You define success. We help you get there.
Summer Classes
Arts & Music
Drawing Head and Hands I
"Drawing the Head and Hands" is a course dedicated to helping artists improve their drawing skills by taking a close look at the structure of the head, the key planes of the face, and how to place the facial features.
This course will also take a close look at the hand, its anatomy, and how to make an optically believable representation of it in a drawing.
This course will help any artist (beginner to advanced) improve their observation and drawing skills."
Instructor: Bernard, George III
Location: Alvarado Adult School
Dates: July 9 - August 6; Thursdays
Time: 6:30pm - 8:00pm
Cost: $112
Drawing Head and Hands II
This course is designed for students who have completed Part I or have intermediate or advanced experience.
Course will cover in depth instruction of light and shadow, line quality, and hand structure and anatomy.
Instructor: Bernard, George III
Location: Alvarado Adult School
Dates: July 7 - August 4; Tuesdays
Time: 6:30pm - 8:00pm
Cost: $152
Hawaiian Dance
Hawaiians call their dance "Hula". There are two categories of the Hawaiian dance, Kahiko & Auwana. This class covers only the Auwana that interprets songs through dance. This class starts with stretch warm-up followed by the Hula basics exercise. Choreography will be slowly introduced to students. Questions by students are always welcome. Lyrics and songs will be emailed to students.
Instructor: Hall, Celina
Location: Alvarado Adult School
Dates: July 6 - August 10; Mondays
Time: 7:15pm - 8:15pm
Cost: $47
Frank Lloyd's West Coast Architecture
Explore the architecture and stories behind Frank Lloyd Wright’s buildings in California, Oregon, and Washington, including the Buehler House, Walker House, and Marin County Courthouse. Learn which sites are open to the public from the author of Frank Lloyd Wright on the West Coast.
Instructor: Wilson, Mark
Location: Alvarado Adult School
Dates: July 16 - August 20; Thursdays
Time: 6:30pm - 8:30pm
Cost: $110
Metal Art
Learn the art of metalworking using MIG, TIG, stick, plasma, and oxy-acetylene welding techniques. Create sculptures, furniture, décor, jewelry, and more while exploring metal forming, tools, and safety basics.
Instructor: Bartoni, Steve
Location: El Cerrito High School
Dates: July 10 - August 7; Fridays
Time: 10:00am - 1:00pm
Cost: $487
Poetry Circle: Read, Write, Connect
This workshop invites writers to explore poetry as a practice of honest expression and joy in difficult times. Through guided prompts, shared readings, and dedicated writing time, participants will create poems that hold grief, tenderness, humor, and celebration together. Together we will explore how truth-telling on the page can foster connection, meaning, and aliveness. Writers of all levels are welcome; beginners are especially encouraged.
Instructor:TBD
Location: Alvarado Adult School
Dates: July 8 - August 19; Wednesdays
Time: 6:30am - 8:30pm
Cost: $114
Health and Wellness
Meditation
In this course, students will get to learn and practice meditation with a seasoned practitioner! It is open to both beginners and those with experience meditating. Areas such as embodiment, wisdom readings and journaling will all be part of the course. The group will together create a contemplative environment which will focus on slowing down and practicing deep listening. The class will practice 20 minutes of meditation each session. This course is meant to counter the fast pace at which we all live and it invites participants to slow down and be present in the moment. Meditation can help us reduce stress, enhance self-awareness, lengthen attention span, lower blood pressure, foster healing, and increase empathy and self-compassion.
Instructor: Pangelina, June
Location: Alvarado Adult School
Dates: July 21 - August 25; Tuesdays
Time: 9:00am - 10:00am
Cost: $149
Zumba
Sewing & Fabric Arts
Basic Sewing Abbreviated
Summer Sewing class is a shorter version of the sewing class offered during the academic year. We will make smaller projects and learn valuable techniques.
Machines are provided. This course offers hands-on, in-person instruction. Ms. Lang likes to make the sewing class a fun, collaborative group experience.
All levels are welcome. ESL welcome.
Dates: July 14 - August 18; Wednesdays
Time: 10:00 am - 12:30pm
Cost: $92
Sewing Machine Confidence Builder
Learn to confidently use and maintain your mechanical sewing machine. Practice threading, bobbins, tension adjustments, stitches, and presser feet while sewing with different fabrics. Students may use classroom machines or bring their own non-computerized machine.
Instructor: Bono, Carol
Location: Alvarado Adult School
Dates: July 14 - August 18; Wednesdays
Time: 10:00 am - 12:30pm
Cost: $92
Stitch in Time Sewing Salon
Explores sewing topics like buttonholes, knits, patterns, seam finishes, and more. Students can practice new skills or work on personal projects in a collaborative, supportive sewing community. Best suited for sewists with basic or rusty skills rather than complete beginners.
Instructor: Bono, Carol
Location: Alvarado Adult School
Dates: July 16 - August 6; Thursdays
Time: 2:00 pm - 4:30pm
Cost: $92
Special Interest
Math for Trades
This course is designed to prepare students to pass local union apprenticeship exams. It will cover the specific math concepts found on the test as well as the test-taking strategies to help students succeed. Students build a strong theoretical foundation and strengthen math skill sets in their specific field of trade.
Instructor: Henson, Floyd
Location: Richmond High School
Dates: July 11 - August 8; Saturdays
Time: 9:00am - 2:00pm
Cost: FREE
Job Skills & Safety Training
Basic First Aid
This course teaches essential First Aid skills, including bleeding control, shock, burns, spinal injuries, allergic reactions, poisoning, diabetes, and seizures. Certification is awarded after passing written and skills exams. English comprehension required. EMSA pediatric sticker available for an additional $3.
