20 Best Free Training Programs for Adults in Allentown, PA

Continuing your education and gaining new skills as an adult can empower you to pursue new career opportunities, enrich your life through knowledge, and help make an impact in your community. Fortunately, the Allentown area offers many free and low-cost training programs tailored just for adults.

Whether you’re hoping to earn a professional certificate, change careers, pick up a new hobby or simply expand your mind, you’ll find an array of programs to meet your needs. Here are 20 of the best free training programs available to adults in Allentown and the surrounding region.

1. Northampton Community College Career Training Programs

Northampton Community College (NCC) offers several free career training programs for adults through specialized grants and scholarships. Programs include training to become a certified medical assistant, phlebotomy technician, chemical dependency counselor assistant and more. Classes are held at the NCC Bethlehem campus and several centers throughout the Lehigh Valley. Most programs have no tuition costs and some provide assistance with textbooks and exams.

More Info:

• Location: Bethlehem, PA and regional centers
• Areas of Study: Healthcare, manufacturing, community health
• Duration: Career program-dependent
• Cost: Free

2. Pennsylvania CareerLink Lehigh Valley Free Workshops

Adults can access a wealth of free workshops, trainings and classes through Pennsylvania CareerLink Lehigh Valley. Workshops cover skills related to employment, such as resume writing, interview skills and job searching. They also offer free courses to help adults earn industry-recognized credentials to gain employment in healthcare, manufacturing, information technology and other in-demand jobs.

More Info:

• Locations: Allentown, Easton, Bethlehem
• Areas of Study: Employment skills, industry credentials
• Duration: Varies by workshop
• Cost: Free

3. Project Home Free Adult Education Classes

Project Home runs a free Adult Education Center in Allentown, providing free classes to help adults learn English as a second language (ESL), prepare for High School Equivalency (HSE) exams and Transition to College programs. One-on-one tutoring is also provided free of charge. The programs aim to help adults gain life and employment skills.

More Info:

• Location: Allentown, PA
• Areas of Study: ESL, HSE test prep, basic adult education
• Duration: Open enrollment
• Cost: Free

4. NAMI Lehigh Valley Free Mental Health Trainings

The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Lehigh Valley chapter offers various free education programs for adults focused on mental health topics such as understanding warning signs, overcoming stigma, building resilience and more. The organization frequently holds free seminars and presentations throughout the community. NAMI also offers a free 12-week course for family members supporting those with mental health conditions.

More Info:

• Locations: Various community venues
• Areas of Study: Mental health education
• Duration: Two hours to multi-week trainings
• Cost: Free

5. PA CareerLink Lehigh Valley Ticket to Work Program

Adults receiving social security disability benefits can take advantage of PA CareerLink’s Ticket to Work program to access free career services, training programs and job placement assistance. Adults can attend orientation workshops and meet with career counselors at no cost to explore education options or get help transitioning back into the workforce.

More Info:

• Locations: Allentown, Easton, Bethlehem PA CareerLink centers
• Areas of Study: Career counseling, job skills
• Duration: Varies based on individual needs
• Cost: Free for qualifying adults

6. Da Vinci Science Center Adult Learning Programs

The Da Vinci Science Center offers plenty of free science education and enrichment programs specifically geared towards adults. Offerings include topics like astronomy nights, special guest lecturer events, educator open houses and adults-only evenings at the science museum. These free events aim to engage adult learners and satisfy curiosity about scientific topics.

More Info:

• Location: Allentown, PA
• Areas of Study: Science education
• Duration: Evenings & special events
• Cost: Free

7. Lehigh County Senior Center Free Classes

The Lehigh County Senior Center provides free workshops, classes and activities tailored for older adults regularly at its Allentown location. Seniors can participate in computer skills classes, arts and crafts courses, continuing education lectures, fitness programs and more. Classes aim to help older adults stay mentally and physically active while learning something new.

More Info:

• Location: Allentown, PA
• Areas of Study: Computers, fitness, arts
• Duration: Varies by class/course
• Cost: Free

8. Penn State Extension Food Safety Certificate Courses

Adults can access free food safety training courses through Penn State Extension to gain certifications helpful for employment in the food service industry. In-person classes held periodically provide ServSafe and HACCP food safety training and vouchers to take certification exams. Virtual courses are also available. Participants must register in advance.

More Info:

• Locations: In-person classes in Bethlehem or virtual
• Areas of Study: Food safety training
• Duration: 6-8 hour training sessions
• Cost: Free, vouchers provided for certifications exams

9. Downtown Allentown Speakers Series

The Downtown Allentown Speakers Series brings free lectures, presentations and discussion panels to various venues in Allentown’s City Center district. Topics often cover business innovation, redevelopment, entrepreneurship and revitalization. The events aim to engage community members in conversations about relevant social and economic issues impacting downtown revitalization efforts.

More Info:

• Location: Venues in downtown Allentown, PA
• Areas of Study: Business, economic redevelopment, social issues
• Duration: 1-2 hour evening events
• Cost: Free

10. Lehigh Valley Music School Adult Group Classes

The Lehigh Valley Music School offers free adult group classes to individuals over 55 interested in revisiting a past instrument or learning something new. The school aims to keep music accessible and affordable for adults passionate about playing and ensemble work. Classes include concert band, jazz band, recorder ensemble and more.

