Community Education

SFCC offers an array of non-credit personal enrichment courses designed to enhance your quality of life or to improve your competencies. You may choose from numerous courses, workshops, seminars, special programs, and other enriching educational experiences provided to meet your needs and interests. You may schedule your instruction at various times and locations. Classes include, but are not limited to, art, conversational Spanish, hands-on computer labs, healthy living, creative writing, genealogy, Tai Chi, aerobics, tennis, clogging, nautilus weight training, and aquabics. All Community Education classes are fee supported; therefore, the cost varies with the duration of the programs and materials involved.

Lifetime Learners Institute - The Lifetime Learners program is a series of offerings that provide short-term educational opportunities and various social activities for individuals interested in expanding their intellectual horizons. The program is offered on a class-by-class basis where you select the courses which suit your interests. Lectures, discussions, presentations, and optional field trips provide the structure for the classes. Series presenters are always welcome to share their expertise. Please contact the Community Education office at (863) 784-7392 for information about becoming an adjunct instructor.

Elderhostel - Seniors from all over the country escape the winter chill by attending the SFCC Elderhostel programs. The sessions range from three days to one week, January through April, and feature the history, culture, flora, and fauna of central Florida. A variety of classroom activities and field trips enhance the studies. You will be housed at the historic Hotel Jacaranda, the Kenilworth Lodge, or the Lake Placid Conference Center. The programs are described on the Elderhostel Web site www.elderhostel.org or the Elderhostel catalog under “Florida.” Local commuters are encouraged to participate in these programs. Please call the Community Education office at (863) 784-7392 for more information.

Heartland Senior Games - The purpose of the Heartland Senior Games is to promote physical fitness, good health, and a competitive spirit among adults over 50 who live active lifestyles, and to inspire those who do not. The games are held annually in March and are sanctioned by the Florida Sports Foundation. The top five finalists in each age category and each gender qualify to compete in the Florida Senior Games State Championships.

Parents, Children and Divorce - The Parents, Children and Divorce class meets the Florida statute requirements for parents with minor children who seek a divorce in Florida. It focuses on the concerns you have regarding your decisions in divorce and the impact this process will have on your child or children. You will learn effective ways of communicating with each other and of making decisions that are in the best interests of your child or children. SFCC is the designated provider of this training for DeSoto, Hardee, and Highlands counties. This four-hour course is offered monthly.

Driver Education Programs - SFCC offers a variety of driver improvement programs at four sites within the tri-county area.

Alcohol Drug Accident Prevention Training (ADAPT) - This four-hour course is required of all first-time applicants for a driver’s license who have not completed a Florida Department of Education - approved driver education course. This course focuses on Florida’s traffic laws and the consequences of substance abuse and its effects on your ability to drive responsibly.

Safe Driving Accident Prevention Program (SDAPP) - If you have received a traffic citation, you may register for the Safe Driving Accident Prevention Program. Successful completion of this four-hour course may prevent you from receiving points or paying the full civil penalty.

Both ADAPT and SDAPP classes are available in the Spanish language.

8-Hour Basic Driver Improvement (BDI) - This course is required if you have received two traffic citations in a one-year period.

Advanced Driver Improvement (ADI) - Advanced Driver Improvement is a required course if you have accumulated sufficient points to result in license suspension. This 12-hour course concentrates on providing you with the tools to develop positive attitudes and behaviors while maintaining control of a motor vehicle.

Senior Citizen Driver Improvement Program (SCDIP) - If you are a Florida driver 55 years of age and older, you may receive an insurance discount upon completion of this course. The program focuses on accident prevention, Florida traffic laws, the effects of drugs and alcohol on driving performance, and the effects of aging on driving skills. For information about hosting a SCDIP class in your community or retirement park, call the Community Education office at (863) 784-7153.