work with a partner or group to practice speaking, all the while having fun!

Take what you learned in Spanish Level 1 and add to it by counting to higher numbers, introducing family, discussing weather, asking for and giving directions, and finding locations on a map. Just like in the Level 1 class, we will use real objects to learn new vocabulary, play-act various situations, and work with a partner or group to practice speaking, all the while having fun!

Taking the Level 1 class is not a prerequisite, but being able to count to 20, say a few conversational phrases and conjugate a few verbs is strongly suggested.

Take what you’ve learned in Spanish Level 1 and 2 and add to it with more vocabulary, grammar and conversational phrases. You will learn the weather, skills for buying food and clothing, and expand your vocabulary for more travel and restaurant phrases. We will also focus more on pronunciation. As always, real props will be used to learn new vocabulary, and real- life activities will be practiced to learn skills because real learning happens this way!

Having taken the Spanish Level 1 and 2 classes is not required but strongly suggested.

 

Yavapai College, in partnership with Good Samaritan/Legacy Home Health, is proud to offer nationally recognized STOP THE BLEED training to all those that wish to attend. The course is free of charge and will offer several skills that may help to save a life. Students will be taught how to use both commercial and improvised tourniquets for severe extremity bleeding. In addition, students will learn how to properly apply direct pressure as well as pack junction wounds. Last, but not least, students will be taught how and when to apply chest seals and place a patient into the recovery position. If acquiring lifesaving skills interests, you then sign up today for one of our courses. The class is roughly 90 minutes in length. Each student that completes the skills will be issued a certificate of attendance.

Web Site for the national Stop the Bleed Program: https://www.stopthebleed.org/

Yavapai College, in partnership with Good Samaritan/Legacy Home Health, is proud to offer nationally recognized STOP THE BLEED training to all those that wish to attend. The course is free of charge and will offer several skills that may help to save a life. Students will be taught how to use both commercial and improvised tourniquets for severe extremity bleeding. In addition, students will learn how to properly apply direct pressure as well as pack junction wounds. Last, but not least, students will be taught how and when to apply chest seals and place a patient into the recovery position. If acquiring lifesaving skills interests, you then sign up today for one of our courses. The class is roughly 90 minutes in length. Each student that completes the skills will be issued a certificate of attendance.

Web Site for the national Stop the Bleed Program: https://www.stopthebleed.org/

This exciting class will capture all the information and benefits of the 24 Form as you learn this Yang Style Form. Previous Tai Chi experience of any style is recommended (at least four classroom hours) but not required. The class emphasis/focus will be on health and wellness and "cultivating your inner Chi". We will emulate our "virtual mentor", Grand Master Kai Ying Tung's (Tung Family Tai Chi) approach as you assimilate the major Tai Chi principles. For a demo of his approach, please search "Tai Chi Tung" on YouTube and choose the 16' 01" video.

Attention, Tai Chi practitioners with light to moderate experience, lets have some fun! The Tai Chi 42 Form is popular world-wide. It perfectly mixes traditional Tai Chi styles with being practical and easy to learn and enjoy. This form carefully selects and combines the very best, most important movements from the four major traditional family styles of Tai Chi—Yang, Chen, Wu, and Sun. It packs all the powerful health benefits, for which Tai Chi is famous, into a shorter practice. You'll love this Form. Previous Tai Chi experience, any style of Tai Chi, is required.

For both beginning and continuing students, this fun class teaches the 24 movements of the most popular Chinese Government-approved Yang style "Simplified Form”, You will learn how to maximize the flow of Chi (energy),Tai Chi philosophy, history, and Mindfulness through the series of movements that are slow, continuous, relaxed, and focused. Like all Tai Chi Forms, it combines “moving meditation” with gentle revitalizing exercise as the students benefit from improved strength, conditioning, coordination, flexibility, and balance. Students also report experiencing increased energy, reduced stress, reduced pain, enhanced sleep, and/or feelings of wellbeing.

What happens to everything you have worked for when you are gone? This two-session course takes an honest, practical look at estate planning and the transfer of wealth at death. Session one covers the fundamentals — wills, trusts, beneficiary designations, titling of assets, and common mistakes that derail even well-intentioned plans. Session two features a seasoned estate planning attorney who will walk through the legal mechanics, answer your questions, and share real-world case studies. Whether your estate is large or small, this course will help ensure your assets end up exactly where you intend.

Do you know what you need to retire? Whether or not your social security will be taxable and how to invest your savings to create an income to live on? If you are close to retirement or currently retired come and learn ways improve your retirement income plan or create one. You will be taught financial planning techniques and investments options along with tax considerations for retirement income planning. Former students have commented: "This class helped me understand the investments I own in plain English" and "I learned how much income I can expect to receive from my investments."

 

This class will examine and explore the great wisdom traditions of Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianism and Taoism. We'll study and discover the profound universal principles that connect all religions. Your journey will include an in-depth look at the lives, the culture, the inspiration and the teachings associated with these rich religious/ spiritual traditions. The class will include written and audio insights from the great Alan Watts. His contributions to these wisdom traditions are incalculable.

This course is designed to empower women to effectively recognize, respond to, and recover from physical, emotional and psychological threats. This course will teach real world self-defense skills, situational awareness, boundary setting, de-escalation techniques, emotional resilience and mindset mastery, as well as empowerment through community and knowledge.

Discover the basic foundations of yoga in this beginner-friendly workshop. Designed for those new to yoga or looking to revisit the basics. This interactive course focuses on safe movement and adapting common yoga poses to suit individual needs and mobility levels. No previous experience is required.

Please bring a yoga mat.