Range of free and low-cost courses includes art, health, technology 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 that aim to assist people of all ages in gaining skills and enriching their lives.
CURE is enrolling for its upcoming Senior University and Adult Education sessions.
The offerings include:
Senior University: Introduction to Zoom
2-4 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 18
In-person at IU Northwest
Registration deadline: Noon, Jan. 9
Free and open to adults ages 55+
Join Brittany Taylor for this in-person session at IU Northwest to learn the very basics of using the video communications platform, Zoom. During this session, participants will learn the steps needed to begin using Zoom (downloading, installing and joining a meeting). Participants should bring the device on which they plan to use Zoom (e.g., smartphone, tablet, laptop, etc.).
All others can call 219-980-6907.
Senior University: Smartphones I for Androids
2-4 p.m., Tuesdays, Jan. 23 through Feb. 13
Concurrent via Zoom and in-person at IU Northwest
Registration deadline: Noon, Jan. 11
Free and open to adults ages 55+
Is your smartphone outsmarting you? It won’t be for long if you register for this four-part 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!
All others can call 219-980-6907.
Adult Education/Senior University: Social Security Seminar
12-2 p.m., Wednesday, Jan. 24
Concurrent via Zoom and in-person at IU Northwest
Registration deadline: Noon, Jan. 16
Free and open to adults of all ages
Join public affairs specialists with the Social Security Administration (SSA) for a crash course in Social Security 101! Participants will learn about retirement, disability, Medicare, SSI, widows benefits and more. They will also discuss how you can receive assistance from the SSA, as well as how you can protect yourself from fraudulent phone calls and other scams.
All others can call 219-980-6907.
Senior University: Smartphones I for iPhones
2-4 p.m., Thursdays, Jan. 25 through Feb. 15
Concurrent via Zoom and in-person at IU Northwest
Registration deadline: Noon, Jan. 16
Free and open to adults ages 55+
Is your smartphone outsmarting you? It won’t be for long if you register for this four-part series on how to operate your iPhone 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!
All others can call 219-980-6907.
Senior University: Preserving Family History
2-3:30 p.m., Monday, Jan. 29
Concurrent via Zoom and in-person at IU Northwest
Registration deadline: Noon, Jan. 19
Free and open to adults ages 55+
Join Jeremy Pekarek, archivist at IU Northwest, to learn more about best practices involving proper housing techniques and documentation for preserving family history. For this Q&A session, participants are encouraged to bring in a few original materials (or research) and ask questions that relate to their storage, preservation and next steps.
All others can call 219-980-6907.
Senior University: Exploring Google: Drive, Maps and Calendar
2-3:30 p.m., Mondays, Feb. 5-19
In-person at Crown Point Community Library
Registration deadline: Noon, Jan. 26
Free and open to adults ages 55+
In this three-part series, Leslie Kiser will introduce you to storing and backing up your files in Google Drive, finding your way around the world with Google Maps and keeping your personal and professional life scheduled in Google Calendar. These apps are all free to use and are available for both desktop and mobile devices. This class will introduce you to the desktop versions of each app. Laptops will be provided.
Prerequisite: Active Google account (if you use Gmail, you already have a Google Account).
All others can call 219-980-6907.
Adult Education/Senior University: The Great American Eclipse & You!
12-1 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 7
Concurrent via Zoom and in-person at IU Northwest
Registration deadline: Noon, Jan. 30
Free and open to adults of all ages
On April 8, 2024, Indiana will be treated to an amazing natural phenomenon when the sun, moon and Earth all align – a solar eclipse. Northwest Indiana will experience a 95% partial eclipse, while central Indiana (e.g., Indianapolis and Bloomington) will see a total eclipse. Get ready to view this wondrous event by learning more about the sun, moon and what a solar eclipse is, how to safely view one and what you might expect during the experience. You don’t want to miss it – the next time a total solar eclipse touches the contiguous United States isn’t until 2044! Solar viewers are available to session participants (while supplies last).
All others can call 219-980-6978.
Adult Education/Senior University: Understanding Alzheimer’s and Dementia
12-1 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 14
Concurrent via Zoom and in-person at IU Northwest
Registration deadline: Noon, Feb. 6
Free and open to adults of all ages
Offered in partnership with the Alzheimer’s Association, this session is designed to help you understand the difference between normal age-related memory changes and more serious memory problems that should be evaluated by a medical professional. Additional topics covered will include the common causes of memory loss, risk factors and the importance of an accurate diagnosis.
All others can call 219-980-6907.
Adult Education/Senior University: Today’s Interview
1-2 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 21
Concurrent via Zoom and in-person at IU Northwest
Registration deadline: Noon, Feb. 13
Free and open to adults of all ages
The post-pandemic era has forced both job seekers and employers to exercise a new normal of interviewing techniques. This concurrent workshop, led by Joseph Poisson of the Center for Workforce Innovations, will help prepare you for the many different types of job interviews that may come your way. You will leave with a better understanding of how to prepare and conduct yourself for the three most popular styles of interviewing: face-to-face, virtual and phone. You will also discover the importance of a “Thank You” letter.
All others can call 219-980-6907.
Adult Education/Senior University: Astrophotography of the 2017 Solar Eclipse
10-11 a.m., Wednesday, Feb. 28
Concurrent via Zoom and In-Person at IU Northwest
Registration Deadline: Noon, February 20
Free and open to adults of all ages
Join Jon Aros, IU Northwest adjunct professor of chemistry and astronomy, and learn how science and art merge through astrophotography, also known as astronomical imaging. During the session, Prof. Aros will display the images captured during the 2017 solar eclipse. He will discuss the challenges faced, lessons learned during that process and will also share plans related to photographing the April 8, 2024, total solar eclipse.
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.
Enroll, learn more or view all Fundemental Courses here
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 of view all Career Training Programs
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 of 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.
