September/October 2011

Class Act
Hitting the books - again - can renew your life and increase your income

Heading to enrollment day at the Art Institute of Colorado, my daughter was apprehensive.  She had taken a year off after high school to live in California but ultimately concluded it wasn’t a fit for her.  Now, barely 19, she was worried about being “older” than the other students.  What an eye opener when we found ourselves on a tour with women and men of all ages – many of whom had completed bachelor and masters degrees years earlier, only to decide they were eager for a new challenge.

Evelyn Kaye of Boulder was 62 and struggling with the loneliness factor of the freelance life. She decided with her non-stop energy she’d be helpful as a volunteer teaching English at the local library.  In fact, she found her first one-on-one volunteer experience teaching English to a drummer from Ghana so satisfying she figured a whole classroom would be even more rewarding. Soon she had a roomful of students from Russia, Indonesia and Mexico and found herself singing, Que Sera Sera and the Hokey Pokey in an effort to make the experience of learning English less grueling.

After teaching gratis for two years as a volunteer, Kaye decided to make her passion lucrative. She earned her English as a Second Language (ESL) certificate from Westminster’s Front Range Community College and was soon at work on her MA from CU/Boulder; she graduated in 2011 at the age of 73 with a degree in Educational Equity and Cultural Diversity. This fall, she’ll be teaching grammar and reading classes three days a week at a local community college. “You must remember that the image of the middle-aged and old is created by the young,” says Kaye.  “It’s never too late to redefine yourself.”

Perhaps you’re one of those people who said you’d never go back to school. Is it time to rethink that decision? Some of the most common reasons grown-ups hit the books later in life:

To create meaning in midlife, when the "Is that all there is?" question arises. Changing careers in midlife may be difficult, but finding a true professional calling makes it worthwhile. A career counselor or life coach can help clarify your passion and jump-start your enthusiasm; it’s a better plan than waiting for an epiphany or letting irrational fears keep you from moving forward.

To specialize and better compete within a chosen field, or get a promotion. Technology and other environmental forces are changing overnight, and modern skill-sets are a must in a niche marketplace. Also, at the corporate level, many companies reserve management positions for those with advanced degrees.

To start a career later in life, after the kids are grown, a divorce occurs, or the funds are available. Going back to school allows networking among peers, and gives you a chance to meet new people in your field. By 2015, when the government estimates 2.38 million women over the age of 35 will be in college, no one will look twice at the gray-haired note takers.

To switch to a different, more lucrative career. Whether you stay in your current field or change gears completely, professionals with advanced degrees tend to have higher salaries. Employees with a master’s degree or Ph.D. earn a minimum of $10,000 more per year than those with a bachelor’s degree.

To ride out the country’s economic woes. The fierce job market can make further education more than a luxury. The unemployment rate is higher for non-college graduates, and job shortages are rampant. Many employees receive tuition help from their companies and President Barak Obama’s stimulus plan has increased available financial aid via state aid, scholarships and grants.

If you’re considering an advanced degree or a new direction in life, our guide to continuing education can help. And with so many institutions offering distance learning or on-line degrees, it’s easier than ever. Another bonus of late-life schooling: life experiences, accomplishments, community service and specialized training are often taken into consideration to accelerate degree programs for adults returning to college. Check out our sampling of programs, and start on a new adventure.

The traditional route

These state-approved schools include programs of four years or more, offering continuing education in a variety of traditional fields. These are ideal for someone who wants a degree or a comprehensive education in a specific field.

Adams State College, 208 Edgemont Blvd., Alamosa, 719-587-7011. This small, state-supported liberal arts college, founded in 1921 as a teacher’s college, now features an extended studies program that includes degree courses in art, biology, business, nursing, physics, psychology and others. Exstudies.adams.edu

Colorado Mesa University, (formerly Mesa State College), Grand Junction. 1100 North Ave., Grand Junction, 970-248-1020. Public college with a liberal arts focus. Mesa offers on-line courses leading to a degree in nursing, sports management, public administration, education, etc.
Mesastate.edu/eso/index.html

Colorado School of Mines, 1500 Illinois St., Golden, 303-273-3000. A small public teaching and research university devoted to engineering and applied science, with special expertise in the development and stewardship of the Earth’s natural resources. Mines offers a specific program for working professionals to upgrade their technical job skills. Mines.edu/Outreach/Cont_Ed

Colorado State University, Oval Dr., Fort Collins, 970-491-1101. Public research university and flagship institution of the Colorado State University (CSU) System, offering online degrees in agricultural business, fire and emergency services, human development and family studies and liberal arts, plus graduate degrees. Online.colostate.edu

Colorado State University Pueblo, 2200 Bonforte Blvd., Pueblo, 719-549-2396. Regional, comprehensive public institution and member of the CSU system, with multiple online degree offerings in education, art and design, science, law and vocational training.
Coned.colostate-pueblo.edu

