CAREER DEVELOPMENT

HOW TO GET A U.S. POST OFFICE JOB
Each year the U.S. Postal Service hires hundreds of new workers in the L.A. area - this seminar will teach you how to apply for and prepare for these well-paid positions! The class will review basic requirements of the U.S.P.S.: basic knowledge of English; basic skills quiz and actual job skills. Focus will be upon entry-level positions requiring no prior experience (clerk/carrier and distribution machine clerk), which start at $18.00 per hour plus full benefits. No citizenship or high school diploma required, only residency. Material fee of $10 payable in class.

THE BUSINESS OF BARTENDING
This bartending class will prepare you to work as a bartender in all types of establishments. Bartending requires so much more than knowing how to put ice in a glass and adding the proper ingredients. This class will prepare you to be a great salesperson, a customer service expert and an honest/valuable employee with skills that will help you succeed in the real world of bartending and throughout life. The lessons taught are extremely beneficial to managers, waitresses and novice bartenders. Kellie Nicholson's experience also includes many years of management, which she uses to share what managers look for in a good bartender. Kellie Nicholson's clientele includes Will from the Black Eyed Peas, David Schwimmer, Jessica Simpson and Ashton Kucher. Kellie's students are often hired as managers when applying for a bartending job. Material fee of $30 payable in class. Those who score 90% or above on the tests will be awarded a Master's Certificate of Excellence!!!

GRANT PROPOSALS: HOW TO FIND
THEM AND HOW TO WRITE THEM
There is a great demand for good grant proposal writers in the public and nonprofit sectors, from Head Start programs and childcare centers, elementary, middle and high schools, colleges and universities, to faith-based organizations, community centers, and much, much more. This course will review the basic steps toward seeking and writing promising grant proposals. Learn to identify community needs and budgeting costs to meet those needs, learn to ask for just the right amount of funding to fill that budget. We will look at the various types of grant proposals used today, from E-Forms to packet forms. Prepare for some hands-on practice. Internet experience recommended. Material fee of $10 payable in class.

BE YOUR OWN PRIVATE INVESTIGATOR
Thinking about hiring a private investigator but prefer to do it yourself? Well, as long as you're investigating yourself, under California law, you don't need a license. Jim will show you how and where private investigators obtain their information. Find out where public records are held and how to access them. Learn how to use databases and do asset searches, background investigations and skip tracing. Material fee of $25 payable in class. Jim Harringer is a licensed private investigator for an insurance company.

HOW TO BECOME A NOTARY PUBLIC
This Notary Public class is designed to assist students with information needed to help them pass the state examination. Effective July 1, 2005 this class must be approved by the Secretary of State. The course is six hours long consisting of two ten minute breaks & a thirty minute lunchtime (students should bring a sack lunch). The seminar includes the following: (1) Requirements to become a Notary; (2) Duties of the Notary Public; (3) Expectations regarding past & present convictions; (4) How to prevent Lawsuits; (5) How to keep and maintain a Notorial Journal; (6) Acts constituting the practice of Law; (7) Bond requirements; (8) When to use certificates; (9) Illegal advertising; (10) Ways a Notary can have his or her license revoked or suspended; (11) Guidelines for Notaries with expertise in immigration & consulting services; (12) Guidelines regarding disabled veterans. Test dates and locations of the examination conducted by the State of California. Prerequisites: No Felonies; be at least 18 years of age; be a legal resident of the State of California; be able to read, write and understand English; pass a background check. Material fee of $8 payable in class. Students are expected to be on time - no later than 8:30 a.m.

RE-CERTIFICATION:
This class is required every four years; attendance of public refresher class is required six months prior to expiration of commission. Material fee of $15 payble in class.

LEGAL SECRETARY
CERTIFICATE WORKSHOP
This is an introductory course to explore the duties and responsibilities of a civil litigation secretary. There will be an overview of the American legal system, including the federal and California state court systems. Students will learn about the structure and management of a law firm, an introduction to technology, legal forms, the California Rules of Court and ethical obligations of legal professionals. Students will explore the anatomy of a lawsuit from the initial client interview to the day of the trial. Upon successful completion of the course, students will receive a "Certificate of Completion." Material fee of $25 payable in class. Students are encouraged to bring a sack lunch since there will only be a 30 minute lunch break. Pre-requisite: Students must type at least 30 wpm and know how to search for information thru the internet. Class is held at 3020 Wilshire Blvd.

