Community Education

For nearly 30 years, UNM-LA has been providing Los Alamos and surrounding areas with personal enrichment and professional development classes for every member of our diverse community. Community Education is the perfect opportunity to try something new or rekindle your desire for learning. Who knows, you might discover a hidden talent you never knew you had! 

RECERTIFICATION TRAINING FOR LIFEGUARD INSTRUCTORS – Date: TBD – $160 – 8 am to 12 pm, UNM-LA Campus, 1 pm to 6 pm, Los Alamos Aquatic Center

Prerequisite:

Possess a current American Red Cross (ARC) Lifeguarding Instructor certificate or possess a current ARC Lifeguarding Instructor Trainer Certification (or expired no more than 1 year). 

Learning objectives: 

• Exhibit the characteristics required of an ARC representative and role model;
• Perform applicable Lifeguarding skills to the standard at instructor-level skill proficiency
• Review the course content and practice skills in class and at the swimming pool
• Review procedures to prevent and manage emergencies in and around the water;
• Review how to plan, organize and conduct Lifeguarding courses in accordance with Red Cross policies, procedures, and requirements;
• Be able to explain procedures for acknowledging course completion and accessing American Red Cross digital certificates
• Learn to deliver quality, consistent, and standardized content by following the Lifeguarding Instructor’s Manual 

Candidates must:

• Demonstrate proficiency in all of the prerequisite skills
• Describe the unique aspects of lifeguarding
• Demonstrate how to perform the lifeguard rescue skills safely and effectively 

NEW Required Class Materials:

Available online at instructorscorner.org for downloading or purchase;

• American Red Cross Lifeguarding Participant’s Manual #755735
  
• American Red Cross Lifeguarding Instructor’s Manual #755736
• Fanny pack and whistle Adult and infant Pocket Masks
• Notebook, highlighter, and pencil Swimsuit, towels, and goggles
• Warm clothes (we will be in and out of the water). 

Instructor: Leeanne Sanchez (505) 929-3272 

Register for Lifeguard Instructor Recertification

Internet Safety for Adults and Seniors – Date: TBD – 4 hours $0 – 1pm to 3pm, UNM-LA Campus, room 631 

This 4 hour seminar spanning two days, is designed to help individuals be better prepared to spot scams and "phishing" in an internet connected world. There are a multitude of threats and just like most predators, scammers are opportunistic. They look for users who aren't comfortable with computers, lack basic skills online, and most of all have something of value that can be stolen. Senior citizens in particular are a common target for scammers because they are put into an arena that they aren't familiar with and told to "leave it to the experts". This creates situations where innocent users can get in over their head before they even know it. This seminar will peel back the veil and show how you can use "soft" skills to spot scams and combat social engineering techniques that are common in schemes that target seniors. Attendees will leave with knowledge that online safety isn't so different from safety in the real world. 

Learning objectives: 

• Develop an action plan to improve your own Cybersecurity 

• How to spot scams 

• How to mitigate social engineering schemes targeted towards Adults and Seniors 

• Approaches in detecting Phishing scams 

• How to investigate the legitimacy of an email 

• Online safety “soft” skills 

Jake Stupka is an IT Professional with experience designing, implementing and maintaining organizational IT systems along with IT Director experience Systems Administration. Jake has worked as a primary Systems Administrator, Network Engineer & IT Security Manager. He has extensive End-to-end IT infrastructure experience in autonomous systems. As an instructor, Jake delivers content in a positive and supportive environment, equipping students with necessary skills to build and apply knowledge while recognizing and celebrating their achievements. 

 CPR Certification For Spanish Speakers – 6hrs $150 – Date: TBD, UNM-LA Campus, room 230

The AHA BLS and Red Cross First-Aid course trains participants to promptly recognize several life-threatening emergencies, give high-quality chest compressions, deliver appropriate ventilations, provide early use of an AED, and prepares individuals to provide first-aid care to both children and adults during times of crisis. Reflects science and education from the American Heart Association Guidelines Update for CPR and Emergency Cardiovascular Care (ECC) and The American Red Cross. The AHA’s BLS Course is designed for healthcare professionals and other personnel who need to know how to perform CPR and other basic cardiovascular life support skills in a wide variety of in-facility and prehospital settings. 