Fort Lewis College, 1000 Rim Dr., Durango, 877-352-2656. Public liberal arts college offering degrees in areas of arts, humanities and social sciences. Limited on-line credit-based courses, in languages, Chicano literature, nutrition, and office management. Fortlewis.edu/community_culture/extended_studies

Metropolitan State College, 1201 5th St., Denver, 303-556-8300. Also known as “metro,” this four-year liberal arts and sciences school offers teacher education, business, aviation, and criminal justice programs. A variety of on-online courses are offered in multiple disciplines.
Mscd.edu/extendedcampus

University of Colorado at Boulder, 1416 Broadway, Boulder, 303-492-8147. Public research university and flagship institution of the University of Colorado system. Comprehensive continuing education program offers both classroom and on-line training and degree coursework in everything from the sciences, to business, to art and literature. Colorado.edu/ContinuingEducation

University of Colorado at Colorado Springs, 1420 Austin Bluffs Parkway, Colorado Springs, 719-255-8227. Member of the University of Colorado system offering comprehensive four-year baccalaureate programs. Online degrees and certificates in criminal justice, nursing, and other disciplines. Uccs.edu/extendedstudies

University of Colorado Denver, or UC Denver, 1250 14th St., Denver, 303-556-2400. Member of the University of Colorado system offering multiple campuses and disciplines including medicine, nursing, dentistry, pharmacy, education and human development. Offers continuing and professional education programs complete degree programs, certificate/certification/licensure programs, professional development programs, pre-collegiate outreach programs, and personal enrichment courses. Cu.edu

University of Northern Colorado, 501 20th St., Greeley, 970-351-1890. Strong background in teacher education, emphasis in liberal arts education. Extended Studies program supports delivery of UNC degree programs, certificates, and individual courses off campus using both face to face and distance technologies. Unco.edu/extendedstudies

Western State College, 909 Escalante Dr., Gunnison, 970-943-0120. Four-year public liberal arts college. Limited online continuing education offerings include: MA in Education, MFA in Creative Writing, Publishing Certificate. Western.edu/extendedstudies

The specialty route

These private, profit and nonprofit schools are not associated with the Colorado state system. They’re not typically as broad-based or comprehensive, but instead offer a more specialty-focused – and sometimes less expensive – option.

Art Institute of Colorado, 1200 Lincoln St., #100, Denver, 303-837-0825. For-profit school with adult courses that focus on specialty areas. Continuing Education courses within the media and design fields do not have occupational outcomes but can assist in upgrading professional knowledge or capabilities. Artinstitutes.edu/denver

Colorado Free University, 7653 East First Place, Denver, 303-399-0093. Adult innovative education programs and training seminars in business, computer and language skills, dance and writing. Freeu.com

Emily Griffith Technical College, 1250 Welton St., Denver, 720-423-4700. Public technical college, offering adult programs including computer and website design, floral design, nursing, professional sewing, real estate, upholstery, watch and clock repair and welding.
Egos-school.com/site/public/StartPage

Front Range Community College, 2190 Miller Dr., Longmont, 303-678-3722. Provides affordable non-credit professional development and personal enrichment programs. With campuses in Fort Collins (4616 S. Shields, 970-226-2500), Westminster (3645 W. 112th Ave., 303-404-5000) and Brighton (1850 E. Egbert St., Suite 100, 303-404-5099). Frontrange.edu

Kaplan College, 500 E. 84th Ave., Suite W-200, Thornton, 303-295-0550. For-profit college offers career training for the healthcare industry. Getinfo.kaplan.edu/index.aspx

Regis University, 3333 Regis Boulevard, Denver, 800-944-7667. Private Jesuit Catholic university offering adult learners bachelor and master’s degrees in teacher education licensure and degrees, and certification programs. Regis.edu

Westwood College, 7350 North Broadway, Denver, 866-633-4369. For-profit school for technology courses including industrial and medical fields and avionics and power plant maintenance. Westwood has additional Colorado locations at 10249 Church Ranch Way, Westminster, 877-817-9525, and 3150 Sheridan Blvd., Denver, 866-552-7536.Westwood.edu

The alternative route

These schools are geared primarily toward adult learners, great for augmenting your skills or gaining an enriching profession.

Buddhist-inspired schools

Naropa University, 2130 Arapahoe Ave., Boulder, 303-444-0202. Private, non-profit, four-year undergraduate college and graduate program incorporating Eastern and Western educational traditions in the arts, education, environmental leadership, psychology and religious studies. Naropa.edu

Culinary and nutrition

Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts (formerly Culinary School of the Rockies), 637 S. Broadway St., Boulder, 303-494-7988. Nationally accredited culinary school. Escoffier.edu/locations/boulder

Bauman College, 1128 Pine Street, Boulder, 1-800-987-7530. Non-profit, comprehensive holistic nutrition and culinary arts school. Certification offered: Nutrition Consultants/Natural Chef. Baumancollege.org

Institute for the Psychology of Eating, 1405 Linden Ave., Boulder, 303-440-7652. Led by Marc David, training in empowement around food relationships including weight and body image, energy and fatigue, immunity and more. Psychologyofeating.com

School of Natural Cookery, 2977 Loma Place, Boulder, 303-444-8068. Non-traditional culinary program with classes, training and chef programs in the preparation of vegetarian and natural food.

