Boston's Best Places For Computer Classes

Changes in the economy offer diverse opportunities for growth, especially in a constantly technologically developing society. Taking a short computer course or even considering a career change may work wonders for your future. Dive into the digital world in Boston's best computer classes to kick this year off right.

American Career Institute
186 Alewife Brook Pkwy
Cambridge, MA 02138
(617) 441-7575
www.aci.edu

Price: $1,608

American Career Institute's Digital Media training series has digital media covered. Programs include: Digital Multimedia Design, Graphic Design, Digital Gaming Design, Graphics and Web Design, and Special Effects Design. ACI is accredited by the Council of Continued Education and Training, and partners with Microsoft Learning, CompTIA and Oracle to give the best up-to-date digital media classes in the area. If you've discovered a knack for computers, try the 3D graphics course offered at this facility. Financial aid opportunities and Pell Grants are available. Speak to an adviser for your best options. Pre-admission counseling is free.

Digital Media Academy
Harvard University
Cambridge, MA 02138
(866) 656-3342
www.digitalmediaacademy.org/

Price: from $1,065

Digital Media Academy offers one-week courses and full-time college credited career placements. Courses include all ages. No matter the field or length of time you are willing to invest in your education, DMA has something for everyone. Harvard University houses the academy and offers a teen summer camp in the day, evening or overnight in film making, visual effects, web design and digital photography. Registration for camps begins in January. Fees apply to admissions. Career counseling at this campus, tax credits and refer-a-friend discounts apply here.

Boston Public Library
700 Boylston St.
Boston, MA 02116
(617) 536-5400
www.bpl.org

Price: free

Boston Public Library and its satellite branches, in collaboration with Boston Housing Authority and its centers for youth and family, are offering a city-wide training initiative. At the beginning of each month, computer classes are offered as a four-week course. Use of the library's computer lab is available with limited seating. Use of personal laptops or smartphones is welcome, and beginners may drop in most classes. Living for Life is BPL's online tool for learning at your own pace. Both are hands-on with guidance available either virtually or on-hand within the South End or Roxbury library branches.

Related: Boston's Best Language Classes

MicroCenter In-Store Clinics

www.microcenter.com

Price: free

MicroCenter is the one-stop shop for all things computer. Find the most up-to-date electronics available at MicroCenter. Its in-store clinic is held most weekends. If you're looking to build or fix your own computer, this is the place to start. MicroCenter looks to its patrons to find a need, and then offers classes to fulfill those needs. Sign up for automatic emails to view the coming clinics for each month. MicroCenter offers everything from how to use phone applications to Microsoft Word and Linux lessons.

Charles River Public Internet Center
154 Moody St.
Waltham, MA 02453
(781) 891-8559
www.crpic.org

Price: free

The CRPIC is a private, non-profit organizaiton that provides computer and Internet access to the public with one-on-one tutoring and small ongoing classes. Its mission is to empower adults in the Bay Area and Merrimack Valley with skills necessary to improve their quality of life. Enjoy easy access to education, job training and individual support through CRPIC's vision for success. CRPIC works alongside the United Way and Economy One to maintain resources and websites for public knowledge. Its mentors are well equipped, up to date and ready to make learning quick, easy and painless.

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