Adult and Community Education

Adult Learning Center

The Adult Learning Center at UNM–Los Alamos provides adult basic education (ABE) services to adults over the age of 18 who wish to obtain their New Mexico High School Equivalency Credential (HSE), brush up on their basic literacy skills, improve their workplace skills, or learn English as a second language (ESL). Classes are offered in the areas of reading, writing, math improvement, and ESL. HSE preparatory instruction will prepare students to take either the DEG or HiSet exam. Both tests lead to a New Mexico HSE credential. Students under the age of 18 must submit a completed Underage Permission Form to the Adult Learning Center prior to enrollment in classes. The form must be signed by a parent or guardian and by the superintendent of their local school district or home school operator. The Underage Permission Form is available on the College and Career Readiness Program page.  Books, materials and individualized tutoring services are free, and there is no charge or fee for ABE classes. Contact (505) 662-0338.

Community Education

UNM–Los Alamos offers non-credit courses in a broad range of areas, including professional development, personal enrichment, and workforce training. Our offerings emphasize short term classes aligned with community needs and interests. Community education classes do not require enrollment in the University and are open to anyone wishing to attend. 

Personal Enrichment

These classes are designed for those wanting to learn a new skill, pursue an interest, or develop their passion. From simmer sauces to science fiction, Pilates to Plato, our courses are designed to engage, stimulate, and cultivate the mind, body, and spirit. Most offerings are short term and classes are delivered in a variety of formats, including seminars, lectures, cultural field trips, hands-on, art-based workshops, and outdoor activities. Classes vary from semester to semester; please check our schedule and website for current offerings, or contact the Community Education office at 505-662-0346.

Enrichment Classes for Younger Students

Community Education offers classes for younger students as part of our summer program for youth. Students in the 1st -12th grades take classes in subjects ranging from poetry to robotics, taught by professional educators, college faculty, and community experts. After-school enrichment classes for younger students are also given during the school year. For more information about our programs for younger students, contact the Community Education office at 505-662-0346.

Workforce Training and Professional Development

Whether you are new to the job market, re-careering, or simply want to add to your repertoire of skills, our workforce training and professional development courses can help you develop the skills you need. We offer high quality classes and certificate programs, as well as specialized courses for professional development and workforce training, including computer training and paralegal training. In addition, through the Small Business Development Center, we offer training and counseling for new or developing businesses.

Customized Training

The Customized Training program at UNM–Los Alamos works with area businesses to design low-cost, specialized training that meets employers’ needs and fits work schedules. Utilizing local, state and national resources, UNM–Los Alamos can design, develop, and deliver classes and certificate programs for the unique training needs of businesses, nonprofits, or government agencies, onsite or on campus. Custom training is a cost-effective way to target and increase organizational effectiveness, and to enhance job skills and performance. The Custom Training program also offers training through the New Mexico State Work Force Training Initiative. For information please contact 662-0346. CEU’s are available for many courses.

Small Business Development Center

The UNM–Los Alamos Small Business Development Center (SBDC) is part of a national and statewide network that provides training and counseling services for small and start-up businesses. The UNM–Los Alamos SBDC offers no-charge business assistance to any existing or aspiring small business in the community, including not-for-profits.

The SBDC currently serves about 350 clients. Typical areas of assistance include business start-up and registration, planning and business planning development, customer service, marketing, business financing, incorporation, proposal preparation, employee issues, business computing, record keeping, regulatory issues, quality management, productivity issues and trade name searches. Learn more at http://www.nmsbdc.org. To schedule an appointment, call 505-661-4691.