1. LaGuardia Community College

Brooklyn is home to some of the best free adult training programs in New York. From world-class colleges to innovative fitness studios, tech bootcamps to culinary training centers – Brooklyn has it all. In this blog post, we highlight the top 20 free training programs covering a diverse range of topics to provide valuable new skills, knowledge and opportunities.

LaGuardia CC is one of the top community colleges in the country providing affordable, high-quality education for over 50 years. Located in Long Island City, Queens, LaGuardia offers over 50 associate degrees and certificate programs in fields from business and health care to design and technology. LaGuardia is especially focused on supporting adult learners, low-income students, and minority students. They offer open houses, info sessions and academic advisement to help adults transition back into school. Some of their stand out programs:

• High School Equivalency: Free classes to prepare for TASC high school equivalency exam. Flexible course options to fit working adults.
• English as a Second Language: Tuition-free program to gain English proficiency through reading, writing, speaking and listening.
• Business + Entrepreneurship: Courses and certifications in topics like digital marketing, data analysis, project management and starting a small business. Learn skills to gain a competitive edge in the job market.

Founded in 1963 and located in Brooklyn, Kingsborough Community College (KBCC) provides open access to affordable higher education. KBCC offers over 50 associate degree programs and several certificate programs in high-demand fields: maritime technology, culinary arts, business, STEM, health sciences and more. They also have great transfer options to pursue a bachelor‘s degree. KBCC serves around 35,000 students per year through flexible day, evening, weekend and online classes. Some top programs include:

• Allied Health Career Pipeline: Offers free training, internships and job placement into healthcare roles like medical assistant, EMT and more.
• Maritime Technology: Learn to become merchant marine deck officers and marine engineers through the only public program of its kind in NYC.
• Highway Construction: Tuition-free workforce development program preps adults for infrastructure jobs with NYC Department of Transportation.

With campuses in NYC and Miami, ASA College is accredited Career School of Business offering Associate and Bachelor degrees and certificate programs in many in-demand fields: healthcare, business, technology, legal studies, early childhood education, graphic design and more. Their Career Enhancement tracks and industry certifications incorporated in degree programs equip graduates with specialized skills to help them stand out in competitive job markets. ASA understands the needs of adult learners by offering flexible schedules — weekday, evening, weekend and online classes. Stand out programs include:

• Mobile Application Development: Learn in-demand skills to become a mobile app developer, integrate into existing tech teams.
• Medical Coding + Billing: Prepares students to earn certifications to launch careers in healthcare admin.
• Data Science Associate: Gain fluency in Python, SQL, PowerBI and Tableau. Integrates data science competencies developed by IBM.

Borough of Manhattan Community College (BMCC) in the heart of downtown NYC financial district offers 60+ academic programs including top ranked associate degrees in Accounting, Computer Network Technology, Early Childhood Education. BMCC hosts the Continuing Education and Workforce Development center delivering tuition-free short term training programs aligned with NYC‘s major industries. Trainings offered in Healthcare, Finance, Transportation, Hospitality and more. The Center serves over 6,000 New Yorker‘s each year providing job search assistance and credentials to hone skills or switch fields. Top programs include:

• Hospitality: Bartending and mixology skills, wine tasting, front desk representation, catering and more.
• Technology: Coding bootcamps and workshops, AutoCAD, cyber security, Microsoft office.
• Reskilling for Public School Aides: Transition into sustainable healthcare jobs as medical billing specialists, EKG techs and patient care technicians. Up to $2k stipend.

Merkaz Bnos is an all-female institute providing both high school equivalency courses along with career training in business, technology and health sciences. Their bridge program allows students to complete their HSE and then move right into an intensive sanctioned program like Microsoft Office user specialist to gain competencies for employment. MBCI aims to provide women opportunities for economic self-sufficiency close to home in an ultra-orthodox friendly environment. Key training programs cover Office Administration, Medical Billing and Coding, Database Management, Journalism, Web/Graphic design and more.

Founded by celebrity running coach Kai Williams, Run Coach Kai provides free group training for those preparing for races from 5Ks to marathons. Trainings are held in flagship Brooklyn location as well as pop up locations in parks and neighborhood streets across NYC. Trainings incorporate a holistic approach focused on proper form, recovery, cross-training and building a culture and community amongst runners. Expect high energy coached session catered to all fitness levels blended with nutritional advice and lifestyle habits for performance. Tune into their weekly YouTube channel for tips and inspiration that extends beyond the track.

Shambhala Yoga & Dance Brooklyn offers free introductory workshops for first-timers to experience their offerings in a safe, non-judgemental environment. Try out specialized classes like Pre/Post-natal yoga, restorative yoga focused on healing chronic pain, beginner ballet barre and Afrobeat Cardio Dance guaranteed to get your heart pumping. Shambhala believes yoga and dance should be accessible to everyone and makes it their mission to empower Brooklyn residents with tools of self-care and self-discovery by offering these free workshops.

