UCLA Extension has made a significant stride in reaching out to downtown Los Angeles, relocating one of its major classroom buildings to the rapidly developing area.
The temporary classroom facility in Little Tokyo will be moving to Figueroa Courtyard in downtown Los Angeles and will be opened during the summer quarter.
“UCLA Extension has begun as an innovator in offering continuing education courses in a variety of places,” said John Ferrari, spokesman for UCLA Extension. “In the 1920s, we held classes in streetcars so commuters could take classes on the way to work. So it was like old-school distance learning.”
These were called commuters’ schools, and there were actual instructors on the streetcars.
UCLA Extension has had a long history in downtown Los Angeles since 1965, with classroom facilities situated in various locations.
In the past, the majority of the programs in the downtown area have been heavily oriented in business, said Karim Cherif, associate dean for academic affairs at UCLA Extension.
But now, because of the recent growth of residential areas in downtown Los Angeles, UCLA Extension is attempting to appeal to a much broader crowd with classes in a variety of different subject areas, according to Cherif.
“We hope to have more diversity in our offerings,” Cherif said.
Classes will begin to be offered at the new Figueroa Courtyard campus during the summer quarter, at a limited availability. The campus will have a grand opening fall quarter 2008.
There will be a broad spectrum of classes offered, including business-related classes, general education and special interest classes, said associate dean for UCLA Extension David Menninger.
The complete course listings are still being developed but will be available in the fall, Ferrari said.
Classes at UCLA Extension are offered in the evening and on weekends for the convenience of downtown Los Angeles residents.
Work on the design and construction of the new facility has already begun. UCLA Extension has been told the construction is expected to be finished around the end of March.
The project was designed by the property owners at Figueroa Courtyard in consultation with UCLA Extension.
Having several locations in downtown Los Angeles plays a crucial role in providing more people with a higher education.
“UCLA Extension reaffirms UCLA’s commitment to people who work downtown,” Ferrari said. “The downtown facility is one way for Extension to reach out opportunities to people.”