L.A. COUNTY FOOD SERVICE / FOOD
HANDLERS CERTIFICATION PROGRAM
The California Health and Safety Code and L.A. County Code/Ordinance 97-0071, requires mandatory Food Handler certification for managers/operators and/or other responsible parties of all restaurants, markets, mobile food preparation units, commissaries and food processing establishments. One certified food handler is required to be present during all hours of operation. This ordinance went into effect January 1999. Now is the time to get certified to protect your business and profession as a food service provider. It's not too late! L.A. County mandated exam, study sheets and textbook classes are offered for a total of 8 hours each and approved by the American Culinary Federation and L.A. County Health Department. Each class is limited to 18 students. Exam will be given during the class*. Material fee of $85 payable in class (covers book & scantron; for *re-certification the material fee is $45). Class is held at 3020 Wilshire Blvd.

CREATIVE WRITING

OH NO! GRAMMAR AGAIN!
An intensive review of grammar as used in creative writing. Avoid writer's block - overcome the feeling of powerlessness because you do not recall the grammar "rules of the game". Discover the simple rules of grammar and composition - free yourself to write clear and concise letters, reports, e-mail and documents. Discover why computerized grammar checks usually miss the most common grammatical errors. Material fee of $8 payable in class.

SPEAK AND THEY WILL LISTEN
How are your English oral communication skills? Is English your 2^nd language? Do you feel shy or intimidated expressing your ideas in front of native English speakers? This class is designed to replace shyness/intimidation with lots of confidence and assertion. You will feel more comfortable expressing yourself at work or in social settings. Perfect your American English pronunciation and learn essential expressions and phrases to guide you through various types of conversations. This class will present a series of techniques, exercises and role play scenarios to empower you to be a more polished speaker. Enrollment limited to 8 students.  Material fee of $6 payable in class.

I MEAN "BUSINESS" WHEN I WRITE
Do you feel you have writer's block? Is English not your first language? Do you procrastinate and feel uncomfortable expressing your ideas effectively when preparing proposals, emails, business letters or any other professional documents? If so, this class is for you! You will transform your writing apprehension into writing contentment as you prepare necessary written documents with more ease. The writing process will be presented emphasizing the brainstorming, writing and editing steps so you can express your ideas more clearly and succinctly in letters, memos, proposals, etc. to "take care of business" or "seal the deal." Material fee of $8 payable in class.

PITCHING YOUR FILM / T.V. PROJECT
Got a chance to talk about your script? Tried to pitch-can't get it across the plate? There's only one way to do it. If you want to develop a bulletproof presentation (as well as elephant ride) learn the right way to pitch, get people interested and make a deal instead of a mess. You only get one chance to make a first impression - don't blow it! Find out how to approach, and what to expect in (and from) a pitch meeting, whether scheduled or impromptu.

WRITE FOR MAGAZINES
Too busy to write a novel? Too afraid to tackle a film or TV script? Start your writing career with shorter projects such as magazine articles. Hundreds of publications need your words - find out how to earn an income sitting at the kitchen table or on the couch. Jack Adams has published articles in print and on-line for the past twenty years. As a writer, producer/developer of film and television projects, he's listed in Marqui's Who's Who in Entertainment.

SCREENWRITING WARRIORS
There are many ways to write a script. Some of them are convoluted, some are impossible to apply and most too much time to write; then rewrite; learn to write a script quickly and well, at a professional level of craft ready to be marketed as quickly as possible; then come learn how not to make a "pain of yourself." This is the quickest, most direct method of creating, writing and selling a script you'll find anywhere, and you don't have to buy software or a book to do it. It's just a common sense, practical approach.

READ ALL DAY & GET PAID FOR IT!
If you like to read and have a flair for writing, you can supplement your income as a freelance reader. Film studios and producers need to have hundreds of scripts and books read each day - and freelance readers are paid to do it. Find out where the jobs are and who to contact. You'll work with actual reader's reports which show how to write evaluative reports that deliver the necessary information. Learn how to build a professional portfolio that will land you the most lucrative assignments. Material fee of $3 payable in class.

