Range of free and low-cost courses includes painting, computers, employment resources, and more
Gary, Ind. — Indiana University Northwest’s Center for Urban and Regional Excellence (CURE) offers a variety of non-credit courses and educational programs aimed 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 and Adult Education programs. CURE is now enrolling for August and September sessions.
The offerings include:
Senior University: Wow! WorkOne Can Help You!
1-2 p.m., Tuesday, Aug. 15
Concurrent via Zoom and in-person at IU Northwest
Registration deadline: Noon, Aug. 7
Free and open to adults ages 55+
This session covers the employment services that WorkOne provides. From career counseling to job referrals, hiring events, workshops, training assistance and more, WorkOne has much to offer mature adults seeking employment. After this workshop, you will know what no-cost services are available and how you can get them.
All others can call 219-980-6907.
Senior University: Introduction to Public Speaking
12-2 p.m., Wednesdays, Aug. 16, 23 and 30
In-person at IU Northwest
Registration deadline: Noon, Aug. 7
Free and open to adults ages 55+
Statistics show that more people fear public speaking than death! Seasoned communications professional, Chelsea Whittington, is coming to the rescue to help those who find it difficult to speak before groups and large audiences. Join this in-person series to get tips on how to prepare for an oral presentation while learning common practices that help perfect your public speaking, whether in-person or in a virtual environment.
All others can call 219-980-6907.
IUN Community Garden: Ecology of the Dunes
11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Tuesday, Aug. 29
Zoom meeting
Registration deadline: Noon, Aug. 28
Free and open to adults of all ages
Join Kipton Walton, Park Ranger and Outreach Program Coordinator for the Indiana Dunes National Park, for this live Zoom session to learn about the ecology of the dunes. This session will cover the park’s different ecosystems and some of the plants and animals that live there.
Senior University: Watercolor Sketching
11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Thursdays, Sept. 7, 14 and 21
In-person at IU Northwest
Registration deadline: Noon, Aug. 30
Free and open to adults ages 55+
Join Deb Weiss, a state-licensed, 30+ year visual and art history educator, for this introductory-level class which will be exploring the use of watercolors as a sketching tool. Not precise or intimidating, this process will be about looking, not thinking. Watercolor is a portable medium. We will use it as a simple, colorful impression – visual notetaking of a scene or still-life. Like impressionism, our watercolors will be instant and light-filled, let it be lighthearted and whimsical! Our pieces will be small in size but filled with information and character. Participants will produce many pieces quickly, without thought or pressure.
All others can call 219-980-6907.
IUN Community Garden: Putting Your Garden to Bed and Other Fall Garden Activities
3-4 p.m., Wednesday, Sept. 13
Zoom meeting (Interactive)
Registration deadline: Noon, Sept. 12
Free and open to adults of all ages
Join Lynda Bodie, Program Coordinator for Indiana GEAR UP West Side Garden Club/Purdue Master Gardener, for this interactive Zoom meeting. During the session, we will be discussing ideas for fall veggies and cover crops, how to prep beds for the next growing season and more! New gardeners are encouraged to attend and ask questions and experienced gardeners to join to share their knowledge.
Note: A recording of the session will not be made available.
Senior University: Microsoft PowerPoint Basics
10 a.m. to 12 p.m., Fridays, Sept. 15, 22 and 29
In-person at IU Northwest
Registration deadline: Noon, Sept. 7
Free and open to adults ages 55+
Are you interested in developing professional presentations that can be shared with small groups, organizations and at community events? If so, then join public relations professional, Chelsea Whittington, for this introductory course on Microsoft PowerPoint. During this three-part series, participants will learn the basics of PowerPoint including how to design and organize slides, insert graphics and send the finished presentation to the target audience.
All others can call 219-980-6907.
Adult Education/Senior University: Leveraging Workplace Safety to Benefit All
12-1 p.m., Monday, Sept. 18
Zoom meeting
Registration deadline: Noon, Sept. 15
Free and open to adults of all ages
Join Allencia Ballard, OSHA-authorized trainer, for this free Zoom meeting to learn how a strong safety culture can benefit both employers and employees through increased employee engagement and higher productivity. During the session, we will explore ways to create a strong safety culture, including how to empower employees to adopt a safety mindset and consider safety before taking action to avoid accidents and incidents.
Senior University: What About My Resume?
1-2 p.m., Wednesday, Sept. 20
Concurrent via Zoom and in-person at IU Northwest
Registration deadline: Noon, Sept. 12
Free and open to adults ages 55+
The resume is the marketing piece that can help move you on to the interview stage of your job search. In this workshop, led by Joseph Poisson of WorkOne, you will learn about resume formats, tailoring your resume for the job opportunity you want and how to put it together to catch the eye of the employer. The session will include information specifically for older adults seeking employment.
All others can call 219-980-6907.
Adult Education/Senior University: Dementia Conversation: Driving, Doctor Visits, Legal & Financial Planning
1-2 p.m., Wednesday, Sept. 27
Concurrent via Zoom and in-person at IU Northwest
Registration deadline: Noon, Sept. 19
Free and open to adults of all ages
When someone is showing signs of dementia, it’s time to talk. This session, led by an Alzheimer’s Association representative, is designed to help you talk with your entire family, including the person with signs of dementia, about some challenging and often uncomfortable topics related to Alzheimer’s and dementia. Topics covered include going to the doctor, deciding when to stop driving and making legal and financial plans.
All others can call 219-980-6907.
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.
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.
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 a self-paced format and have opportunities for national certification, externship placement and/or career support.
Enroll, learn more or view all Comprehensive Career Tracks
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.
