Immigration law, family law and identity theft are some of the hot topics that Texas Southmost College is covering during its free law and financial lessons hosted by the TSC Workforce Training and Continuing Education Academy of Lifelong Learning.
These virtual lessons are free and open to the public with the goal of educating the community on pertinent law facts and financial literacy.
“Free courses like this provide an avenue of learning for our community,” said Academy of Lifelong Learning Coordinator Sharon McQuaid. “What we teach is what’s relevant in our region right now. It helps open the doors to important conversations.”
This year’s law and financial course series covered five virtual lessons in immigration law, family law, will and estates, banking 101 and identity theft.
Each lesson is hosted by an experienced professional in the field.
All law sessions are presented by former U.S. Magistrate Judge for the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas Felix Recio Jr. and all financial sessions are hosted by IBC Bank Officer Karen Peña.
“This is a great opportunity for our community to ask questions and learn lessons that can be useful in their lives right now or in the future,” said McQuaid. “Everything is designed to help improve the lives of those living in our region.”
Peña agrees that financial literacy and the importance of banking are important topics.
“Believe it or not, there is still a stigma around banking in our area,” she said. “Many think that it’s safer to put money under a mattress instead of in a bank, and that’s not the case. Banking, in fact, is safe and effective. I’m excited to share this perspective.”
Peña added that she is also looking forward to advising people on how to protect themselves from identity theft and safeguard their social security numbers, credit/debit cards and identifications such as a driver’s license.
“I’m so happy to see TSC taking a proactive approach in educating our community in these topics,” said Peña. “This is free advice and the chance to get the answers to pressing questions and stay informed. This is going to help so many people.”
McQuaid said the Academy of Lifelong Learning will be hosting additional free and low-cost classes in the near future.
“Our overarching goal with this academy is to provide outreach and the resources people need to rediscover learning and discover new interests,” she said. “TSC is meeting the challenge to show that college is for everyone and learning is fun.”
For a complete schedule or to register, visit TSC’s Academy of Lifelong Learning.
For more information, call Sharon McQuaid at 956-265-7351.