FINANCE/REAL ESTATE

HOW TO BUY A HOUSE OR CONDO
This class presents detailed “how to” information plus all of the forms and instructions necessary to buy a new or existing house or condo. This class is designed specifically to help you: find a house or condo that suits your needs; have the real estate professionals work for you, not against you; get the best house in your price range; make an offer and negotiate with the seller and get eligibility for government mortgage financing. Material fee of $8 payable in class.

HOW TO INVEST IN REAL ESTATE
WITH LITTLE OR NO MONEY DOWN
Learn the road to your financial dreams, an ultimate business opportunity with no experience needed, and little initial capital required. This program is designed to assist you in obtaining the financial success you deserve. The U.S. is one of the few nations that enable and even encourage the private ownership of real estate. Although traditional methods of finance and acquisition might delay the dream of home ownership and investment for some, with the knowledge and skills that we will share in this class, even the most strapped can acquire wealth through real estate. Material fee of $8 payable in class.

GOVERNMENT GRANTS & LOANS
TO PURCHASE YOUR HOUSE
The purpose of this class is to introduce you to some of the major sources of government money that will help you purchase your own house. In this class you will learn: What kind of government programs are available for real estate; how to apply for government loans and grants; the government agencies that handle most grants and low interest rate loan programs and, most importantly, where to apply for government grants and loans. Material fee of $8 payable in class.

BUY, DON’T RENT!
This class is designed to encourage renters to buy their own home or condominium if they are tired of paying high rents, with no deductions to offset their taxes. Prerequisite: Gainfully employed for at least two years; have decent credit. This class will cover: How to purchase property with little or no money down; How to use other folks’ money, Owner will Carry; Discuss First Time Home Buyers Program & Silent Seconds; Renting with Option to Buy should have an attorney look over this contract before finalizing. Alternative methods will be discussed. Material fee of $6 payable in class.

FIXER-UPPERS BECOME HOT !!!
While the resale real estate market staggers under financial set-backs, live-in and investor buyers of fixer-upper properties find an increasing market for their properties—and the process are right! Find out what makes fixer-uppers particularly attractive, what others are doing now, and how you too can get involved successfully. Where are the fixer-uppers? What repairs give the best return? Should you get your estate license? These questions (and many more) will be answered. Definitely worth your time! Material fee of $3 payable in class.

WHO WINS IN A SHORT SALE OR REAL ESTATE AUCTION? YOU DO!!!
Short sales and real estate auctions can make a substantial improvement in your future. Short sales can result in very unhappy lenders but very pleased buyers while real estate auctions offer great opportunities if you understand how to be the winner. This information can help you grow financially while others wait for the best time to get involved. Those who wait may be too late! Material fee of $3 payable in class.

FORECLOSURE BUYERS MAKING DEALS IN DOWN MARKET
While others hesitate, buyers are swarming delinquent and defaulted owners, trustees’ sales, and REO lenders. Now is the time to get aboard and learn what is imported to know about discount buying before others get the message. Here you will get to know which documents, contracts, and laws affect equity in your chosen property and how to uncover the risks and rewards before buying. Get involved now! Your financial future is at stake! Material fee of $3 payable in class.

HOME IMPROVEMENT

ELECTRICAL REPAIRS MADE EASY
Save time and money by maintaining or repairing your electrical circuits. Among the topics to be covered: rewiring lamps, installing new outlets and switches and repairing common electrical appliances. There will be plenty of opportunities to ask questions or request special information on electrical problems. Enrollment is open to both men & women. Material fee of $5 payable in class.

TILE WORK
Ceramic tile installation can create a beautiful and functional improvement in any home. This seminar will provide complete step-by-step instruction on how to measure for tile, purchase tile, cut tile, prepare surfaces to be tiled, install grout and learn speed clean up. Bring your tile project questions with measurements to class. Wear comfortable clothes and shoes that you don’t mind getting dirty. Material fee of $10 payable in class.

