Register now for a variety of free and low cost courses
Indiana University Northwest’s Center for Urban and Regional Excellence (CURE) offers a variety of non-credit courses and educational programs that aim to assist people of all ages gain skills and enrich their lives as we face today’s challenges and prepare for tomorrow’s opportunities.
CURE offers a variety of learning opportunities for all ages through its Community Garden, Senior University, Reading Skills, and Adult Education programs.
CURE is enrolling now for fall sessions. The offerings include:
IUN Community Garden: Fall Prep for a Great Spring Garden
6 to 7 p.m., Thursday, September 9
Zoom Meeting
Registration Deadline: noon, September 8
Free and open to adults of all ages
This live, online session will cover things you can do in the fall that will lead to a great spring garden: lawn care, planting, leaf control, pruning, mulching, preparing a raised-bed for spring, seed saving, weed control, tender bulbs, spring bulbs, overwintering plants, and storing tools and equipment for the winter. It will be a great review and sure to give you some new ideas too! Register online at go.iu.edu/3AVG
IUN Community Garden: There’s a Fungus Among Us!
6 to 7 p.m., Thursday, September 23
Zoom Meeting
Registration Deadline: noon, September 22
Free and open to adults of all ages
Are you an inveterate hunter of the elusive morel? Or, is your knowledge confined to the fuzzy bowl of noodles at the back of the fridge? Or perhaps you'd like to know what you're looking at while out exploring. Whatever your level of expertise, we welcome you to join us in this live, online meeting as we learn all about fungi and mushrooms. Register today to discover the significant role fungi plays in our lives and why we actually cannot live without them! Register online at go.iu.edu/3AVG
Senior University: Smartphones I for Androids
2:30 to 4 p.m., Tuesdays, September 7 through 28
Zoom Meetings
Registration Deadline: Noon, September 6
Free and open to anyone age 55 and better
Is your Android smartphone outsmarting you? It won’t be for long if you register for this four-part, live Zoom series on how to operate your Android smartphone. Join technology wiz, Brittany Taylor, and learn how to download apps, check email, send texts, customize settings, and much more! Register today and show your smartphone who's smarter! Register online at go.iu.edu/3AVG
Senior University: Smartphones I for iPhones
2:30 to 4:00 p.m., Thursdays, September 9 through 30
Zoom Meetings
Registration Deadline: Noon, September 8
Free and open to anyone age 55 and better
Is your iPhone smartphone outsmarting you? It won’t be for long if you register for this four-part, live Zoom series on how to operate your iPhone. Join technology wiz, Brittany Taylor, and learn how to download apps, check email, send texts, customize settings, and much more! Register today and show your smartphone who's smarter! Register online at go.iu.edu/3AVG
Senior University: Introduction to Computers
Noon to 2 p.m., Fridays, September 10 through 24
In-Person Meetings at IU Northwest
Registration Deadline: Noon, September 2
Free and open to anyone age 55 and better
If you are interested in learning the very basics of operating a personal computer (PC), then this is the series for you! Designed for those who have little to no knowledge about computer use, this three-part, in-person series will introduce participants to the fundamentals of computer use. Join us and learn to identify the primary parts of a computer, understand commonly used terms, and access basic programs such as Microsoft Word and the internet. To register, contact CURE at 219-980-6907 or register online at go.iu.edu/3AVG
Senior University: The Trumpet in Jazz
6 to 7:30 p.m., Monday, September 27 and Thursday, September 30
Zoom Meetings with option to join by phone
Registration Deadline: Noon, September 20
This two-part series is a study of the major trumpet players in jazz history from 1900 to 2021. The history of the trumpet in jazz is a glorious one filled with stories of some of the most inventive and influential people in jazz. There are stories from New Orleans to Chicago to New York, and many stops in between. We’ll hear music from King Oliver, Louis Armstrong, Dizzy Gillespie, Lee Morgan, Freddie Hubbard, Woody Shaw, Wynton Marsalis, Nicholas Payton, Terell Stafford, and many others. To register, contact CURE at 219-980-6907 (to join by phone call) or register online at go.iu.edu/3AVG
Reading Skills Programs
Schedule and cost varies
Programs for all grade levels
Offered in partnership with the Institute of Reading Development, programs are specifically designed to give students the skills, motivation, and individual support they need in each grade level. Students attend a dynamic, live online class each week, during which they can see, hear, and speak with each other and their teacher in real time. Every class is full of engaging discussions and class activities. Between classes, students complete independent reading assignments and interactive online lessons that build skills and confidence. Enroll, learn more, or view all Reading Skills Programs at iun.readingprograms.org
Adult Education: Fundamental Courses
24/7 Access; All classes start new every month
Cost varies; Courses for adults and young adults/teens
Online fundamental courses are informative, fun, and convenient. Fundamental courses include instructor-led courses and self-paced tutorials. Instructor-led courses run for six weeks with monthly start dates and feature an instructor-moderated discussion board so that you can interact with your classmates. Self-paced tutorials are designed for completely independent learning, without instructor moderation, and can be started at any time. Complete any course entirely from home, at any time of the day or night. Popular courses include Speed Spanish, Accounting Fundamentals, Introduction to Microsoft Excel, and A to Z Grant Writing. Enroll, learn more, or view all Fundamental courses at ed2go.com/iunadulted
Adult Education: Career Training Programs
24/7 Access; Start at any time
Cost varies; Courses for adults
The online, open-enrollment Career Training Programs are designed to provide the skills necessary to acquire professional-level positions for many in-demand occupations. Our programs are designed by a team of professionals from each respective field, providing you with effective web-based learning programs. Instructors/mentors are actively involved in your online learning experience, responding to any questions or concerns, encouraging and motivating you to succeed. Enroll, learn more, or view all Career Training Programs at careertraining.ed2go.com/iun
Adult Education: Comprehensive Career Tracks
24/7 Access; Start dates vary
Cost varies; Courses for adults
These online Career Track programs offer students a chance to hone their skills in a variety of professions—from the arts to healthcare to web development. All programs are available in the self-paced format and have opportunities for national certification, externship placement, and/or career support. For select healthcare programs, there is also the option for the instructor-led format, in which content is facilitated by live instructors with scheduled webinars and interactive activities. Enroll, learn more, or view all Comprehensive Career Tracks at iun.edu2.com
About the Center for Urban and Regional Excellence
The Center for Urban and Regional Excellence at Indiana University Northwest engages the university and the community in partnerships that jointly formulate programs and policies to support thriving Northwest Indiana communities. The Center works collaboratively with organizations in all sectors to address challenges and co-create solutions in diverse areas including economic development, government efficiency, nonprofit leadership development, public safety, transportation policy, environmental sustainability, health disparities, and arts and culture.