The American Hiking Society offers weeklong volunteer vacations geared to college students beginning in March. The trips are for students who would like to help build and maintain trails in America's national parks and forests. No previous trail work or seasoned hiking experience is required -- just a desire to get outside, volunteer and perhaps earn college credit in the process.

Students who sign up before Feb. 29 will receive a 10 percent discount on the registration fee. College-credit agreements must be made through students' institutions before the trip.

Details: americanhiking.org/ events/vv/index.html.

Cosmetology class

Lake Technical Center is starting a 20-hour-a-week evening full-cosmetology class in addition to the existing day program and the evening nails specialty and facial specialty programs. Classes begin Feb. 4 at the main campus in Eustis.

Financial aid may be available for those who qualify. Eligible veterans may be certified through the Financial Aid Office. Details: 352-589-2250 or laketech.org.

Nursing classes

Lake-Sumter Community College offers nursing programs for students to advance their certifications. Daytime classes will begin at the South Lake campus Feb. 11 and the Leesburg campus March 6. An evening course in South Lake will be Jan. 22 and an evening CNA course will begin in Leesburg on Jan. 28.

The course includes 145 hours of classroom and practical experience. Academic remediation will be provided as needed. Upon completing and passing the course requirements, students will be eligible to take the state examinations.

Students must provide their own uniforms and shoes, a stethoscope and a watch with a second hand. Students must be able to read, write and do math at a minimum of an eighth-grade level.

Scholarships are available. Details: 352-365-3556.

Lowe's offers scholarships

Applications are available for two scholarships funded by the Lowe's Charitable and Educational Foundation. One is available to high-school seniors nationwide and the other is for Lowe's employees, spouses and their dependents.

The deadline to apply is March 15.

Applications are available at Lowes.com/scholarships.

Holidays Around the World

Groveland Elementary School's dual-language kindergarten class recently celebrated Holidays Around the World. Each student decorated flags, created passports, learned about other cultures and made posters, reports and foods from their designated countries.