Students Keep Adult Education Funded At Santa Barbara City College

Adult students in Santa Barbara City College’s Center for Lifelong Learning are well into their first semester of the new program.

Now, the students are being charged more for classes but the enrollment has stayed the same.

Students in a cooking class at the Schott Center campus were busy making holiday treats Tuesday.

“Each thing was completely made from scratch,” said Michele Molony, the course instructor.

The cooking class cost students $60 for tuition and materials.

“For a long time it’s been almost free. So now we are having to ask our students to pay more. All of the instructors are working to make sure we have a product that’s of good value because not only are they friends, they are now paying clients,” said Molony.

The Center for Lifelong Learning is charging for classes now that the state cut funding, but it isn’t deterring some from attending. What the school isn’t getting from the state in terms of financial help, it is getting from the students.

“Oh, it’s outstanding and I think for what we are doing the cost is very reasonable and it’s really fun. They seem to allow everybody in who wants to take the class, so it’s really great,” said Hannah Keturi, a student.

Molony is a graduate of Le Cordon Bleu in Paris and is glad her students think the class is worth the price.

“The teacher is very experienced and we get to take many of the desserts home. So it’s definitely worth it,” said Louise Henderson, a student.

And not all the courses cost as much as this one.

“I don’t think it’s that much. Like, the computer class is only $5, so that’s not bad,” said Alma Romero, a student.

“Food is love. That’s they way it is,” said Molony.

The winter term starts in January but registration begins Dec. 9.

For more information on how to register, you can click here or call the Schott Center at 805-687-0812 or the Wake Center at 805-964-6853.