Looking for something to do in your spare time -- how about brushing up on your computer skills or learning to play the guitar? The Milwaukee area offers plenty of alternatives to our undeniable desire to loaf. Just because you have spent your four-plus years in college and somehow earned your degree does not mean your educational experiences are now limited to the History Channel. OnMilwaukee.com has done the research for you, so get out your backpacks and sharpen your pencils for our guide to continuing education.

No matter what your interest, there is a class for you. Milwaukee-area universities and technical colleges offer flexible scheduling and a variety of activities for you, friends, family or fellow colleagues to choose from. Whether it is after work during the week or on the weekend, courses are offered to fit your busy schedule.

The UWM School of Continuing Education, one of the 12 schools and colleges that comprise UWM, offers a University Outreach program with courses intended to help build your knowledge and skills for work, recreation or creative expression. Courses are offered throughout the metropolitan Milwaukee area; including in the Plankinton Building (above The Shops of Grand Avenue), the Jewish Community Center and Milwaukee County Historical Society.

Terry Gillick, Senior University Relations Specialist, said 30,000 students enroll in UWM's 1,500 classes annually.

"Students take courses for a number of reasons: to enhance their careers, upgrade knowledge and make themselves more marketable to current and prospective employers," Gillick said.

A wide variety of courses is offered through University Outreach. Whether it is for your own personal enrichment or you are looking to advance through the ranks at your job, they literally have hundreds of choices: travel, antique collecting, childcare, and architecture, are just a few. Of special interest is the extensive list of Milwaukee-related courses.

Classes with a local twist include: Behind The Scenes at Milwaukee's Field of Dreams -- Tour Miller Park, Ethnic Milwaukee With Frank Zeidler and John Gurda, Milwaukee's Ethnic Bakeries: A Delightful Culinary Tour, and Barns of Wisconsin and Rural Heritage.

UWM also offers conferences, seminars, lectures and even a college for kids, which allows kindergartners through seventh graders a chance to experience everything from archaeology to theater.

To learn more about University Outreach, check out www.uwm.edu or call (414) 227-3185.

Milwaukee Area Technical College
It's never too late to attend classes at MATC (the median age of their 63,000 annual students is 31). The Continuing Education and Workforce Development programs offer courses at four campuses throughout the Milwaukee area: Milwaukee, West Allis, Oak Creek and Mequon.

A variety of choices and reasonable tuition could make MATC the choice for you. Personal enrichment courses include Basic Motorcycle Rider Safety and Brewery Science.

For your business needs they offer customized training, technical assistance, seminars and workshops.

To learn more check out www.matc.edu or call (414) 297-7673.