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Office of Community and Economic Development

Parent University

All persons, regardless of sex, race, color or national origin, who are interested in the mission and focus of the program are welcome.

Español   February 2025 Registration Form

 

Educational Services for Parents

The Office of Community and Economic Development (OCED) at Fresno State, via its initiative, San Joaquin Valley Rural Development Center, engages parents and community members throughout California in Fresno State's Parent University program. Parent University facilitates economic growth through various comprehensive courses and technical assistance workshops taught on campus and/or at several community sites throughout California. Parent University offers courses to build community capacity by training and hiring local instructors and empowering participants to develop new socioeconomic opportunities for themselves and their communities.

Classes

English Conversation

Designed for participants to develop the four basic parts of language: listening, speaking, reading and translating. In order to learn a new language it is essential to practice and develop skills in comprehension and discussions through written and oral tasks. The goal is to acquire the ability to adapt the language to different contexts, demonstrating understanding of the English language.

Spanish Conversation

Designed for participants to develop the four basic parts of language: listening, speaking, reading and translating. In order to learn a new language it is essential to practice and develop skills in comprehension and discussions through written and oral tasks. The goal is to acquire the ability to adapt the language to different contexts, demonstrating understanding of the Spanish language.

Digital Literacy 1

Essential basic computer skills necessary to navigate the web and use of electronic devices. Participants learn the fundamentals of best practices in navigating the internet, parent portal, emailing, electronic care, online safety and more. 

Digital Literacy 2

Intended for parents to be able to distinguish the characteristics and capabilities of the different computing devices to choose the most convenient for their family, according to their needs and financial situation. By taking this training participants will learn to use the most common Google applications used in school settings. Participants will learn to use and develop various activities with programs similar to Word, Excel and PowerPoint.

Digital Literacy 3

Designed to acquire the advanced functions of Google applications (Docs, Slides, Sheets). Knowledge of configuring privacy, security and screen design, as well as the management of different apps to help in the school development of their children. Participants will become computer-savvy by learning how to create forms to administer surveys, use Google Calendar to quickly schedule events and share it with people of interest as well as web design with Canva and Google Sites. 

Digital Literacy 4

Designed for participants to learn the digital skills necessary to be able to manage applications that help optimize tasks and activities through the preparation of documents, databases, spreadsheets, and the creation of animated sequences. The training focuses on website designing.

Professional Development

Participants will learn how to maximize their strengths, skills, and college learning for gainful employment. Students will create a professional brand, in-person and online presence to optimize their career opportunities. The focus revolves around résumés, interviewing, business etiquette, job search, networking, and long-term career management.

Pathway to College

Education is key to lifelong success. The focus is to provide participants with information, guidance, and support to help our population become the best high school students, college applicants, and college students they can be to prepare for lifelong success. Participants will learn tools, to best help their children and/or themselves (any college applicant). 

Financial Literacy

Intended to provide participants with essential money management skills that include: budgeting, smart spending, borrowing, credit and FICO scores, buying power, banking and saving, tax-advantaged college savings programs including the 529 plan. Additionally, the course guides participants on how to set financial goals and understand various
savings and jump start lending programs. 

Parenting Skills

Participants will be able to learn and earn the tools to help their family create boundaries. Topics may vary due to open discussions. Participants will learn social media understanding, to better ensure their children thrive in their use of technology. The focus of the course is for participants to comprehend and acquire safety, yet savvy skills, while using social media platforms to then guide their children in the same way. 

Health and Wellness

Awareness and promotion of a healthy family lifestyle. Participants will learn about topics in relation to mental health, nutrition, physical activity and health prevention which play a part in maintaining a healthy body and mind. Discussion regarding systemic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, obesity, stress, and oral health. 

Small Business Development

Participants will gain skills in defining a new business idea or expanding an existing one. The program emphasizes the initial steps involved in establishing a small business and provides more resources for established businesses. This course covers the fundamentals of starting a business, obtaining permits and licenses required in California, selecting the appropriate legal business entity, developing marketing strategies, creating a business plan, improving your credit score, navigating government contracting, understanding taxes based on different business structures, using QuickBooks for small businesses, and more. Additionally, the course includes access to resources available from partner organizations to further support your business endeavors. 

Social Emotional Learning

Essential tools to help lead healthy, fulfilling lives. The training allows participants to acquire and apply the knowledge, skills, and attitudes to develop healthy identities, manage emotions and achieve personal and collective goals, feel and show empathy for others, establish and maintain supportive relationships, and make responsible and caring decisions. Participants learn that they have a dual role to play in raising self-aware, respectful children who know how to manage decisions and resolve conflicts nonviolently.

Contact Us

Office:

Monday - Friday: 8am - 5pm

Phone Number:
559.278.0719

Text Line:

Monday - Friday: 8am - 8pm

559.550.5218


 

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