BANGOR – For those who wish to be lifelong learners and who want to acquire new skills, get a long-deferred high school diploma, prepare for college or begin a new career, Bangor Adult Education offers classes that may prove to be the jumping off point into a whole new realm of knowledge.

Bangor Adult Education offers high school diploma and college preparatory courses; general evening courses; and United Technologies Center continuing education courses.

High school and college preparatory courses include math, literature, science, history, writing and Latin – knowledge areas that provide a sound educational foundation.

For these classes, Bangor residents pay $30 for each class; others pay $40. Most classes run for 14 weeks. Exceptions are science courses that include time in the laboratory, and the geometry course, which meets twice weekly instead of once.

The general evening courses schedule looks like a salad bar of good things to learn with 40 subjects to choose from. Classes include instruction in aerobics, boating safety, calligraphy, clowning, computer skills, driving, floral design, genealogy, German, Spanish, painting, needlework, photography, quilting and rug braiding.

Cost of general evening classes ranges from free to $50 and may run for one week to 10 weeks.

Bangor Adult Education also offers a directed studies program which “allows an adult to earn high school credit by studying a subject on an individualized basis, at a time that is convenient for that adult.” Those interested in that option should call 941-6315 and make an appointment.

Newcomers to America have the opportunity to learn English as a second language through Bangor Adult Education.

Those seeking a GED high school equivalency diploma may take classes at the Bangor Adult Education Learning Center. GED tests are now free of charge.

United Technologies Center continuing education program offers courses in trade and technology, business skills, computer technology, medical and healthcare skills, wilderness and outdoor recreation, horticulture, career skills and personal development and personal enrichment. Classes range from automotive to building to guiding to computer repair to CPR. Personal enrichment courses include gingerbread house decorating, holiday table decorations, photography, video montage and wreath making.

Cost of UTC courses range from free to $465.

Information about how to register for classes is available at www.bangoradulted.org or www.utc4me.org/adulted.

Adult education classes also are offered at Eastern Maine Community College, 974-4684; Husson College, 941-7134; Hampden Adult Education, 862-6422; Old Town Adult Education, 827-3906; and Orono Adult Education, 866-4119.