The Seattle area is home to professionals in a multitude of disciplines offering their expertise to those who are looking for opportunities to learn. We have world-class glass blowers and graphic artists, classically trained dancers and chefs schooled at Le Cordon Bleu. The Puget Sound region is so diverse that you can surf behind a tugboat in the morning and attend a digital marketing bootcamp in the evening; the possibilities are endless.

At Sound Publishing, we are committed to supporting growing businesses that are making a difference in our community through avenues like education. Our new partnership with Connect2Classes is a natural fit because the online class marketplace empowers learners to enrich their skills for personal and career growth. We are happy to announce that our websites now include a link to Connect2Classes so that students of all ages can find and register in classes on one easy-to- use platform. You can find the link in the dropdown menu on the top left side of your favorite local newspaper site. We will be publishing stories about new and exciting classes, workshops and bootcamps in our papers in the upcoming months.

“Connect2Classes is a community-minded start-up, focused on education,” says Gloria Fletcher, President of Sound Publishing. “With the strength of our community media outlets we can widen the reach to connect learners with a broad network of trusted class providers.”

Digital marketing, UX design, woodworking, wine tasting and barista training are among the most popular on Connect2Classes. Whether you are looking to upgrade your career skills, follow a passion to learn something new or have an evening out with a partner or friend, there is a class to suit your objectives.

“I love taking classes. When I look through the class listings I get completely sidetracked and picture myself in French cooking classes, or dream about learning to sail,” adds Dallas Jasper, CEO of Connect2Classes. “I hope visitors to the site find what they need, and get sidetracked into something they will love!”

Begin exploring over 10,000 courses offered at: www.connect2classes.com.

William Shaw is the publisher of the Eastside Reporter newspaper group.