Jefferson State is looking like a true community college. In addition to providing an affordable education within a short drive from home for many graduates of Chilton County schools, Jeff State is now serving even those that might not be working toward a degree.

Clanton’s Jeff State campus will offer community education courses in areas including photography, Microsoft Excel and personal safety. The courses are non-credited and range from one day to several weeks in length, and the price varies depending on the course.

“We want to stay relevant,” said Stephanie Tinsley, coordinator of community education. “We are not just here for two-year degrees.”

Tinsley said the courses are designed to help people get a job or a promotion or just explore a new hobby.

We think it’s a great idea. There are plenty of people in the area that would like to learn more about some of these subjects but that don’t want to pay a huge amount of money or commit two years of their lives to pursuing a degree.