When you need CPR classes that are approved by the American Heart Association (AHA), look no further than CPR Certification at UNM Los Alamos! Our qualified team of instructors cover everything you need to know, which includes: 

• Giving Basic Life Support (BLS) for adults, children, and infants 
• Performing the seven steps of CPR 
• First Aid 
• Feeling confident to help save a life 

We give you the best individual CPR training at a reasonable cost and aim to see every trainee leave with the finest learning experience.

Our CPR Training Includes:

• Student Handbook
• American Heart Association (AHA) Guidelines for Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Emergency Cardiovascular Care
• Critical concepts of high-quality CPR
• The AHA Chain of Survival
• 1-Rescuer CPR and First Aid for adult, child, and infant
• 2-Rescuer CPR and First Aid for adult, child, and infant
• The important early use of an AED
• Effective ventilations using a barrier device
• Differences between adult, child, and infant rescue techniques
• Bag-mask techniques for adult, child, and infant
• Rescue breathing for adult, child, and infant
• Relief of choking for adult, child, and infant
• Same Day CPR + First Aid Cards
• Friendly and Relaxed Environment
• Professional Instructors

About our Instructor
Edith Danielson, BSRT, RRT-NPS, is an expert CPR instructor, with over 25 years in the healthcare industry and teaching. She is a licensed Respiratory Therapist, a mother of a special needs kid, and an invaluable contributor to the special needs community in New Mexico. Edith is a calm in the eye of the storm of emergency medicine and her work as a respiratory therapist and knowledge of public health is widely respected in Los Alamos and surrounding areas. Edith’s love for teaching was further inspired by, “Working in the COVID unit for a couple of years I feel that I want to teach the public simple skills that can be useful in an emergency.” Edith is bilingual in Spanish and English.

 Babysitting Training Certificate, CPR, and First Aid Course – 4hrs $150 + $26.77 Kit – Date: TBD, UNM-LA Campus, room 230

The Babysitting Training course can help you apply CPR safety measures, basic First-Aid, and provide quality care to children of all ages. Developed by experts in the industry, our in-person courses are available to those ages 11 and older, and include topics such as basic child care safety, CPR, and First Aid techniques.

Please note: Babysitting Training CPR is not intended for those seeking certification for state-licensed child care providers.

Our Babysitting and CPR Training Includes: 

• CPR student kit
• Basic CPR for children and infants
• Basic First-Aid
• Basic care for children and infants
• Lessons on age appropriate activities
• Introduction to child behavior
• Emergency protocols
• Lessons on leadership skills
• Basics of babysitting business
• Certificate of Completion at the end of the class

Edith Danielson, BSRT, RRT-NPS, is an expert CPR instructor, with over 25 years in the healthcare industry and teaching. She is a licensed Respiratory Therapist, a mother of a special needs kid, and an invaluable contributor to the special needs community in New Mexico. Edith is a calm in the eye of the storm of emergency medicine and her work as a respiratory therapist and knowledge of public health is widely respected in Los Alamos and surrounding areas. Edith’s love for teaching was further inspired by, “Working in the COVID unit for a couple of years I feel that I want to teach the public simple skills that can be useful in an emergency.” Edith is bilingual in Spanish and English. 

Bath Bomb Workshop $55 (2hrs) - Date: TBD, UNM-LA Campus, room 515

Be the creator of your very own bath bombs with your favorite fragrance, design, and packed with natural moisturizing elements. These fizzy fun bath bombs make a luxurious, nourishing, and relaxing spa-like effect for the bath. These elegant bath bombs make excellent gifts for family and friends. The instructor will teach you how to customize your bath bombs using high-quality ingredients.

Enjoy this fun class to take with friends. Unleash your creativity with the many natural ingredients you’ll use to make quality gifts for yourself and others!

Class includes:

• All materials
• Overview of the chemistry of bath bombs
• Selection of organic colors
• Fragrance - Essential oils
• Natural oils such as coconut oil, almond oil, and shea butter
• Dried florals and herbs
• Other natural ingredients
• 4-8 bath bombs to take home depending on mold size
• Bath bomb recipes
• Instructional handouts

Soap Making Workshop $55 (2hrs) - Date: TBD, UNM-LA Campus, room 515

Introduction To Cold Process Soap-making - In this demonstration and hands-on style class, you will learn all about how a batch of cold process soap and liquid soap is created from scratch from start to finish. Become a soap maker and customize your ingredients to your taste.