HOME IMPROVEMENT WORKSHOP
This workshop is designed for those interested in do-it-yourself home improvement and remodeling projects. Students in this class will acquire basic knowledge in home improvement skills sufficient to fix that pesky running toilet or broken front porch light. A new topic is discussed weekly: electrical wiring, plumbing and drywall repair. Material fee of $15 payable in class. This class is open to both male & female students.

MEDICAL

MEDICAL TERMINOLOGY I
Become familiar with the vocabulary used in the health sciences by studying combining forms, prefixes, suffixes, Greek and Latin verbs and adjectives used to construct medical terms. Also study the skeletal system. This workshop is designed for those interested in health-science related occupations. Age group: 14 years and over. Material fee of $5 payable in class.    Class limited to 18 students.

MEDICAL TERMINOLOGY II
Continue to enlarge your vocabulary with the terms used in the health sciences through the study of the major systems, along with the diseases and disorders associated with those systems. Systems to be covered include: muscular endocrinology, gastrointestinal, circulatory and respiratory. This workshop is designed for those interested in the health-science occupations. May enroll together with Medical Terminology I. Age group: 14 years and over. Material fee of $5 payable in class. 

MEDICAL TERMINOLOGY III
Complete your vocabulary with the terms used in the health sciences through the study of the remaining major systems along with the diseases and disorders of these systems. Systems to be covered include: genito-urinary, nervous system, integumentary systems, eye, ear, nose, mouth (the senses). Workshop is designed for those interested in health science related occupations. Students may enroll in Medical Terminology II. Material fee of $5 payable in class.  

ICD-9/CPT-4 CODING FOR
MEDICAL INSURANCE
Learn to use the ICD-9 and CPT-4 coding systems required by insurance companies including HMOs, commercial indemnity insurance, Medicare, Medi-Cal, etc. This course will teach you the basic knowledge of assigning diagnostic codes to patients' conditions and procedural codes to physicians' services. Material fee of $15 payable in class. PLEASE BRING YOUR ICD-9 AND CPT-4 CODING BOOKS IF YOU HAVE THEM, IF NOT, THEY WILL BE AVAILABLE FROM INSTRUCTOR FOR ABOUT $140.00. Pre-requisite: Medical Terminology I, II, and III. 

MEDICAL INSURANCE BILLING
This course will provide a thorough know-how of billing all third-party payers for physicians’ charges. The claim requirements for Medicare, Medi-Cal, Champus, Workmen’s Comp, HMOs, etc. will be discussed in detail and claim forms will be completed for each. Pre-requisite: Working knowledge of Medical Terminology I, II, III, and ICD-9/CPT-4 coding. PLEASE BRING YOUR ICD-9/CPT-4 CODING BOOKS! Material fee of $20 payable in class.

HOW TO START A HOME-BASED
MEDICAL BILLING SERVICE
Small home-based medical businesses earn $75,000 to $150,000 per year! Physicians must file claims electronically if they expect to be paid by Medicare. Most medical practices receive more than 80% of their income from insurance companies; the rest is derived from patient billing. So billing/consulting services are big business. You'll learn: Marketing Strategies; how to get paid for your services; patient information sheet/charge tickets; how to obtain hardware and software; Introduction to insurance verification; how to obtain a license and write a business plan. Material fee of $5 payable in class.

COMPUTERIZED MEDICAL
INSURANCE BILLING
Learn the basics on how to input patient information and insurance data generate insurance claim forms statements, collection letters, edit lists and other required forms in a business office to facilitate productive operations. You will actually set up a typical practice, inputting raw data from course documents. This hands-on workshop is highly recommended for working in medical facilities. Prerequisites: Basic computer, knowledge of ICD-9/CPT & HCPCS Coding and basic principles of Medical Insurance Billing.

CARDIO-PULMONARY RESUSCITATION FOR PROFESSIONAL RESCUER (CPR)
This course will teach you how to perform C.P.R. for adult or infant victims. The American Red Cross C.P.R./FPR certificate will be awarded to participants upon successful completion. CPR/AED book required: Stock #652162 available at American Red Cross, 501 Shatto Place, Suite 100 in Los Angeles. Limited to 8 participants. Please bring a self-addressed stamped envelope to class, and an $8 check payable to the instructor in class.