Our free courses will help you take charge of your finances.

Community members and clients are invited to attend our no-cost FEC-300 Series CE offerings and choose a course that is right for them.

FEC-301 Financial Behavior and Behavior Change

This course equips participants with the skills to explore financial aspirations, examine financial self-perceptions, recognize economic opportunities and aversions, and achieve financial behavior change. It emphasizes self-assessments, financial identity, financial socialization, goal-setting, maximizing income, and the importance of financial behavior change in supporting financial success. (4 Sessions)

Fall 2024 Semester

SYN #11479

Date: 10/14/24 - 11/25/24 | Monday
Time: 6–8 p.m.
Location: In-person; TBD

FEC-302 Financial Decision Making

This course equips participants with the skills to make informed financial decisions in various situations, including major purchases, business ownership, investments, and consumer money management. It emphasizes the power of money, the impact of financial mistakes and risks, and the importance of understanding scenarios, financial status, and the broader economy in personal money management. (4 Sessions)

Fall 2024 Semester

SYN #10238

Date: 10/14/24 - 11/25/24 | Tuesday
Time: 6–8 p.m.
Location: In-Person; TBD

FEC-303 Credit Improvement Mastery

This course is tailored to empower participants with the knowledge and tools to enhance their credit health. It delves deep into understanding credit reports and scores, offers hands-on experience with credit health diagnostics, and provides actionable strategies to improve credit. Participants will also gain practical experience with debt management tools and learn the benefits of credit-builder loans. (5 sessions)

Fall 2024 Semester

SYN #10239

Date: 8/29/24 -9/26/24 | Tuesday
Location: Virtual. A link will be provided when available.

SYN #10240

Date: 10/1/24 -10/29/24 | Tuesday
Location: Virtual. A link will be provided when available.

SYN #10241

Date: 11/5/24 -12/3/24  | Tuesday
Location: Virtual. A link will be provided when available.

FEC-304 Financial Counseling and Coaching Mastery

This course provides participants with the financial literacy skills needed to demonstrate effective financial awareness and responsibility. It covers money management basics, such as savings, spending, and the importance of financial fundamentals in achieving stability. (5 sessions)

SYN #10242

Date: 9/9/24 – 9/30/24 | Monday
Location: Offered virtually. A link will be provided when available.

FEC-305 Small Business Counseling and Coaching Mastery

This course is designed to equip aspiring and current small business owners and entrepreneurs with the essential skills and knowledge for successful business leadership and innovation. Through a comprehensive curriculum, participants will delve into the entrepreneurial mindset, financial management, digital tool optimization, and the development of leadership qualities that blend empathy, strategic thinking, and ethical awareness. The course emphasizes fostering a culture of innovation within the business environment, utilizing an ‘internal coach’ approach and Socratic questioning to enhance operational strategies and critical analysis. (3 sessions)

SYN #10243

Date: 9/14/24 – 9/28/24 | Saturday
Location: Offered virtually. A link will be provided when available.

SYN #10244

Date: 10/12/24 -10/26/24  | Saturday
Location: Offered virtually. A link will be provided when available.

SYN #10245

Date: 11/2/24 -11/16/24 | Saturday
Location: Offered virtually. A link will be provided when available.

SYN #10246

Date: 11/30/24- 12/14/24 | Saturday
Location: Offered virtually. A link will be provided when available.

FEC-306 Financial Education Competency Modules

This course offers a series of comprehensive modules designed to elevate participants’ financial education competencies. From understanding the nuances of behavioral finance to exploring the therapeutic aspects of financial wellness, these modules provide a holistic to financial literacy, emphasizing both the practical and psychological dimensions of money management. (5 Sessions)

SYN #10247

Date: 9/3/24-9/24/24 | Tuesday
Location: Offered virtually. A link will be provided when available.

FEC-307 Small Group Money Management Experience

This immersive course offers participants a unique small group experience centered around money management. Through a blend of narrative financial therapy, social media engagement, curated readings, and hands-on toolkit exploration, learners will deepen their understanding of personal finance in a collaborative and supportive environment. (5 sessions)

This immersive course offers participants a unique small group experience centered around money management. Through a blend of narrative financial therapy, social media engagement, curated readings, and hands-on toolkit exploration, learners will deepen their understanding of personal finance in a collaborative and supportive environment. (5 sessions)

SYN #10248  

Date: 9/3/24-9/24/24 | Tuesday
Location: Offered virtually. A link will be provided when available.

FEC-308 IRS VITA Tax Training

This course equips participants with the skills and knowledge required to serve as tax preparers under the IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. Learners will undergo comprehensive training, focusing on tax preparation for low to moderate income (LMI) community members. The course covers the intricacies of tax laws, privacy measures, and audit procedures, ensuring participants are well-prepared to assist clients effectively. (3 Sessions)

SYN #10250 

Date: 9/3/24-9/24/24 | Saturday | 11/23/24 – 12/14/24
Location: Offered virtually. A link will be provided when available.

FEC–309 Job and Career Readiness

This course provides participants with the knowledge and skills necessary to counsel clients on all aspects of job and career readiness. Topics covered include: identifying career goals, developing a resume and cover letter, preparing for job interviews, networking effectively, and navigating the job market. (5 sessions) This course will be available in Spring of 2025. 

Contact Information

Heath Carelock
Program Director, Financial Empowerment Center 
301-546-5296 | fec@pgcc.edu