Take this class with friends and family and enjoy creating luxurious scented soaps!

Class includes:

• All materials
• Overview of the science of soap making, saponification
• How to formulate a soap recipe based on your needs, i.e., sensitive skin, dry skin
• Use an online soap calculator
• Selection of organic colors
• Fragrance - Essential oils
• Natural oils
• Additional ingredients such as amaranth or lavender for exfoliation and honey for conditioning
• Soaps to take home
• Soap recipes

Instructional handouts

Crochet I $195 - Date: Mondays 10:30am to 1:30pm - June 12 & 26, July 3 & 10, UNM-LA Campus, room B20

Come join us for an intensive 4-week seminar and learn to crochet!

Students will learn how to plan a project and how to make the “Ivory Ripple Beanie” (Pictured below). No need to know anything about crochet! We will begin with the beginning and have a hat by the end! Students will need to bring themselves a snack and be excited to get hooked on crochet! All materials are included!

Learner outcomes:

• Learn the basics of crochet stitches and stitching.
• Create intricate patterns and designs.
• Learn to read crochet patterns.
• Plan and make an Ivory Ripple Beanie.
• Develop your creative skills into a useful hobby.

The Effects of Crochet on Wellbeing:

Crochet is an accessible and economic way to increase relaxation and reduce stress.
The sense of accomplishment associated with crochet improves wellbeing.
Crochet is effective in managing mental health conditions and life events such as grief, chronic illness, and pain.

Source: National Institute of Health

About our Instructor

This class will be led by Peninah Wolpo, who has three decades of crochet experience on the hook! She has designed and made numerous blankets, beanies, gauntlet style hand warmers, leg warmers, doll clothes, baby clothes, and lately has mastered the “Flower of Life” shawl. She cannot wait to share her tips and methods with you, and she feels the greatest joy when helping new fiber-artists get their start! So much can be done with crochet, and she cannot wait to get you hooked!

Dungeons & Dragons $140 - Date: Wednesdays 1pm to 3pm - June 7, 14, 28, & July 5, UNM-LA Campus, room 412

Always wanted to be the Game Master, but aren’t sure where to start?

Come join us for a 4-week intensive D&D seminar!

Beginners welcome – all you need to join us is your imagination!

Learn how to build a game, lead scenarios, and let your players flourish and develop in the world you built! We will cover the basics of running encounters, designing story lines and baddies, rewarding players, developing home-grown content, and using online sites like Roll 20, D&D Beyond, and even Zoom to help your game be successful! Most importantly, we will talk about how to let your players be what they want in your game and feel included and powerful in the creation of the story! All you will need in your own will to play, and an enjoyment of the world of D&D!

Objectives:

• Learn the basics of building a character, moving in the game, and combat rules.
• Interact in the D&D world and move through a short campaign together.
• Students will roll their first characters with the group.
• Create a mission to rescue an ancient artifact from the clutches of the Cult of the Dragon.
• Learn how to make the in-game world vivid and fulfilling.
• Participants will be able to join any group by the end of the class.

About our Instructor

Your adventure will be led by Dr. Peninah Wolpo, who has been playing D&D since 1992: While her favorite current character is a Dragonborn Paladin, she is also well versed in playing other roles and races. From Wizards to Monks, and from Healers to Tanks, Dr. Wolpo loves to roll characters, and to take them to the reaches of the Sword Coast and beyond! As a GM (Game Manager) she has led countless excursions, both module-based and “home grown” campaigns, and revels in the experience of gaming with a great group! She cannot wait to help you get started leading your own campaigns!

Rhythm Guitar I $275 - Date: Wednesdays 10:30am to 12:30pm - June 7, 14, 28, & July 5 - Aug. 2, UNM-LA Campus, room B17

Feel the Rhythm!

Beginners welcome!

Come join us for an 8-week Intensive Guitar Course!

Students should bring their guitar, notebook, pen, and a willingness to play some music!

