Virtual Library and Study Resources
Bahari School of Ministry provides open access study materials to support faith formation, ministry practice, leadership development, African and African descended studies, community wellness, and general education. The following collections contain free books, articles, digital archives, and study tools for all programs.
Ministry Studies
STEP Bible (Tyndale House)
https://www.stepbible.orgFree study platform with interlinear texts, word tools, cross references, and original language support.
Blue Letter Bible
https://www.blueletterbible.orgCommentaries, dictionaries, concordances, and study aids.
Bible Gateway (free tier)
https://www.biblegateway.comMultiple translations and audio Bible options.
Christian Classics Ethereal Library (CCEL)
https://ccel.orgHistoric Christian writings, sermons, and devotional works.
General Studies
OER Commons Leadership and Community Resources
https://www.oercommons.orgOpen textbooks and learning materials on leadership, communication, education, nonprofit practice, and ethics.
Open Textbook Library
https://open.umn.edu/opentextbooksPeer reviewed textbooks on communication, philosophy, ethics, and writing.
MERLOT
https://www.merlot.orgSearchable teaching resources for leadership training, community engagement, counseling basics, and education.
African and African Descended Studies
Schomburg Center Digital Collections
https://digitalcollections.nypl.org/divisions/schomburg-centerMaterials on African and African descended culture, faith traditions, community leadership, and history.
Digital Public Library of America (DPLA)
https://dp.laDocuments and images on African American history, global culture, and community life.
Library of Congress Digital Collections
https://www.loc.gov/collectionsManuscripts, photos, maps, and oral histories related to African descended communities and the Atlantic world.
HathiTrust (public domain)
https://www.hathitrust.orgHistoric works related to faith practice, global missions, African history, and cultural studies.
Counseling, Community Care, and Health
PubMed Central
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.govFree articles on mental health, community health, pastoral care relevance, and wellness.
NCBI Bookshelf
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/booksFree books on counseling approaches, community health strategies, and care systems.
APA PsycArticles Open Resources
https://psycnet.apa.orgOpen access psychology articles suited for counseling foundations.
General Education Resources
Project Gutenberg
https://gutenberg.orgPublic domain texts for philosophy, history, literature, and writing.
Internet Archive / Open Library
https://archive.orgMillions of digitized books across all academic fields.
Directory of Open Access Books (DOAB)
https://www.doabooks.orgScholarly open access books across humanities, education, and social sciences.
Trusted Learning Platforms
University Courses, Professional Skills, and Career Development at No or Low Cost
Continuous learning is no longer optional. In the 21st Century, the most credible learning opportunities are increasingly open, flexible, and free. The platforms below provide access to university level instruction, professional certification pathways, and practical skill development across business, finance, technology, and foundational education. All resources listed offer substantial free access, whether through audited university courses, open courseware, or fully free training programs. Together, they form a reliable global ecosystem for students, professionals, and lifelong learners seeking to upgrade knowledge without financial barriers.
Free and Low-Cost Learning and Professional Development Platforms
Coursera
https://www.coursera.orgUniversity level courses from institutions such as Stanford, Yale, Google, and leading global universities. Thousands of courses can be audited for free, giving access to lectures and readings in business, finance, leadership, technology, health, and social sciences. Certificates are optional and paid.
edX
https://www.edx.orgFounded by Harvard and MIT, edX offers academically rigorous courses from top universities worldwide. Free audit access includes lectures, readings, and assignments across economics, finance, AI, public policy, and science.
Khan Academy
https://www.khanacademy.orgA fully free nonprofit platform focused on foundational learning. Strong in math, economics, science, computing basics, and test preparation. Ideal for students, adult learners, and skill refreshers.
Alison
https://www.alison.comFree, workforce focused courses in business, banking operations, compliance, IT, project management, and soft skills. Self paced learning with optional low cost certificates.
FutureLearn
https://www.futurelearn.comShort professional and academic courses created by universities and global institutions. Strong offerings in leadership, ethics, healthcare, education, and financial regulation. Free access is usually time limited.
MIT OpenCourseWare
https://ocw.mit.eduFree access to actual MIT course materials including lecture notes, exams, and readings. Covers economics, finance, engineering, and science at a high academic level. No certificates offered.
