Free Online Classes for Minorities

Some minorities still face barriers to higher education; however, social justice advocacy groups have worked to help reduce these barriers and provide more opportunities.

Online learning programs, like massive open online courses (MOOC), offer free online classes and courses, which help to reduce cost barriers that have prevented minority learners in the past. MOOCs are a type of online resource that offers courses from learning platforms (e.g., LinkedIn and Coursera) and universities like Harvard, Stanford University, and Yale University.

These training courses are self-paced and include interactive lessons and quizzes combined with recorded lectures and webinars. Learners can use MOOCs for personal and professional development in various industries.

10 Free and Low-Cost Online Courses for Minorities

There are many affordable and free adult courses and certificates available to minority learners. This list is just a small selection to show the various learning opportunities available to diverse learners.

1. NonprofitReady Intro to Unconscious Bias

NonprofitReady is an organization that offers training courses in skills used in nonprofit and for-profit work. This course covers unconscious biases and how they impact interpersonal actions in negative ways. It takes around 30 minutes to complete and is free after making a NonprofitReady account.

2. NonprofitReady Invisible Disabilities Course

Some disabilities are clear to see, but many times they go unnoticed. This course teaches how to recognize disabilities without using exclusive language or actions. Learners can complete this free course in 30 minutes.

3. NonprofitReady Equity and Inclusion Lens

Equity and inclusive words and actions are needed now more than ever. Learners in this course gain the skills to ask relevant questions about social structures (i.e., companies and other organizations) and how they can become more inclusive regardless of factors, such as race, gender, and other factors.

4. Coursera Introduction to Human Physiology

Coursera courses are designed in conjunction with partners, such as universities and certification providers. This course teaches some of the basics of human physiology through coursework made by Duke University. Most learners complete this course in 34 hours over three weeks, but all modules can be completed at your own pace.

5. Coursera Investment Risk Management

This one-hour course from Coursera is designed for intermediate-level learning, but there are no formal prerequisites. This course doesn't provide direct advice on investing, instead, it teaches learners how to calculate the risks of investing with more theoretical practice.

6. Coursera Digital Marketing and E-Commerce

Coursera and Google teamed up to make this course about digital marketing and e-commerce. Digital marketing skills can enhance a person's resume or give them the skills to start their own business.

This course is taught in English, Spanish, Brazilian Portuguese, and Ukrainian, making it a good introductory course for immigrants and others looking to find new careers.

7. HarvardX Using Python for Research

HarvardX is a joint effort of Harvard University and edX. This course teaches Python 3, one version of the commonly used programming language.

This course is self-paced, but most learners take around 12 weeks. Learners must pay $249 to receive certification upon completion, but accredited certification courses can qualify for financial aid programs.

8. HarvardX Introduction to Databases With SQL

This course is focused on the SQL programming language and is part of the larger CS50 program of computer science courses. SQL applications include spreadsheet databases to help review data. This course can be taken for free, even without an EDX account. Students can submit the coursework for review or enroll for a certification.

9. Udacity Intro to Python Programming

Udacity's introduction to Python course teaches beginners how to use this programming language to perform simple tasks. Learners will also review Python libraries like Pandas and NumPy.

These libraries grant programmers access to pre-written code to make large projects more simple. This course has 10 lessons that are divided over four weeks of study. Students can receive certification in Python with an additional fee.

10. Udacity Intro to Machine Learning

Machine learning includes algorithms and datasets to enable artificial intelligence (AI). This course involves interactive assignments to give learners hands-on experience with coding machine learning programs. This course is an intermediate-level course but doesn't have a formal prerequisite course.

Are Free Online Courses Actually Free?

Yes, there are free online courses that are actually free, but the content of these free courses will vary. Some free courses are just quick lessons and webinars that teach a single topic.

Another common option to access free material is course auditing. Students can audit an online program and complete lessons without receiving formal educator feedback or a final grade or certificate.

Paid courses can still be free as accredited certification programs can qualify for some financial aid programs, which can reduce or cover the costs of these programs. For example, Coursera offers financial aid programs students can apply for through their website.

Trustworthy Platforms for Free Online Classes for Minorities

The internet is full of shady businesses and promises of free classes and certificates that incur costs or may not be respected by employers. Fortunately for minority learners, several trustworthy platforms can teach you skills and award certifications that can be used to start a job or even satisfy college credit requirements.

Coursera

Coursera is a learning platform that teams with businesses like Google and top universities, including Duke and Stanford. These programs are designed with help from professors and organizational leaders. Some courses provided by Coursera can be used as credit at the university that helped make the program.

Udacity

Udacity is part of Accenture, a leading professional services company. Udacity includes a range of technology-based courses, such as data science, cloud computing, machine learning, and more. Many courses include follow-up courses learners can take to expand their knowledge.

HarvardX

HarvardX was created as a team-up of Harvard University and edX, an online learning platform. These courses are free to take without enrollment in Harvard's formal online college courses. HarvardX courses aren't the same as enrolling at Harvard University, but the coursework material is designed by Harvard professors and staff.

LinkedIn Learning

LinkedIn is one of the leading social media sites for business professionals. They also offer courses through LinkedIn Learning. These courses are made with input from thought leaders who regularly use the site. Some LinkedIn learning courses set a price, but some are free.