Objectives:

• Learn the open chords, bar chords, and some great chord progressions.
• Learn strumming basics.
• We will learn how to play a few popular songs along the way.
• Students will pick their own song to learn as a final project.
• Discover a range of styles of music (esp. Country and Western, Rock, Blues, Jazz, and even some Rockabilly!)
• Participants will be able to join any group by the end of the class.

About our Instructor

This class will be led by Peninah Wolpo, who has been a rhythm guitarist for various bands over the last three decades; she has performed in countless venues, and in a range of styles. She was the front man for The Roxie Hearts in Albuquerque, and the Buzzard band (for the old 96.3 station), the X-Khans, and most recently was spotted playing guitar and singing in acoustic shows up and down the central coast. Her repertoire includes Country-Western, Blues, Rock, and anything to which she can sing. She loves to share the joy of music, and to encourage fresh players to keep playing! Come jam with her this summer!

Animal Portrait Art – Mini-Intensive $240 - Date: Saturdays 10am to 3:30pm (with a lunch break) - June 10, 17, UNM-LA Campus, room 517

Join us for an unforgettable artistic journey and discover the joy of self expression through this immersive art class!

Unlock your creative potential and take your artistic abilities to new heights! Dive into the world of watercolors, gouache, and pen, and we will guide you to enhance your animal drawing skills.

$25 Art Supply Fee payable to Aralia Rose on first meeting.

Course Highlights:

• Develop fundamental drawing techniques.
• Add depth and dimension to your artwork.
• Master the creation of captivating backgrounds and foregrounds to bring your artwork to life.
• Learn techniques to layer watercolors to develop mesmerizing visual effects.
• Explore the use of color to evoke emotions and breathe life into your compositions.
• Course covers animal proportions, composition, color theory, and graphic techniques for a well-rounded learning experience.

About our Instructor

Aralia Rose studied and received her BFA at New York State College of Ceramics at Alfred University in 1995. There, she received departmental honors in Mixed Media. She is experienced with many media, including Ceramics, Drawing, Painting, Printmaking, and Performance, Dance, and Installation Art. Aralia also received a teaching credential at San Francisco State University in 2004.

Exam Preparation

The Center for Legal Studies

UNM-Los Alamos Community Education continues to provide expanded offerings from the nationally recognized and acclaimed Center for Legal Studies. Courses are offered fully online and generally run for seven weeks each. Start times are spaced throughout the calendar year and most classes are offered six times per year.

View course listings and descriptions.

Register for Legal Studies

For more information, including registration, visit www.legalstudies.com or contact the Center for Legal Studies at 1.800.522.7737. For additional assistance, please contact UNM-Los Alamos Community Education at 505.662.5919.

Customized Training

The Customized Training Program at UNM–Los Alamos works with area businesses, organizations, and agencies 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, non-profits, or government agencies, on-site or on campus. Specialized training is a cost-effective way to target and increase organizational effectiveness and to enhance job skills and performance. For more information please contact 505.662.5919.

Register for Customized Training 

Registration Information

Register in person

You may register in person using a paper registration form. To do so, download, print, and complete the registration form, or pick one up at the Community Education office.

Submit completed forms to:

UNM-Los Alamos Community Education
4000 University Drive
Los Alamos, NM 87544
Office: Building 7, Lower Level
Office hours: 7:30 – 4:00, M-F

If you register in person, please make your payment with cash or check.

Register by mail

You may register by mail using a paper registration form.  To do so, download, print, and complete the registration form, or pick one up at the Community Education office. Mail completed forms, together with payment (check only), to our office:

Make checks payable to UNM-LA Community Education.

UNM-Los Alamos Community Education
4000 University Drive
Los Alamos, NM 87544
Office: Building 7, Lower Level
Office hours: 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., M-F

CANCELLATIONS, REFUNDS AND WITHDRAWALS You will receive a full refund if a class is canceled by UNM-LA. You will be notified by email or phone.
If you withdraw in writing up to five working days before a class begins, you will receive a full refund less a $15 processing fee. No refunds will be issued after this deadline.
Withdrawal request should be delivered in writing to the UNM-LA Community Education Office at UNM-Los Alamos Community Education, 4000 University Drive, Los Alamos, NM 87544.

Contact Information