Free Learning Opportunities

Looking to grow your skills, strengthen your resume, and expand your network?

Explore a wide range of free learning opportunities—from online courses and webinars to in-person and virtual events. This guide connects you with high-quality, no-cost educational resources designed to support your personal, academic, and professional development.

Have questions or want to attend an event with fellow Lincoln University students? Contact the Library & Academic Success Center—we're happy to help and may be able to coordinate group participation.

Free Online Learning Platforms (Self-Paced)

• Coursera – Free online courses from top universities like Princeton and Stanford.
• edX  – Online courses from MIT, Harvard, UC Berkeley, and others. Free to audit.
• Canvas Network – Access free online courses in diverse subjects.
• Khan Academy – Free learning for all ages and subjects.
• Open Culture – 1,700+ courses from major universities; 45,000+ hours of content.
• Open Education Consortium – Search engine for Open Educational Resources (OER).
• GCF Learn Free – Courses on tech, software, and life skills (with certificates).
• Udacity – Offers free courses in science and computing. 

• UC Berkeley Events – Public lectures on global topics.
• BerkeleyX (edX) – Free/low-cost UC Berkeley online courses.
• San Francisco State University – Career Services – Access to career fairs and workshops.
• Calbright College – Free online certificates in IT, healthcare, and business for CA residents.

• Commonwealth Club of California  – In-person and online events on leadership, politics, and society. (Lincoln University Library often arranges group visits.)
• Eventbrite Webinars – Searchable events in mental health, tech, business, and more.
• UC Berkeley Events – Public lectures on global topics.

• SF New Tech – Startup demos, mixers, and tech networking events.
• Startup Grind – Free monthly sessions with startup founders and investors.

Tech Skills & Certifications

• General Assembly – Free online classes in coding, UX/UI, marketing, and more.
• Google Career Certificate – Training in IT, UX Design, and Data Analytics.
• Skillshop (by Google) – Certifications in Google Ads, Analytics, YouTube, etc.
• Hack the Hood – Tech boot camps and mentorship for underserved youth.

Career Preparation & Training

• LinkedIn Learning (via public libraries) – Professional development with a library card.
• Year Up United – Tuition-free job training programs.
• Code2040 – Career and leadership programs for Black and Latinx students.
• Alameda County Workforce Development Board (WDB) – Resume help, job fairs, and free training.

Public Library Resources

• LinkedIn Learning – Free via SFPL or other library systems.
• San Francisco Public Library - Events – Free career and tech classes (e.g., resume writing, coding).

Unpaid positions for students looking to gain experience and contribute to public service.

• VolunteerMatch – Search local/remote volunteer roles aligned with your goals.
• HandsOn Bay Area – Connect with volunteer projects at local nonprofits..
• Compass Family Services – Support families in SF facing homelessness.
• Larkin Street Youth Services – Help youth move beyond homelessness.

Important Note for F-1 Students: There is a difference between volunteering and engaging in an unpaid internship. Volunteering refers to donating time with an organization whose primary purpose is charitable or humanitarian in nature, without remuneration or any other type of compensation. F-1 students are allowed to engage in volunteer work as long as it meets this stated criteria. For example, it is permitted for F-1 students to volunteer at a local homeless shelter, charitable food pantry, or American Red Cross. If you are an F-1 student considering engaging in a volunteering opportunity, please make an appointment with the DSO before making plans to begin any activity.