Special Interests and Hobbies
Guilford Technical Community College is pleased to offer a variety of lifelong leisure learning and personal enrichment courses. Life coaching, photography, fiction writing, and floral design are just a few of the courses to choose from.
Current Courses
Back by popular demand! Small Engine Repair
In this exciting course students will learn basic repair and operation of two and four stroke internal combustion engines, while perfecting the necessary skills to diagnosis, trouble shoot and maintain various small engines found in lawnmovers, chainsaws, generators and various other outdoor power equipment. Students will gain hands-on practical and safety procedures through classroom laboratory experience. All registered students are required to bring their own individual small engine and basic hand tools.
Tuition Cost: $205
No classes are available at this time.
NEW! T-Step Program
GTCC in Partnership with TEACCH Autism Program & EIPD (Employment & Independence for People with Disabilities) Is offering the T-Step Program, an evidence-based college course to help autistic students transition to adulthood.
T-Step covers transitional skills in the following areas:
- Goal setting
- Executive function
- Emotion regulation
- Social skills for college and work
- Self advocacy
- Career exploration
- Post-secondary exploration
Eligible students must be:
- 16 to 21 years old
- Have a diagnosis of autism
- Enrolled in high school or college
- able to access college-level material.
Tuition cost: $80
Have questions or concerns call 919-843-9505, email STEPinfo@med.unc.edu, or go to www.teacch.com.
Entrepreneur Boot Camp
We have all thought about starting a business at one time or another. Yet statistics show that most businesses fail within the first five years. This course provides insight into the characteristics, knowledge, and skills needed to become a successful entrepreneur.
At the end of this course, you will be able to identify the abilities required of successful entrepreneurs and how to acquire them, develop goals to help establish your business, create an outline for your plan, and take home techniques to successfully manage your new business.
This class is 100% online and is asynchronous, there are no specific class times. You may log in at your leisure. Please contact our office at communityeducation@gtcc.edu, and provide your name, email address, and the course you want to register for. Once we confirm your enrollment and payment, we will email you a web address to get access to your online classroom.
Tuition cost: $195
| Course | Name | Dates | Days/Hours | Campus | Register |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CSP-4000-LE24 | Entrepreneur Boot Camp | 6/2/25- 6/27/25 | Online | Online | Register Now |
Introduction to Fiction Writing
This course is designed specifically for those with little to no fiction writing experience. Find your pathway toward your fiction writing goals. Learn the basic building blocks of story writing: character, plot, and setting. Then learn about the different forms of fiction writing and some of the genres you might like to explore.
Whether you've never written a word of fiction or haven't written since high school or college, you will complete the course with the skills you need to get started. Create a new work of fiction or revive an old one that's been sitting in your bottom drawer.
This class is 100% online and is asynchronous – there are no specific class times. You may log in at your leisure. Please contact our office at communityeducation@gtcc.edu, and provide your name, email address, and the course you registered for. Once we confirm your enrollment and payment, we will email you a web address to get access to your online classroom.
Tuition cost: $195
| Course | Name | Dates | Days/Hours | Campus | Register |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CSP-4000-LE27 | Introduction to Fiction Writing | 6/2/25- 6/27/25 | Online | Online | Register Now |
Contact Personal and Professional Enrichment at 336-334-4822, ext. 55021, or communityeducation@gtcc.edu for more information.
Top 10 Things to Know as a Life Coach
Coaches must have the necessary life experiences and communication skills to be totally present for their clients, really listen to them, and provide a safe arena to express ideas. This course will help you learn the top 10 things you need to know as a life coach and will help you better understand what life coaching is and what it is not. You can build a foundation as a life coach by mastering life coaching by designing supportive coaching environments. This 20-hour course is the first step in pursuing a career as a life coach.
Tuition cost: $125
No classes are scheduled at this time.
Contact Personal and Professional Enrichment at 336-334-4822, ext. 55021, or communityeducation@gtcc.edu for more information.
