PROCTORVILLE — It’s all a part of reinforcing one of the 21st century skills so often touted nowadays. That’s lifelong learning and Ohio University Proctorville is reinforcing that concept with a wide range of continuing education classes starting in September.

Five of the classes will be held at Chesapeake High School as part of the recent partnership between OU and the Chesapeake school district.

That association was announced last week by Chesapeake superintendent Dr. Scott Howard when the school district unveiled its strategic plan, also geared to these millennium skills.

At Chesapeake classes will be Computer Basics, Introduction to Excel Basics, Art for the Beginner, Introduction to Ballroom Dancing and Zumba.

The Proctorville center classes will offer two Excel courses — basic and advanced, kickboxing, elementary computer, painting and ceramics for beginners, etiquette training, yoga, stained glass art and photography.

“This is something we want to make available to the community,” Howard said. “Ballroom dancing has been very popular and a lot of people have said they want to learn new technology skills. We are going to support that.”

Howard also expects to take surveys from the community to get suggestions for more classes.

It’s input like that that guides Janet Wagner, coordinator for community education at Ohio University, on what the university will offer for its non-credit program.

“A lot of time it is from a community request,” she said. “We offer a variety of everything. There is a variety of interest in the community. If someone says, ‘Hey have you ever thought about doing this?’ I am open to any suggestion.”

Also there will be two organized trips: One to the Amish country/ and Longaberger factory, plus holiday shopping trip to the outlet malls in Columbus. For both trips, there will be a bus chartered.

Days and times for the classes and the trips will be announced in the next two weeks.

Anyone interested in signing up or has a suggestions for a class can contact Wagner at 533-4544 or at wagnerj@Ohio.edu or Stephanie Burcham, director of OU Proctorville Center at 886-7655.