Turlock residents will have an opportunity to learn critical workplace skills for free after the city council voted unanimously last Tuesday to approve an agreement with the California State University, Fresno Foundation to offer classes.
The classes will be offered virtually through the institution’s Parent University program. Despite the program’s name, classes are open to community members of all ages.
The virtual courses include the following subjects:
- Digital Literacy 1-4
- Financial Literacy
- Parenting Skills
- Pathway to College
- Health and Wellness
- Small Business Development
- Social Emotional Learning
- English Conversion
- Spanish Conversion
“Parent University’s educational classes will offer the Turlock community a valuable opportunity to enhance knowledge and skills,” Economic Development Director Anthony Sims said in a statement. “Continued investment in education will better position Turlock to attract innovative companies and support local businesses in their growth.
“This workforce development initiative will strengthen our community and foster a more dynamic economic environment.”
The partnership is in place through June 30, 2025. The City of Turlock will pay $4,000 for the services for the first year and $7,000 for the second year. Throughout that time, city staff can determine whether to continue with the program. Sims explained that Fresno State’s outreach team can help spread the word to get people enrolled, and that data debriefings can be held to see how many people actually enroll and participate in the courses.
Registration has already opened, with the next set of classes to begin the week of Oct. 21. To register, fill out the form available at cge.FresnoState.edu/oced/Parent-University.html.
Those interested in enrolling in courses have the ability to register for as many as they want throughout the duration of the agreement. Courses will be offered for the months of August through June, and if popular enough, winter and summer classes could be made available.
Each course will meet virtually for two hours, 6:30-8:30 p.m., twice a week for four weeks. Monday/Wednesday and Tuesday/Thursday sessions are available. Upon completing each course, participants will be awarded certificates of completion from Fresno State.
For more information, call (559) 278-0719 or email ParentUniversity@Mail.FresnoState.edu.
