In September, Bergen Community College’s Division of Continuing Education, Corporate and Public Sector Training will offer three free open houses on its certificate programs in Interior Design, Fashion Design and Certified Financial Planning. The open houses present an opportunity for adults looking to change careers, begin a new career or engage a lifetime interest to discover Bergen’s comprehensive programs. Each Open House will feature a panel of designers and instructors, who will discuss career options and the College’s course offerings.

The Interior Design Certificate Program is an entryway into one of the fastest-growing professions, where skilled designers are in demand. This program consists of eight core courses created to train and assist students with career advancement. The Open House is scheduled for Sept. 14 at 6:30 pm. All are welcome.

The Division of Continuing Education is offering the Fashion Design Open House Saturday, Sept. 11 at 10:30 am. Haute couture fashion designer Adua Celentano will explain everything there is to know about pattern making, draping, sketching and accessories. The Fashion Design Open House will feature a Fashion Show of all of the dresses, skirts and accessories made in the previous semesters. Fashion Design will empower students to use their imagination and ingenuity to create their own designs. All are welcome.

Alvin Bogart, CFP, who has taught for Bergen Community College for more than 20 years, will host the Certified Financial Planning Open House on Sept. 11, at 10 am, and discuss all aspects of Bergen’s Certified Financial Planning I-V.

Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) and the Green Open House are set for Sept. 16 at 6 pm. This semester, Bergen is offering many courses geared to helping the community conserve more energy. College faculty will talk to new students in search of employment about Bergen’s new Green Pathways to Employment Certificate Program.

All open houses will take place at Bergen’s main campus, 400 Paramus Road, Paramus. Dates, times and rooms vary by open house. Please refer to the schedule below. To register, please call Ria Bloss at (201) 447-7466.

Open House Schedule:

• Fashion Design – Saturday, Sept. 11, 2009, 10:30 am to noon, Moses Family Meeting and Training Center, (Technology Education Center, room 128)

• Certified Financial Planner – Saturday, Sept. 11, 2009, 10 am to noon, Pitikin Education Center, room Tech 119

• Interior Design – Tuesday, Sept. 14, 2009, 6:30-to-8:00 pm, Moses Family Meeting and Training Center, (Technology Education Center, room 128)

• Leadership in Energy and Environment Design (LEED) Open House Seminar – Thursday, Sept. 16, at 6 pm.

The Division of Continuing Education, Corporate and Public Sector Training offers a wide range of professional development courses, certificate programs, personal enrichment classes and specialized training to business and industry that promote community lifelong learning. Additional information and a list of the fall 2010 course offerings are available on the Bergen Website at www.bergen.edu/continuinged