Google Digital Academy Skillshop
Practical digital and career skills including digital marketing, analytics, cloud basics, productivity tools, and job readiness. Includes free industry recognized certifications.
freeCodeCamp
https://www.freecodecamp.orgCompletely free, project based learning in web development, Python, SQL, data analysis, and machine learning. Includes full certifications without cost.
Codecademy
https://www.codecademy.comInteractive coding lessons for beginners covering programming, web development, and data fundamentals. Free tier focuses on core concepts and hands on practice.
OpenLearn The Open University
https://www.open.edu/openlearnUniversity level short courses from The Open University UK. Covers business, finance, education, health, and social sciences. Well structured and academically sound.
LinkedIn Learning
https://www.linkedin.com/learningProfessional courses in leadership, management, technology, and creative skills. Often free through public libraries, universities, or employer access, plus trial periods.
HubSpot Academy
https://academy.hubspot.comFree courses in marketing, sales, CRM, customer service, and entrepreneurship. Includes widely recognized professional certificates focused on practical application.
Microsoft Learn
https://learn.microsoft.comTraining in cloud computing, AI, data, cybersecurity, and software development. Includes hands on labs and foundational pathways aligned with modern tech careers.
Saylor Academy
https://www.saylor.orgFree college level courses aligned with U.S. higher education standards. Strong in business, finance, economics, accounting, and computer science. Some courses offer low cost credit options.
GCFGlobal
https://edu.gcfglobal.orgDigital literacy and workplace skills including computer basics, office software, internet use, and productivity. Ideal for workforce development and adult learners.
IBM SkillsBuild
https://skillsbuild.orgFree learning pathways in data analytics, AI, cybersecurity, and workplace readiness. Includes digital badges recognized by employers.
OpenCulture
https://www.openculture.comCurated collection of free courses, textbooks, audiobooks, and lectures from leading universities and cultural institutions. Strong in humanities and lifelong learning.
TED Ed
https://ed.ted.comShort, idea driven lessons designed to spark curiosity and conceptual understanding. Best for enrichment, inspiration, and classroom discussion.
W3Schools
https://www.w3schools.comPractical tutorials and references for web technologies including HTML, CSS, JavaScript, SQL, and Python. Excellent for quick learning and ongoing reference.
Academic Earth
https://academicearth.orgAggregates free lectures and courses from Ivy League and top universities. Strong coverage of economics, business, and liberal arts.
Banking, Finance, and Economics Focus
IMF Institute for Capacity Development
https://www.imf.org/en/About/Capacity-DevelopmentFree courses on public finance, macroeconomic policy, financial stability, and economic governance aimed at professionals and policymakers.
World Bank Open Learning Campus
https://olc.worldbank.orgCourses on financial inclusion, risk management, development finance, and economic policy, with a global and applied perspective.
Open Textbook and Open Educational Platforms
OpenStax
https://openstax.orgAn educational initiative by Rice University offering peer-reviewed, openly licensed textbooks that are free to use online or download.
Open Textbook Library
https://open.umn.edu/opentextbooksA curated collection of open textbooks that are free to use, distribute, and adapt with proper attribution.
OER Commons
https://www.oercommons.orgA hub curated by ISKME with open textbooks and full courses organized by discipline and provider.
LibreTexts
https://libretexts.orgOffers a large collection of open textbooks and instructional resources across multiple disciplines.
Harvard Library - Open Textbooks Guide
https://guides.library.harvard.edu/opentextbooksResearch guide that provides access to open textbooks and OER beyond the Harvard Library system.
OpenSourceTextbooks.com
http://www.opensourcetextbooks.comA visionary initiative focused on dismantling global educational barriers through freely accessible and shareable textbooks.
NROC Project
https://www.nrocnetwork.orgDevelops and maintains open educational resources, including textbooks and digital learning content.
MIT Press – Open Access Books
https://mitpress.mit.eduOffers over 350 innovative open access titles, recognized globally for advancing open educational publishing.
Universal Open Textbook Initiative (UOTI)
https://uoti.orgAims to provide foundational educational content worldwide, freely usable and adaptable.
American Institute of Mathematics – Open Textbook Initiative
https://aimath.org/textbooks/Promotes open-source and open-access mathematics textbooks.