Life Coach Certification
This 40-hour course is part two of becoming a life coach. It looks at the foundation of life coaching and teaches the concepts and methods of coaching. This is a continuation of the course, The Top 10 Things to Know as a Life Coach. In this course, you will be more engaged in the practice of coaching and conversation styles, as well as coaching-related skills such as actively listening, accountability, questioning, planning, designing actions, and goal setting. You can master coaching with the core competencies described by the International Coaching Federation (ICF).
Tuition cost: $280
No classes are scheduled at this time.
Leader Coach in You
This new course will help students learn to be leadership professionals. Leaders must have the necessary life experiences and communication skills to be totally present in their environments, responsive in ways that remove judgment, aware of bias, able to shift the bias mindset, empathetic, and ready to build collaboration. This course will focus on how coaching dramatically enhances the leadership style of leaders.
Tuition cost: $50
No classes are scheduled at this time.
For more information, contact Personal and Professional Enrichment at 336-334-4822, ext. 55021 or communityeducation@gtcc.edu.
Floral Design
You will learn the basics of how to create stunning flower arrangements, bouquets, corsages, wreaths, baskets, and more for parties, banquets, weddings, birthdays, funerals, and other occasions. Excellent preparation for a career as a full-service or specialty florist, catering florist, flower broker, interior landscaping firm specialist, greenhouse grower, fresh flower buyer, or freelance floral designer.
There is an extra cost for materials. You may contact the instructor for a list of the supplies you'll need: Gwendolyn Stephens at gstephens@gtcc.edu.
Tuition Cost: $75
No classes are scheduled at this time.
Contact Personal and Professional Enrichment at 336-334-4822, ext. 55021, or communityeducation@gtcc.edu for more information.
Basic Photography
See the world through the lens of a camera and learn to create strong photographic images. This course is designed for students to learn about the basic mechanics of a camera and how each part is used to create quality photographs.
In addition, the course will teach vocabulary terms associated with photography and how each of the terms relates to photography and the photographer. Please bring a camera to class on the first day.
Tuition cost: $80
| Course | Name | Dates | Days | Hours | Campus | Room | Register |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CSP-4000-BP24 |
Abstract Photography I |
6/25/25-7/30/25 | W | 6-8:30 p.m. | Jamestown | AT 329 | Register Now |
Abstract Photography I
This course will expand your understanding of photographic composition by completing a series of challenging assignments. Each week, an assignment will be given using different elements to create visually appealing abstract images. The completed assignment will be shared with the class for review. Upon completing the class, students will review their portfolios and select images to be displayed locally.
Tuition cost: $80
| Course | Name | Dates | Days | Hours | Campus | Room | Register |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CSP-4000-AP14 |
Abstract Photography I |
6/17/25-7/22/25 | Tu | 6-8:30 p.m. | Jamestown | AT 329 | Register Now |
Contact Personal and Professional Enrichment at 336-334-4822, ext. 55021, or communityeducation@gtcc.edu for more information.
NEW! Abstract Photography II
This course is a continuation of Abstract Photography I. Students will expand their understanding of photographic composition by completing a series of challenging assignments. Each week, an assignment will be given using different elements to create visually appealing abstract images. The completed assignment will be shared with the class for review. Upon successful completion of the class, students will review their portfolios and select images to be displayed locally.
Tuition cost: $80
| Course | Name | Dates | Days | Hours | Campus | Room | Register |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CSP-4000-MP12 |
Macro Photography |
4/30/25-6/4/25 | W | 6-8:30 p.m. | Jamestown | AT 329 | Register Now |
NEW! Introduction to Macro Photography
This course is designed to expand the student’s understanding of Macro Photography concepts by completing a series of challenging assignments. Each week, students will be given a new assignment using close-up photography concepts to create visually appealing images.
Tuition cost: $80
| Course | Name | Dates | Days | Hours | Campus | Room | Register |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CSP-4000-MP12 |
Macro Photography |
4/30/25-6/4/25 | W | 6-8:30 p.m. | Jamestown | AT 329 | Register Now |
Portrait Photography
This course is designed to improve skills in portrait-taking by giving students the tools to pose and place subjects in attractive lighting. Lighting in this course will be available light; there will be no strobe/flash instruction. Subjects will be one or two adults. Students also will learn how to process images using Adobe Lightroom to work with presets and skin tones.