More Info:

• Location: Bethlehem, PA
• Areas of Study: Music performance
• Duration: 1-2 hours weekly
  Cost: Free for adults 55+

11. PBS39 Community Wellness Classes

PBS39 Community Wellness Programs include free classes for adults focused on health topics like chronic disease management, fall prevention for seniors, fitness and nutrition. Workshops available periodically throughout the year aim to provide adults with practical tools related to self-care, preventative care and managing health conditions.

More Info:

• Locations: Bethlehem, PA area
• Areas of Study: Health, wellness and prevention
• Duration: 2 hour workshops
• Cost: Free

12. Free GED Classes at The Literacy Center

The Literacy Center of the Lehigh Valley offers free GED preparation courses, tutoring and adult education programs. Classes provide adults with individualized instruction and support to build language, literacy and math skills to eventually pass the GED exam. Students also gain access to the Career Pathways program for employment guidance.

More Info:

• Location: Bethlehem, PA
• Areas of Study: Adult basic education and GED prep
• Duration: Ongoing personalized instruction
• Cost: Free

13. AARP Driver Safety Course

Adults can take an AARP Driver Safety Course for free at locations throughout the Lehigh Valley. The 6-hour class focuses on safe driving strategies for older adults but is open to licensed drivers over age 50. Completing the course qualifies PA residents over 55 for an insurance discount. Registration is required.

More Info:

• Locations: Various community and senior centers
• Areas of Study: Defensive driving for mature operators
• Duration: 6 hours classroom instruction
• Cost: Free

14. Allentown School District Adult Evening Classes

The Allentown School District Community Education Center offers free non-credit evening courses for adults to upgrade skills or explore new hobbies at no cost. Class topics include digital photography, Microsoft Excel, conversational Spanish, painting, healthy cooking and more. Classes take place at Allen High School typically one night per week for 6-8 weeks.

More Info:

• Location: Allentown, PA
• Areas of Study: Arts, languages & general interest
• Duration: Weekly 2-3 hour evening sessions
• Cost: Free

15. Women‘s Advocacy Groups Workforce Readiness

Local women’s empowerment organizations like POSH and the Women‘s Leadership Initiative offer free job readiness programs, mentorships and career guidance for women in need of extra support entering or rejoining the workforce. Groups assist women with skills like resume writing, interview tactics, personal branding and gaining tech proficiency.

More Info:

• Locations: Lehigh Valley area
• Areas of Study: Workforce readiness for women
• Duration: Varies by program
• Cost: Free

16. Habitat for Humanity Home Repair Programs

Lehigh Valley Habitat for Humanity runs home repair education programs providing free workshops for lower-income homeowners to gain DIY skills and make critical home repairs themselves. Weekend instructional clinics focus on maintenance topics like drywall patching, painting, weather stripping, plumbing troubleshooting, cleaning gutters and other common needs.

More Info:

• Location: Bethlehem & Allentown, PA workshops
• Areas of Study: Home maintenance & repair
• Duration: Occasional weekend hands-on clinics
• Cost: Free

17. Highmark WalkWorks Lehigh Valley

The [WalkWorks Lehigh Valley]https://www.highmarkwalkworks.org/) program by Highmark Blue Shield provides free educational events, walking programs and meetup groups for adults focused on healthy lifestyles. The program aims to foster friendships and offer social support for adults looking to improve fitness levels, manage weight or learn about wellness topics. WalkWorks serves ages 18 and up.

More Info:

• Locations: Various throughout Lehigh Valley
• Areas of Study: Fitness, nutrition, wellness
• Duration: Varies by program offering
• Cost: Free

18. Discover Lehigh Valley Ecotour Guide Training

Discover Lehigh Valley frequently offers free sustainable tourism workshops and tour guide training programs open to adults interested in volunteering as ecotour guides. Trainees learn about conservation, recreation opportunities and cultural/historical attractions across Northampton and Lehigh counties in order to lead visiting tourists on future excursions.

More Info:

• Locations: Bethlehem, Allentown, Easton PA
• Areas of Study: Sustainable tourism & recreation
• Duration: Three 4-hour workshops per cohort class
• Cost: Free

19. Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Learn to Camp Programs

The DCNR Learn to Camp programs offers free workshops for adults focused on building skills for camping and outdoor recreation. Workshops provide hands-on clinics covering topics like setting up tents, building fires, outdoor cooking, leave no trace principles and more held periodically at state parks close to the Lehigh Valley region.

More Info:

• Locations: Nearby state parks
• Areas of Study: Outdoor recreation & camping
• Duration: Occasional day-long workshops
• Cost: Free

20. PA Fish & Boat Commission Angler Education Courses

Adults can learn to fish through free PA Fish & Boat Commission angler education courses held periodically across the Lehigh Valley. Volunteer instructors cover fishing basics, conservation, regulations, gear, tactics and other topics during day-long clinics. Some classes occur right on the water to offer hands-on learning. PA fishing license fees are waived for graduates under 16.

More Info:

• Locations: State parks, sportsmen clubs
• Areas of Study: Recreational fishing & conservation
• Duration: Approximately 6 hour training
  Cost: Free

Whether you‘re hoping to explore a new career path, enrich your mind, gain DIY skills or simply meet people who share your interests, there are plenty of free programs available right in your own backyard to help adults continue learning. These Allentown-area training programs prove that you‘re never too old to pick up new knowledge or abilities!