Community programs means diversity
Organized directly under the dean of Continuing Education, NMC’s Community Programs’ mission is to provide quality opportunities for personal and professional development for all community members within the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.
The program strives to provide quality, short-term courses for adults and youth, paying much particular attention to the areas of computer technology, communication skills, languages, fine arts, home economics, cultural studies, sports and recreation.
A recent Tour Guides Training Course is one example of the program’s commitment to providing quality training. The course participants, who were primarily from the hospitality industry, were able to utilize the skills they learned during the most recent visit by WWII Veterans.
Also worth highlighting was the recent ASVAB Preparatory class. Mainly targeting recent high school graduates and upcoming graduates, the class was offered to give youth the opportunity to explore and discover their interest in entering the branches of the U.S. military by preparing them to take the required ASVAB Test. As a result of this course, a large number of youth that took the preparatory class were said to have scored high on the actual test.
In the areas of personal and professional development, the program offers a variety of condensed courses in computer applications, business and language. People from all walks of life enrolled in courses such as Computer Basics, Web Page Creation, Getting Started in Internet Stocks, Beginning and Intermediate Conversational English and Conversational Chamorro. Those seeking to enhance their knowledge and skills either for personal growth or for use in their business or profession benefited from these enriching courses.
Community Programs also values its continued positive and proactive relationship with the private sector. Designing training programs tailored to fit the needs and requests of the business community is another area that the program wants to further develop and promote. The program staff believes that in providing these customized training programs it must provide instructional leadership by choosing professionals who can deliver the services and expectations of the business community. It is the program’s goal that any training developed and provided must be effective, satisfying, productive and useful.
Community Programs also offers courses and programs for children. A recent pumpkin carving class during the Halloween season produced happy students learning the art of pumpkin carving. Another great upcoming children’s program entitled HOLIDAY PARADE MUSICAL PERFORMANCE will be taking place on Friday December 22 at the Saipan Multi-Purpose Center in Susupe. A highly reputable and well-praised curriculum known as MUSIC K-8 is being used to prepare the children for their festive performance. This curriculum helps children improve their confidence, reading, literature and memorization skills.
Situated on NMC’s Saipan campus, Community Programs’ vision is expansive. Plans to involve both Rota and Tinian campuses is all part of NMC’s Community Programs’ mission as well. With its diversified approach, NMC’s Community Programs wants to be a positive contributor to the development of the Commonwealth community. Its very existence thrives on the ability to offer a variety of classes that benefit everyone. For more information, please call Edith or Trish at 234-5498, extensions 1814/1815, or visit our web site at www.nmcnet.edu.