Martial arts not only teach valuable self-defense skills but also discipline, respect and confidence that extends beyond the gym or dojo. Chop & Chops MMA gym believes everyone should have access to learn mixed martial arts. They offer free intro classes for beginners to try Boxing, Muay Thai Kickboxing, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and get a taste for this intensive training. Try out a class and challenge yourself. Open to all ages and fitness levels.

At Lula Body 360 holistic health center, community and self-care comes first. Along with paid memberships they offer free weekly workshops open to all including Gentle Yoga, Guided Meditations, Neighborhood Jams bringing people together through music and dance as well as wellness seminars covering women‘s health, pregnancy and nutrition. Lula Body aims to heal and strengthen not only their member‘s physical bodies but the community as a whole.

Longtime Brooklyn gym Brooklyn Fitness knows that fitness intimidates many people. That‘s why twice per month they offer free #NoJudgementFitness classes open to anyone. These sessions run the gamut from dance cardio to HIIT circuits to stretch and mindfulness workshops. Try out something new without any pressure. Brooklyn Fitness‘ mission is to promote healthy living starting first with positive thinking. The ability to move your body should not be limited by money or experience level.

Form Fitness Brooklyn takes a lifestyle approach to health and wellness rather than extreme workout regimens. Their free public workshops bring the community together for activities like nature walks highlighting neighborhood green spaces, cookouts sharing nutrition advice or yoga designed for every Body. Form uses movement, nutrition and mindfulness to empower individuals to transform their lives. And it all starts with their free offerings open to all.

Pregnancy can be filled with overwhelming questions and uncertainties. Birth Day Presence offers free monthly Pregnancy Info Circles covering essential topics for expectant families. Discuss birthing options in hospitals or birth centers, choices around medication and epidurals, breathing techniques and positions for labor, the realities of Cesarean sections and more. The open discussions aim to inform and empower pregnant people by connecting them with professionals to clarify best decisions for their bodies and values.

Operating out of the Wize Organic Market in Williamsburg, Session Training invites the community to free monthly events like Self Defense Basics workshops to gain confidence protecting yourself verbally and physically, communication essentials to effectively express yourself personally and professionally as well as personal growth workshops tackling things like fear, self-care, resilience and vision boards. Catered to adults 18-35 but open to all ages. Leave feeling empowered and uplifted.

Champions Martial Arts South Slope school offers newcomers two weeks of intro classes to experience the transformative nature of martial arts for themselves. Try out beginner Taekwondo, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Kickbox classes before committing. Martial Arts has so many physical and mental benefits: strength, flexibility, discipline, confidence. See if you enjoy yourself and get hooked. Champions believes Martial Arts training should be accessible to all.

Tangerine Yoga loves exposing beginners to the mental, physical and spiritual benefits of yoga. Every Sunday morning they offer free one hour long Level 1 community classes appropriate for true first timers through their Beginners Are Beautiful program. Feel the stress melt away in an judgement free environment. All genders, ages, body types and abilities welcome. Mats and props provided. Tangerine Yoga aims to promote inner joy and self-confidence.

For devoted pet owners, proper positive reinforcement dog training is essential but clinics can be costly. PumpkinPups wants to promote happy healthy engaged canines across Brooklyn. They invite pet owners and their dogs, both new and experienced, to get their paws on learning through free monthly workshops. Potty train your pup, teach them manners through impulse control exercises, socialize them to be calm and friendly, train them to walk politely on a leash and more. Bond with your furry best friend while giving them – and you – valuable skills.

Learn the secrets behind mouthwatering gourmet burgers at Burger Club Kitchen. This international burger chain offers free monthly cooking workshops at select locations to master their signature smashed burger grilling techniques plus tips on seasoning and sauce pairing. Leave with your own delicious junior bacon double cheeseburger plus skills to impress friends at your next BBQ. Teens and adults welcome. Check BKC‘s event calendar for upcoming workshops.

Driving opens up so much access and opportunity. Pierre Paul Driving School aims to make that possibility available to all by offering three free 90 Minute lessons for new students. Learn driving basics like use of mirrors, controlling speed, changing lanes, parallel parking and more without any upfront costs. Set yourself up for success by getting comfortable behind the wheel in an educational environment before progressing to licensing. Students as young as 16 welcome.

Fitness memberships can be expensive but training your body should not be limited by financial barriers. Every Sunday morning Unlimited Martial Arts Gym in Williamsburg invites new students to free trial classes in Muay Thai Kickboxing, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Boxing. Experience first-hand the confidence, strength and discipline that comes from martial arts. If you enjoy yourself sign up for unlimited classes at reduced costs. Believe in your unlimited potential.

Happy Kicks diverse pan Asian roots shows up on the mat through the various disciplines they teach that originate from across Asia: Karate and Judo from Japan, Taekwondo from Korea and Wushu from China. Their model trains body, mind and spirit. Anyone looking to try Martial Arts for the first time will feel welcome at Happy Kicks through their free intro lessons. Challenge yourself while learning about Asian heritage through Martial Arts.