Blog

Jul 02, 2023

Great Falls College to cut Lifelong Learning class program

Great Falls College – Montana State University (GFC-MSU) has announced that the

Great Falls College – Montana State University (GFC-MSU) has announced that the bulk of the classes in its popular "Lifelong Learning" program are being cut so that the college can focus more closely on the workforce training programs that it offers.

"The Continuing Education and Training Department has made the tough decision to discontinue most of the Lifelong Learning classes," an email to class instructors from department director Tammie Hickey announced April 21. "As we focus on serving our community through industry partnerships and providing trainings that fill crucial workforce shortages, we will support enrichment classes and education opportunities that are offered in multiple locations throughout our community. Our hope is that you continue to share your talents."

The Lifelong Learning community enrichment program was a popular component of the higher education landscape in Great Falls for many years. It's most recent spring schedule offered 47 class offerings, from financial planning and computer classes to yoga and handbell ringing – plus an entire menu of cooking classes and history lectures.

In a news release issued May 8, officials explained that it is responding to increasing demands from local business and industry to provide course offerings in-line with workforce development.

"During the height of the pandemic, the healthcare industry reached out to us about offering certified nursing assistant training because of the crisis they were facing," Hickey said. "Local industry again reached out to us a couple of years ago with the need for more commercial drivers. Now, we offer CDL trainings each month."

In addition to its healthcare and CDL programs, GFC-MSU also offers training programs in office management, addictions counseling and steam boiler operation – plus coursework for students preparing for the High School Equivalency Test.

"These all are labor-intensive programs that have stretched our small department's resources, so we have made the difficult decision to discontinue many of our community enrichment classes in order to focus more on our industry and workforce mission," Hickey said. "Many of the community enrichment classes are offered elsewhere in the community, and the college will work to connect people with those resources."

College officials said they are currently reviewing options to offer classes in the future that more closely align with it educational mission.

"In fact, we are looking to expand these opportunities to more of our employees and faculty," said Dr. Stephanie Erdmann, CEO and dean of Great Falls College. "We’d like to have more faculty bringing their expertise to the community in some sort of free lecture series. While we don't have all of the details worked out, we are really excited about planning the new program to give back to our community while showcasing the breadth of experience from our faculty."