*Recertification is available for $20 with a current certification card.
Date: July 11; Saturday
Time: 1:30 pm - 4:30pm
Cost: $42
CPR
This basic CPR course covers adult, child, and infant CPR, rescue breathing, choking response, and primary assessment. It also meets requirements for EMSA Pediatric certification. Certification is earned by passing written and skills exams. Class size is limited to 12 students and English comprehension is required.
​
*Recertification is available (must not be expired more than 2 months) for $20 with a valid card.
Dates: July 11; Saturdays
Time: 10:00 am - 12:30pm
Cost: $67
Food Safety Certification for Managers
This class will help prepare you for taking NRFSP’s Certified Professional Food Manager Examination, 5-year certificate. Fee includes the course and exam. Exams will take place during the second class meeting. Students are also expected to review course material independently prior to exam. Corresponding textbook can be purchased at the Alvarado Campus office.
Instructor: Ruiz, Priscilla
Location: Alvarado Adult School
Dates: June 4 - June 11; Thursdays
Time: 4:30pm - 8:30pm
Cost: $76
Entrenamiento para Obtener el Certificado en Preparacion de Alimentos: Seguridad y Higene
Esta clase le preparará para hacer el examen y quedar inscrito en el Registro Nacional para Preparación de Alimentos: Seguridad e Higiene. El certificado es válido por 5 años. El costo incluye 8 horas de clase y el examen. El examen se toma al final del segundo día de entrenamiento. Se requiere un libro de texto que se puede comprar en la oficina de la escuela de Adultos Alvarado.
Instructor: Duque-Turcios, Obdulia
Location: Alvarado Adult School
Dates: June 11 - June 18; Thursdays
Time: 4:00pm - 8:00pm
Cost: $76
Language & Communication
Deaf Interpreter - Summer Sign Language III
This course is designed to aid in maintaining what you have learned and to allow practicing content and improve on vocabulary, word choice, receptive and expressive skills.
Instructor: Marian Berry
Location: Alvarado Adult School
Dates: July 6 - August 3; Mondays
Time: 7:00pm - 8:30pm
Cost: $78
Beginning Italian
Learn basic Italian conversation, vocabulary, grammar, and culture in a fun, supportive online class. Homework is provided for extra practice, and students will have a chance to speak with the instructor’s family in Italy. Class meets online via Google Meet.
Instructor: Vincent, Shirley
Location: Online
Dates: July 8 - August 5; Wednesdays
Time: 4:30 pm - 6:30pm
Cost: $145
Intermediate Italian
This advanced Italian class is designed for students with strong grammar, vocabulary, and speaking skills. Instruction is conducted entirely in Italian and meets online via Google Meet.
Instructor: Vincent, Shirley
Location: Online
Dates: July 8 - August 5; Wednesdays
Time: 6:45 pm - 7:45 pm
Cost: $145
Advanced Italian
This class is best suited for students who have completed any Italian grammar program, including Subjunctive and have, preferably, an advanced level of vocabulary and speaking skills. Class is conducted only in Italian. This class will be held online via Google Meets. Instructor will email meeting information to students prior to the first class.
Instructor: Bono, Carol
Location: Online
Dates: July 8 - August 5; Wednesdays
Time: 8:00 pm - 9:00pm
Cost: $145
Trades, Technical & Career Training
Inside Wireman Training
Learn the basic training to wire circuits, breakers, panels. Learn electrical calculations, wire sizes, and proper tool safety. We cover the National Electrical Code and OSHA guidelines. You will be working with 120/240 volt single phase.
Instructor: Bartoni, Steve
Location: El Cerrito High School, Auto Shop
Dates: July 9 - August 6; Thursdays
Time: 10:00 am - 1:00pm
Cost: $345
Woodcarving
Welcome To the world of wood carving. This Is a unique class for those wanting to learn how to carve wood into creative art. learn the basic carving tools and techniques for the beginner. Lets carve some wood!
Instructor: Bartoni, Steve
Location: El Cerrito High School, Auto Shop
Dates: July 6 - August 3; Mondays
Time: 10:00 am - 1:00pm
Cost: $274
Woodworking
This is a very unique class that teaches old and new world techniques. Learn wood turning, surface planing, wood joinery and much more.We have all the machines and talent to help you create and complete your projects. Come and join our family of wood workers.
Instructor: Bartoni, Steve
Location: El Cerrito High School, Auto Shop
Dates: July 9 - August 6; Thursdays
Time: 10:00 am - 1:00pm
Cost: $274
Culinary
Taiwan Tea Core Studies
This hands-on tea course teaches adults practical skills in tea selection, tasting, brewing, and quality evaluation through guided tastings in every class. Students will explore tea origins and uses for wellness or career growth. Those who complete all core courses and pass the final exam will earn a Certificate of Completion and be eligible to apply for international tea expert certification through the Tea and Beverage Research Station (TBRS).
Instructor: Chen, Aqua
Location: Alvarado Adult School
Dates: July 8 - August 19; Wednesdays
Time: 11:00 am - 2:00pm
Cost: $253
Frank Lloyd Wright's West Coast Architecture
This course will cover the architecture and colorful client stories of the dozens of buildings designed by Frank Lloyd Wright in California, Oregon, and Washington, including: the Buehler House in Orinda, Walker House in Carmel, and the Marin County Courthouse, used in several movies and music videos. Information will be provided on which Wright buildings are open to the public. Instructor is the author of "Frank Lloyd Wright on the West Coast."
Instructor: Bernard, George III
Location: Alvarado Adult School
Dates: July 16 - August 20; Thursdays
Time: 6:30pm - 8:30pm
Cost: $110
.png)