Massage and bodywork

Denver School of Massage Therapy, 8991 Harlan St., B, Westminster, 303-426-5621; or 14107 E. Exposition Ave., Aurora, 303-366-4325. Nationally accredited massage therapy school. Denversmt.com

Guild of Structural Integration, 2653 Spruce St., Boulder, 303-447-0122. Offers training and continuing education in teaching the Ida P. Rolf Method of Structural Integration. rolfguild.org

Massage Therapy Institute of Colorado, 1441 York St., Denver, 303-329-6345. Nationally accredited massage school. Mtic.edu

Pacific College - Massage Therapy, Lakewood campus: 303-233-8488. Denver campus: 303-753-7577. Comprehensive, career-oriented training in massage therapy. Collegepacifica@gmail.com

Rolf Institute, 5055 Chaparral Court #103, Boulder, 303-449-5903. Training classes and workshops in the rolfing tradition of Ida P. Rolf. Rolf.org

Healing arts, Body care, Yoga

Alandi Ashram, 2457 20th St., Boulder, 303-786-7437. Inspired by Brahmachari Raghudas, Divine Mother Karunamayi, and Shivabalayogif, serving humanity through diverse spiritual practices and Ayurvedic medicine. Alandiashram.org

Colorado School of Healing Arts, 7655 West Mississippi Ave., Suite 100, Lakewood, 303-986-2320. Massage therapy school offering degree and massage therapy certificate programs. Csha.net

David J. Coon’s School of Qijong, 10670 Abilene St., Commerce City, 303-949-0633. Private sessions and public workshops following the ancient Taoist practices in mediation and Chinese medicine/medical Qigong. Davidjcoon.com

Eldorado Mountain Yoga Ashram, 2875 County Rd. 67, Boulder, 303-249-1671. Classes and programs in hatha yoga, meditation, kirtan (sacred chanting), yoga philosophy, ayurveda, vedic astrology, and more. Eldoradoyoga.net

Hakomi Institute, 2475 Broadway St., Boulder, 303-266-1866. Classes and training in body-centered, somatic psychotherapy developed by Ron Kurtz. Hakomiinstitute.com

Homeopathy School International, 3107 28th St., Boulder, 303-440-3717. Classes and training in the homeopathy system of medicine. Homeopathyschool.org

Hypnotherapy Academy of America, 509 Camino de los Marquez, Ste 1, Santa Fe, NM, 1-877-983-1515. State-licensed hypnotherapy certification following 500 hours in hypnotherapy training techniques. Hypnotherpayacademy.com

Institute of Taoist Education and Acupuncture, Inc., 325 W. South Boulder Road, Ste. 2, Louisville, 720-890-8922. Classical five-element acupuncture in the Taoist healing tradition based on the work of J.R. Worsley. Itea.edu

Lorna Silva’s Training in Herbology and Iridology, 7330 W. 52nd Ave., Ste T, Arvada, 303-904-6834. Programs leading to certification in herbalism, iridology, nutrition and Chinese face, tongue and nail analysis. Herbtalkonline.net

Matrix Energetics International, 19324 40th Ave., W., Suite B, Lynnwood, WA, 1-800-269-9513. Led by Dr. Richard Barlett, training and workshops for healing, self-care and transformation powered by intent. Matrixenergetics.com

School of Natural Medicine, 1307 Riverside Ave., Boulder, 720-746-9961. Accredited school of naturopathy, with classes in holistic medicine training, iridology and herbal medicine. Purehealth.com

Tibetan Cranial, 724 Collyer, Longmont, 303-772-0454. Apprentice and practitioner training program in the technique of Tibetan Cranial therapy based on the work of Shar Lee. Tibetancranial.org

Metaphysical studies

Boulder Psychic Institute, 1332 Pearl St., Boulder, 303-530-0920. Dedicated to the development of psychic and healing abilities. Boulderpsychicinstitute.org

Evolutionary Astrology Network, 4702 Cliff Dr., Rapid City, SD, 1-877-348-5111. Comprehensive astrological correspondence courses and training based on the writings of Jeffrey Wolf Green using Eastern mystical and philosophical traditions. Evolutionaryastrology.net

The Isabelle Morton Gemstone Therapy Institute, Boulder and nationally, 303-525-0161. Teaching advanced practices for applying gems exclusively or as an adjunct to your healing practice. LearnGEM.com

Psychic Horizons, 5485 Conestoga Ct. #101, Boulder, 303-440-7171. School for clairvoyant development, spiritual healing, and personal transformation through meditation and psychic reading. Psychichorizons.com

Freelance writer Roz Brown also contributes the “Holistic Living” feature, and has written special features for Nexus on a varitey of topics.