Coursework includes learning light patterns by photographing in different light ratios. The class will consist of a mixture of lectures and hands-on labs. By the end of this course, students will be able to photograph people in different light sources and patterns. Students also will learn how to pose subjects.
Tuition cost: $80
| Course | Name | Dates | Days | Hours | Campus | Room | Register |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CSP-4000-BP13 |
Portrait Photography |
3/12/25-4/23/25 | W | 6-8:30 p.m. | Jamestown | AT 329 | Register Now |
Contact Personal and Professional Enrichment at 336-334-4822, ext. 55021, or communityeducation@gtcc.edu for more information.
Advanced Portrait Photography
This course is designed to improve skills in portrait-taking by instructing subjects on how to pose and create attractive lighting. Lighting in this course will use ambient light (available light) and strobe/flash instruction. Subjects will be 1 or 2 adults, children, and a baby doll.
Students will also learn to process images using Adobe Lightroom to work with presets and skin tones. Coursework includes learning about light patterns by photographing the same subject in different light ratios. The class will consist of a mixture of lectures and hands-on labs.
Prerequisite: Portrait Photography I
Tuition cost: $70
No classes are scheduled at this time.
Contact Personal and Professional Enrichment at 336-334-4822, ext. 55021, or communityeducation@gtcc.edu for more information.
Portrait Retouching
This course is designed to improve skills in Photoshop, including retouching the face, skin, body, hair, and other elements of portraits. It will also address backgrounds and making composites. Each week, students will learn techniques and build their skill sets in retouching portraits. The portraits will be photos taken from the previous class.
Students will also learn to process images using Adobe Lightroom to work with presets and skin tones. Coursework will include developing retouching skills to finalize portraits. The class will feature lectures and hands-on labs. By the end of this course, students will be able to retouch skin imperfections, tone images, contour images, and use basic Photoshop techniques to elevate their portraits.
Tuition cost: $70
No classes are scheduled at this time.
Contact Personal and Professional Enrichment at 336-334-4822, ext. 55021, or communityeducation@gtcc.edu for more information.
Advanced Portrait Retouching
This course is a continuation of Portrait Retouching I. Students will expand their understanding of Photoshop with retouching of the face, skin, body, hair, and other elements of portraits, such as backgrounds or making composites.
Each week, students will learn techniques and build their skill sets for retouching portraits. Portraits will be photos taken from the previous class. Students will also learn how to process images using Adobe Lightroom to work with presets and skin tones.
Coursework includes using retouching skills to finalize portraits. Classes will be a mix of computer labs, lectures, and hands-on labs.
Prerequisite: Portrait Retouching I
Tuition cost: $70
No classes are scheduled at this time.
Contact Personal and Professional Enrichment at 336-334-4822, ext. 55021, or communityeducation@gtcc.edu for more information.
NEW! Exploration of Music Entertainment Part 1
"Exploring Careers in the Music Industry": This in-person, hands-on class will teach students about the exciting and changing world of the music industry. Over eight weeks, students will learn about traditional jobs such as managing artists, making music, marketing, and scouting talent.
They’ll also explore behind-the-scenes jobs that are influenced by new trends and technology. These jobs include music producer, concert promoter, videographer, DJ, social media manager, wardrobe stylist, security team member, and other important roles that help the industry work. Students will learn useful skills and get the knowledge they need to succeed in both well-known and new areas of the music business.
Tuition cost: $80
No classes are scheduled at this time.
NEW! Exploration of Music Entertainment Part 2
"Skill Development for Music Career": Navigating Pathways to Success is an eight-week, hands-on course designed to introduce students to diverse careers in the music industry. Students will gain practical knowledge about the music industry. The course includes guest speakers, site visits, and on-the-job internships with local, regional, and national industry partners, providing real-world experience and insights into the essential skills needed to succeed in traditional and emerging music careers.
Tuition cost: $80
No classes are scheduled at this time.
For more information, contact Personal and Professional Enrichment at 336-334-4822, ext. 55021 or communityeducation@gtcc.edu.
Learn to Fly Drones for Beginners
Do you want to learn how to fly a drone (a.k.a. small Unmanned Aerial System-sUAS) for recreation while doing it legally and safely? If so, this is the class for you. It offers hands-on flight training using modern training aircraft combined with classroom topics about Federal Aviation Administration(FAA) regulations that govern drone flying.
