Clayton State University is dedicated to serving the educational and cultural needs of Atlanta’s Southern Crescent. As an institution of the University System of Georgia, the University shares with its sister institutions the philosophy that such service extends beyond purely academic offerings to the special educational and cultural needs of the community itself, especially through continuing education for adults. It is the mission of Continuing Education and Community Outreach to provide for adults high-quality learning experiences which are affordable and accessible. Through the educational resources of the University, Continuing Education and Community Outreach works with community organizations and area businesses to foster economic development and improve the quality of life. Clayton State University contributes most significantly to economic growth by educating the area’s work force. The University has demonstrated this commitment by training Georgia workers from more than 1,000 companies, both large and small, during the past four years.

Continuing Education and Community Outreach is housed in the three-story, 48,000-square-foot Harry S. Downs Center for Continuing Education on the picturesque southwest bank of the University's 12-acre lake. This facility supports The Continuing Education Program with a number of features that benefit area businesses and industries. These include state-of-the-art computer labs, seminar rooms, a large multi-purpose room, and a specially designed conference room where area businesses can hold board meetings. This facility also contains a three-story atrium for dining and receptions and a full-service kitchen.

The staff in Continuing Education are always eager to discuss with individuals or community groups some of the special educational and cultural needs which may be met through the resources of Clayton State University, through the resources of another institution, through the University System or Georgia, or through institutional cooperation. More than 18,000 persons participated in continuing education courses offered through Continuing Education and Community Outreach annually.

Continuing Education courses have several purposes. Career-oriented courses are designed to help individuals improve skills and move toward new occupational opportunities. Personal growth courses provide individuals the opportunity for greater self-awareness and progress toward their full potential. Courses in the area of sports and recreation provide physical activity and the development of a sound physical condition while leisure and enrichment courses are designed to improve the quality of life through art, music, hobbies, and special interests.

Directed towards personal and professional enrichment, the courses offered are designed primarily for adults. However, Continuing Education offers special opportunities for young people in music, sports, language, and mathematics as well as an extensive summer program.

Programs are offered both on the Morrow campus and at off-campus instructional centers in Clayton, Henry, Fulton, Fayette, Spalding, and Rockdale counties. During the past year, the department has worked closely with school systems in Henry, Fayette, Clayton, Rockdale, Spalding, and Fulton counties to design and offer dozens of programs at locations convenient to residents.

The Office of Continuing Education mails its semester schedule of programs to more than 380,000 homes in the south metropolitan Atlanta area. The schedule describes classes and lists program times and fees.

Registration for each semester starts approximately two weeks before classes begin and can be accomplished by telephone, by mail, or in person. Enrollment in most Continuing Education programs does not require a high school diploma or entrance tests. Students completing Continuing Education courses are awarded Continuing Education Units (CEUs) as a measure of participation in a non-college credit experience. One CEU is awarded for each 10 hours of in-class instruction.

To receive a schedule of course offerings or to register for a course, call (770) 961-3550.

The Harry S. Downs Center for Continuing Education staff works with groups of individuals within the community to generate continuing education workshops and seminars to meet other special educational needs. For example, continuing professional education workshops have been conducted for nurses, teachers, managers, public officials, and social workers. The Center also provides professional, personal, meeting and conference services to meet the educational goals of local companies and has the ability to downlink satellite transmissions using a C-Band and KU Band satellite dish.

To obtain more information on seminar, conference or meeting services, call (770) 961-3558.

The Business Resource Center (BRC) specializes in the development and delivery of customized training programs for business and industry. These training programs include but are not limited to management, customer service, technical skills, language, and computer software. For convenience, classes can be delivered on-site at the company location.

Technical skills classes are offered in both electrical and mechanical areas. These classes are performance-based and utilize instruction, interactive computer software, and hands-on training.

In addition, the BRC helps individual workers maintain competitiveness through its series of management and technical training programs, including Supervision, Leadership Skills, Fiber Optics, General Maintenance, and Programmable Logic Controllers.

The Business Resource Center utilizes instructors who have a wide variety of business and industry experience.

For more information on contact training or services offered by the Business Resource Center, call (770) 961-3438

The Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at Clayton State University offers a number of services to members of the business community. Operating within Continuing Education and Community Outreach, in cooperation with the University of Georgia, the SBDC provides small business owners, managers, and chambers of commerce with information and advice at no charge.

Periodically throughout the year, the Center offers a series of management seminars for small businesses.

The SBDC staff of professional consultants works with individuals on a one-on-one basis, whether their business is very small, brand new, or well-established. Assistance and information is available in the following:

-startup and development of business plans;

-record keeping, inventory control, computer applications;

-cash flow analysis, capital requirements, loan applications;

-pricing approaches, sales techniques, distribution methods;

-and many other areas of business concern.

All counseling services provided by the SBDC are free. A small fee is required for programs and seminars offered through the management series.

To schedule an appointment or to obtain more information, applicants should call the Small Business Development Center at 770-961-3440.

Continuing Education and Community Outreach is responsible for sanctioning the use of University facilities by groups external to the University. Activities and events of other educational agencies, state and local governments, and non-profit organizations which are in conformity with the purpose of the University are usually approved and co-sponsored by the University. To inquire about using campus facilities, call 770-961-3559.

The Clayton State University Job Training Program is federally funded through the Job Training Partnership Act (JTPA), which is administered by the Metropolitan Atlanta Private Industry Council (MAPIC). The program provides free occupational specific training to individuals who qualify. To qualify, a person must have been laid off from a job or, based on Federal income guidelines, must be designated as economically disadvantaged and have specific barriers to employment. This program is intended to help people get off unemployment or welfare and into a job with benefits and a future. JTPA provides the training and job search assistance in exchange for the participants commitment to look for, accept, and keep appropriate employment.

For information call the JTPA Career Resources Center at 770-473-2121.