First Class

Specialties

First Class Inc offers a host of one evening seminars that allow students to dip their toes into exciting possibilities for their future. Everything from becoming a mystery shopper to investing with $ 50! We can also provide your business with on-​site training or a keynote speaker for your special event.

Plus, we offer over 400 six-​week online courses and about 100 intensive career certificate programs – including Medical Coding and Freight Broker training.

History

Established in 1984.

In 1984, adult «ed» was very much a grassroots phenomenon. Teachers taught informal classes in their homes. I paid close attention to student evaluations & hired the very best teachers I could find. I shared with teachers the idea that First Class, Inc’s reputation rested solely on their shoulders. Six months after I opened, a NYC program opened their doors. It seemed that their was no end to their money. I have never been so scared about the future of the business. I used every tightwad marketing trick in the book. I was often up until 1am putting flyers on cars! In 1991, the much-​touted competitor filed for bankruptcy. What I want to tell entrepreneurs who are facing national competition is: «You can do it.» Here are my tips for braving the storm: brains beat bucks every time – use creativity to capture customers, get to know the names of your customers, respond to their problems quickly fairly, do all the little extra things that customers love-​it makes a BIG difference.

Meet the Manager

Debra L.

Manager

Debra is the president of First Class, Inc., a 25-​year old non-​profit lifelong learning center in the heart of Dupont Circle. Her creative marketing efforts have put First Class Inc. on the pages of the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, Smithsonian Magazine, Glamour Magazine, and the Washington Post. In 1989, she received a small business development grant from Dun & Bradstreet and in 1990, she received a creative marketing award from LERN. She was featured on «Working Woman» as Marshall’s «Working Woman of the Month» and was recently honored by Channel 7 as a female entrepreneur. She was also a founding member of CALL (Center for the Advancement of Lifelong Learning). The First Class Inc. website was named as one of the top 3 lifelong learning websites in the United States.

First Class Inc. is the only remaining independent learning program in what was once a field of seven schools.

First Class also recommends

La Tomate

312

reviews

Italiano

Debra L. says,

«A bit spendy… but also a nice place to have a more extravagant dinner before or after class.»

Potbelly Sandwich Shop — CLOSED

76

reviews

Bocatas

Debra L. says,

«Great place to grab an inexpensive sandwich before or after class. Speedy service!»

Filter Coffeehouse & Espresso Bar

409

reviews

Café y té

Debra L. says,

«Present your First Class admission receipt and receive a 10% discount on your purchase. Please consumer coffee on premises.»