AUBURN – Last fall, Jennifer Turner desperately wanted something interesting to do.

She’d graduated years before from the University of Maine at Farmington with a degree in rehabilitation. But disabled and confined to a wheelchair, the 34-year-old wasn’t able to put her degree to work. She often spent her days gardening and sewing.

Then, a few months ago, Turner found a way to keep her mind sharp. She signed up for an early childhood education course at the community college in Auburn.

“Everyone around me (in the class) was involved in day care or was a teacher. I’m like, I’m taking this class because my brain’s bored,'” she said.

Unlike her classmates, Turner didn’t have to apply to the school. She didn’t have to pick a major or plan a degree. Central Maine Community College had opened the class – and nearly 300 others – to the public.

The little-known college program allows anyone to sign up for classes not filled by fully enrolled students. Some people take a class to try college work before they enroll. Some want to earn a few credits to enhance their careers. Others, like Turner, just want to learn something new.

“It’s been an amazing, rewarding experience,” said Turner, who liked meeting new people and delving into a subject that had long intrigued her.

As a technical college, Central Maine always opened some classes to the public. It opened dozens more after 2003, when it became a community college and added a greater number of humanities and liberal arts classes to its catalog.

Starting in January, another 11 courses will be offered to the public, including criminal justice, sign language and music and art appreciation.

“I’m not sure people would have thought to look at this place for art appreciation,” said Annee Tara, the community college spokeswoman.

Participants must enroll by the first class. Community members usually pay between $93 and $372 for each 15-week class, plus the cost of books. Most classes meet once or twice a week for up to three hours.

Like other college students, community members must do homework and take tests to pass the class. If they pass, they earn credits that can transfer to another college or count toward a future community college degree.

Last fall, more than 2,000 community members took an open class at one of the seven community college campuses. About 250 took a class at Central Maine.

Turner liked her fall course so much that she’s already signed up for the spring semester, which starts Jan. 18. This class, on infants and toddlers, will give her the chance to study with the same professor and learn more about early childhood development.

And even though that class won’t start for two weeks, she’s already thinking about exploring more.

“Astronomy sounds interesting,” she said.