Northwest Colorado residents have until Jan. 14 to take advantage of Colorado Northwestern Community College’s diverse offerings.

And, Moffat County residents can do it for free.

CNCC is gearing up to begin its spring semester next month, with classes in childhood education, nursing, cosmetology and paralegal sciences. Non-traditional students can get in shape with piliates, weight training or yoga or can try their hand at pottery, Ukrainian Easter eggs or cake decorating.

Traditional students can earn associates degrees or occupational certificates. They can even complete their core courses — at a huge savings — and transfer those credits to any public college that accepts transfer credits.

Classes begin Jan. 12 at the Craig Campus. Course schedules are available at the college. Students can register online, over the phone or by filling out a form available in the course booklet.

“Now is a good time to register because people are not aware we’re open,” said Mary Shearer, director of Public Information and Community Education at the Craig campus.

CNCC will be closed for the holiday through Jan. 2.

Shearer said the college’s new programs are drawing students. Registration stood at 214 students early this week. Nearly 400 signed up for the spring 2003 semester

“Prerequisite classes for health-related professions are becoming very popular,” she said.

She expects this spring’s registration total to beat last year’s.

“We expect a lot of registrations after the holidays,” she said.

Early childhood education is a new program being offered that, if approved by the state, will result in certificates for those who complete the course.

Shearer is also excited about the basic sign language class that’s available again after being without an instructor for several years.

“It’s very hard to come by someone who is proficient,” she said. “Mona Bergstrom (the instructor) has the skill and the education needed.”

Those and other special classes are expected to bring more students to CNCC.

According to Dean Hollenbeck, vice president of the Craig campus, enrollment has gone up every semester for the past few years and he expects it to continue to climb.

Anyone interested in registering should inquire at the CNCC Belltower building or call 824-7071.

Moffat County resident should check out the college’s tuition scholarship program, which offers free tuition to all Moffat County residents.

Christina M. Currie can be reached at 824-7031, Ext. 210 or by e-mail at ccurrie@craigdailypress.com.