Venice Skills Center

Great teachers and dedicated staff keep this amazing resource going despite political opposition and big-​money vultures who want to close down low-​cost adult education. Get started or restarted with classes in ESL, computer tech, graphic design, Adobe software, Cisco networking, and more.

I have had the privilege of attending the Venice Skills Center for many years. In the 1960’s we had Auto Shop there while working on our hot rods. That class was later relocated to the Venice High School Adult Ed. As a continuing student from 1998 to the present, I have been able to follow the progress of the VSC from it’s pre-1950’s bungalows to it’s current modernized redevelopment. After returning from an art school and university with a BFA and MA in fine art (1985), I needed to continue upgrading contemporary skills to include the current technologies which had changed from my previously attended schools. After many years, I had been steered to the VSC again upon discovering their educational opportunities. At the VSC, I have been studying Computer Operations, Graphic Design with Adobe Photoshop and illustrator applications, Website Design (temporarily discontinued), Cisco Systems, and Brain Development throughout the years. They employ the most contemporary computers and teaching techniques available. This LAUSD Adult Education school and many others like it have been in consideration of being closed due to the recent budget cuts. It would be a loss of a cultural necessity to see this vitally needed educational facility suspended from it’s operation. The student body, instructors, and staff there are highly focused on performing an educational environment that is superior, professional and dedicated to learning, stimulating careers and intellectual proficiency. I am very proud to attend classes there and look forward to continuing my education as it is one of my favorite schools. The neighborhood environment has changed from previously being a high crime ridden location to an upscale progressive, creative and constructive area, making this school ideal for this community’s progress in a productive fashion, but it needs the support of additional and new students to enroll to thrive. Economically it is, «The Best Bang For The Buck.»
Much obliged to the Venice Shills Center!
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WHAT A SURPRISING EXPERIENCE. After getting laid off in the entertainment industry, i thought it would be a good idea to learn web and graphic design which then lead me to this school. I was expecting a bunch of misfits, bad ass kids, and punks but actually its the opposite. A lot of older people go here to either further their skills because of getting laid off or to help their business. EVERYONE here is super nice. Both of my teachers are amazing and nice, surprisingly!!! I am learning soooooo much at this place. Its pretty unbelievable. If you are having trouble finding a job, GO HERE. Use this place. ITS ONLY 65 bucks to enroll and everything else is freeeeeeeeeeee except for the medical and dentist asst courses. Seriously this place is great. One complaint though– the women who run the main office/​front desk recption area are so bitter and unhelpful, and RUDE RUDE RUDE. other than that… this place rules. cheap ass education with great results…

Wow! The Venice Skills Center is such a cool place… well not really. More like it depends why you are there in the first place.
As a recent HS graduate from out of the States, no high school would accept me to learn English and well college was too darn expensive, so I decided to enroll at the Venice Skills Center because it was recommended by neighbors and it’s 2 blocks away from my place.
As you can imagine the people who attend this place are all HS drop outs, pregnant teenagers, (ex) gang members, you get the picture.
I honestly had no idea what I was getting myself into, but had an enjoyable experience at the Center. I was able to improve my English and work on my accent.
Rarely did a day go by when I was not asked if I was pregnant or had already had the child (?!)
Made a few friends, as if I had a choice of ignoring the highly troubled kids. I didn’t want to burn any bridges at this place.
The professors were very passionate about teaching and I can proudly say I got a GED (even though I had already received a HS diploma…)
The building has greatly improved since I was there, no more old bungalows.
Good place for people trying to learn a new skill, such as computer technician.