Portage Campus Continuing Education Classes

Are you ready to find new solutions to challenges and opportunities at work and in life? In this hands-on course, you’ll learn to focus on what matters most, feel more satisfied with your daily accomplishments, and live each day with greater purpose and balance. Based on the proven principles from Dr. Stephen R. Covey’s best-selling book The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People®, you’ll discover practical strategies to take initiative, manage key priorities, improve communication, and collaborate more effectively with others. By the end of the course, you’ll be equipped with the tools to achieve meaningful, lasting results—both personally and professionally.

In this course, you will build foundational knowledge and safety skills in multiple welding processes, including welding stainless steel and aluminum. You’ll develop both hands-on and theoretical understanding of Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW), Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW), and Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW). Through guided instruction and applied practice, you will strengthen your manual welding skills by completing a variety of weld joints on carbon steel in the flat and horizontal positions. All welding activities will use the Short Circuit Mode of Metal Transfer. Your work will be evaluated using American Welding Society (AWS) Structural Steel Welding Code visual inspection standards, helping you understand industry expectations and quality requirements.

This American Heart Association course provides essential training for individuals with limited or no medical background. Participants will learn Adult and Child CPR, AED use, Infant CPR, and choking relief techniques for all ages. The course also covers first aid fundamentals for the most common emergencies—teaching participants how to recognize critical situations, call for assistance, and perform effective lifesaving interventions. Ideal for workplace safety, community preparedness, and personal confidence in emergency response.

Learn to build the essential skills and mindset needed to thrive in any emergency situation. Participants will learn practical survival techniques. Beyond the basics, this course emphasizes leadership, decision-making under pressure, and teamwork — the six core “commands” of survival success. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast, or simply someone who wants to be ready for anything, this class will challenge you to think, adapt, and survive.

Students will need to provide: data storage of choice, a 3 ring binder and looseleaf paper, and a laptop is encouraged.

Expand your crochet techniques! In this class you will be using fabric strips to create a crochet trivet or the start of a rug, which can be used under a plant or a hot plate. This is an advanced beginner class. Participants must know how to crochet the following stitches: chain stitch, slip stitch, and single crochet. Please bring a hook size J or bigger...up to an N and one yard of fabric to class.

The instructor will teach the handlers how to train their dog for a lifelong commitment to basic manners and obedience. The dog will be taught to relinquish an object, enter/exit commands, the off command and how to retrieve. The dog will learn basic manners and obedience commands. Information will be given on dog laws grooming, dog proofing your home, just to name a few. The dog handler must be a minimum of 12 yrs. of age. The dog must have the required vaccinations including bordetella (kennel cough) and written proof must be provided at the first class. The dog should be over 12 months old. This class is held outside and individual class sessions may be rescheduled due to weather.

The class will learn the secrets of successful puppy training. The puppies will be taught to relinquish an object, enter/exit commands, the off command and how to retrieve. The puppy will learn basic manners and obedience commands. Information will be given on dog laws grooming, puppy proofing your home, just to name a few. The dog handler must be a minimum of 12 yrs. of age. The puppy must have the required vaccinations including bordetella (kennel cough) and written proof must be provided at the first class. The puppy should be 3 months – 12 months old. This class is held outside and individual class sessions may be rescheduled due to weather.

Unleash your dog’s potential through MATC agility class!!! The dog and handler will be taught agility through positive motivational training methods. The dog will develop confidence and trust in the handler through proper introduction and socialization to agility obstacles. The bond between handler and dog will be slowly developed through step by step instruction on agility obstacles and tunnels. The agility class will be fun and have lots of playtime. Sportsmanship is a priority. The dog must demonstrate its willingness to work as a team with the handler for praise and reward!!! All dog will be on leash at all times. Safety will be taught for dog and handler on agility obstacles and tunnels correctly. The proper technique for running an agility course will be taught by the instructor.

The purpose of meditation is to make our mind calm and peaceful. Meditation has many powerful benefits - but how exactly do you do it? Not to worry, this class will explore some of the techniques that you can use to make your meditations effective and enjoyable. Through explanations and guided meditations, you will quickly learn the basics. This class does not involve physical exercise, and is perfect for beginners or those looking to refresh their practice.