Topics include aviation airspace, weather, maintenance, aerodynamics, physiology, and more. Successful completion will position students to pass the mandatory FAA test for recreational drone pilots, called The Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST). This course includes an overview of commercial drone pilot (FAA Remote Pilot) requirements for those interested in making money with their drones. No prerequisites or books are required for this class.
Tuition cost: $175
No classes are scheduled at this time.
Note: Drone flight training will be coordinated on pre-arranged dates and times and will take place on the GTCC Greensboro Campus, 3505 E. Wendover Ave., Greensboro, NC 27405. Depending on available daylight, meeting times and days may be modified.
For more information, ccontact Personal and Professional Enrichment at 336-334-4822, ext. 55021, or communityeducation@gtcc.edu.
Commercial Drone Pilot Certification Prep
This course is designed to help students prepare for commercial drone pilot certification also called FAA Remote Pilot Certification. The course allows drone operators to legally charge for photography/videography services. This course is well suited for drone pilots who want to work for companies, start their own business, or add this tool to their existing work.
Book Required: 2022-2023 Test Prep Bundle: Remote Pilot/ASA.
Prerequisites: The Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST) certificate is completed via Learn to Fly Drone Beginners class or independently.
Tuition cost: $175
No classes are scheduled at this time.
Note: Drone flight training will be coordinated on pre-arranged dates and times and will take place on the GTCC Greensboro Campus, 3505 Wendover Ave E, Greensboro, NC 27405. Depending on available daylight, meeting days/times may be modified.
Contact Personal and Professional Enrichment at 336-334-4822, ext. 55021, or communityeducation@gtcc.edu for more information.
Basic Fundamentals of Drone (UAV) Operation
Are you thinking about buying a drone/UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle) for personal or business reasons? Do you need to know how to operate or know the basic functions of flying a drone? This class will cover the fundamentals of how to operate a drone, drone safety, and laws for flying drones.
Tuition cost: $45
No classes are scheduled at this time.
For more information, ccontact Personal and Professional Enrichment at 336-334-4822, ext. 55021, or communityeducation@gtcc.edu.
DEI & Organizational Success
(Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion & Organizational Success)
Diverse organizations are found to be more creative and more productive with higher levels of employee engagement and lower rates of attrition. Diversity is also shown to return higher profits. This course will teach students why diversity, equity, and inclusion are important to organizational success. Students will learn to appreciate and work effectively with diverse groups, confront unconscious biases that hinder workplace inclusion, and identify essential factors that contribute to an inclusive workplace environment.
This course is 100% online and is asynchronous. There are no specific class times. You may log in at your leisure. Please contact our office at communityeducation@gtcc.edu, and provide your name, email address, and the course you registered for. Once we confirm your enrollment and payment, we will email you a web address for access to your online classroom.
Tuition cost: $195
No classes are scheduled at this time.
Developing Leadership Skills
For future and emerging leaders in Gen Y, discover the key concepts for leading and influencing others. Learn the unspoken secrets that leaders know and the strategies they use. Leadership skills are acquired and learned. The action takes place by attending meetings, running meetings, interacting with others one-on-one, and employing successful techniques to convince others. You can become a leader if you know the do's and don'ts, what to say, what not to say, what to do, and what not to do.
This course is 100% online and is asynchronous. There are no specific class times. You may log in at your leisure. Please contact our office at communityeducation@gtcc.edu, and provide your name, email address, and the course you registered for. Once we confirm your enrollment and payment, we will email you a web address for access to your online classroom.
Cost: $145
No classes are scheduled at this time.
Ways to Register
You may register online or in person.
Online: Register
In person: Complete the Continuing Education Registration Form and bring it with your payment (check, cash, credit card, or money order) to one of the GTCC campuses.
Registration locations:
- Greensboro: 8:30 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Thursday and 9 a.m.-noon Friday at 3505 E. Wendover Ave., Continuing Education Center
- High Point: 8:30 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Thursday and 9 a.m.-noon Friday at 901 S. Main St., H1