Free and low-cost courses for all in AI, estate planning, gardening and more
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/Senior Planet, Reading Skills and Adult Education programs.
CURE is now enrolling for the following offerings:
Senior University & Adult Education Courses
For Senior University and Adult Education Courses, register online at the link below or call 219-980-6907 unless otherwise noted.
Adult Ed/Senior U: Social Security 101
12-2 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 23
Concurrent: Zoom and in-person at IU Northwest
Registration deadlines: Jan. 8 for in-person, Jan. 21 for Zoom
Free and open to adults of all ages
Join Daniel Summer, Public Affairs Specialist with the Social Security Administration (SSA), for a crash course in Social Security 101! Participants will learn about Retirement, Disability, Medicare, SSI, Survivor Benefits and more. We will also discuss how you can receive assistance from the SSA, as well as how to protect yourself from fraudulent phone calls and other scams.
Senior Planet: Introduction to AI
2-3:15 p.m., Monday, Jan. 27
In-person at the Crown Point Community Library
Registration deadline: Jan. 12
Free and open to adults ages 60+
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11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 18
In-person at IU Northwest
Registration deadline: Jan. 27
Free and open to adults ages 60+
Curious about AI? Want to know more about Chat GPT? This lecture will introduce some of the basic concepts around artificial intelligence. We’ll talk about how AI is being used today, its current limitations, and how it will shape the future!
Senior Planet: Intro to estate planning resources & tools
1-2:15 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 30
In-person at IU Northwest
Registration deadline: Jan. 15
Free and open to adults ages 60+
Estate planning may sound intimidating or something that requires many resources. Creating an estate plan just means making sure that your health, finances and anything you own is handled according to your wishes. In this case, a simple plan is better than no plan! In this lecture, you will get an overview of some common documents found in an estate plan. We will also cover free or low-cost resources and digital tools to help you get started with a simple estate plan.
Senior University: Introduction to Computers
10 a.m. to 12 p.m., Fridays, Jan. 31 through Feb. 21
In-person at IU Northwest
Registration deadline: Jan. 16
Free and open to adults ages 55+
If you are interested in learning the basics of operating a personal computer (PC), or could use a refresher, then this is the series for you! Led by Chelsea Whittington, this in-person series will introduce those who have little to no knowledge about computer use to the fundamentals while also providing a refresher for computer users with a bit more experience. Participants will learn to identify the primary parts of a computer, understand commonly used terms, access basic programs such as Microsoft Word and the internet and gain new tips and tricks!
IUN Community Garden: Vermicomposting: How to Build and Use a Worm Compost Bin
11 a.m. to 12 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 6
Zoom meeting
Registration deadline: Noon, Feb. 5
Free and open to adults of all ages
Rebecca Koetz, Purdue Extension Educator — Urban Agriculture, will discuss vermicomposting, which is the method of composting that utilizes worms. The presentation will include an explanation of how to build a worm compost bin, as well as how to maintain it, feed the worms, use the compost and more. Participants will receive a supply list for building their own vermicomposting bin.
Senior Planet: Anti-virus & malware removal programs at a glance
10-11:15 a.m., Tuesday, Feb. 11
In-person at the Hammond Senior Center at Pulaski Park
Registration deadline: Feb. 3
Free and open to adults ages 60+
Did you know that viruses are only one type of malware that can harm your computer? In this lecture, we will go over different types of malware and how they work. We will also introduce some anti-virus programs and malware remover software and go over how these tools can be used to prevent and get rid of malware infections. Attend this lecture to learn how to keep your device safe!
Senior Planet: Digital coupon tools
2-3:15 p.m., Monday, Feb. 24
In-person at the Crown Point Community Library
Registration deadline: Feb. 16
Free and open to adults ages 60+
If you like saving money on groceries and everyday items, then this presentation is for you! This session will introduce you to the world of digital couponing and a variety of tools to help you get started. You’ll learn about coupon websites, apps, and databases as well as tips for getting the best deals.
Adult Ed/Senior U: The empowered caregiver: supporting independence
12-1:15 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 27
Concurrent: Zoom and in-person at IU Northwest
Registration deadlines: Feb. 13 (in-person) and Feb. 25 (Zoom)
Free and open to adults of all ages
Join Linda Curley, Purdue Extension Educator and Alzheimer’s Association Community Educator, for the second presentation in the Empowered Caregiver education series. This series teaches caregivers how to navigate the responsibilities of caring for someone living with dementia. This session will explore how caregivers can help the person living with dementia take part in daily activities, with a focus on providing the right amount of support and balancing safety and independence while managing expectations.
IUN Community Garden: A beginner’s guide to gardening with native plants
12:30-1:30 p.m., Friday, Feb. 28
Zoom meeting
Registration deadline: Feb. 26
Free and open to adults of all ages
Are you interested in adding native plants to your garden, but aren’t sure where to start? Spend your lunch break with Katie Hobgood, Program Director at Save the Dunes, for an informative talk that will cover all the basics you need to know. You’ll learn about the pros and cons of seeds vs plugs, how to select the right plants for your space, where you can purchase native plants and much more! This 101-style overview will give you the information you need to get started, while also highlighting free resources that will help you put your plans into action.
Reading Skills Programs
Schedule and cost vary
Programs for all grade levels
Reading Skills Program: Enroll
Offered in partnership with the Institute of Reading Development, programs are specifically designed to give students the skills, motivation, and individual support they need at each grade level. Students attend weekly classes that build skills and provide great experiences with terrific books. Between classes, students practice reading and complete fun, interactive lessons that develop core skills and build confidence.
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 allowing you to 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
Career Training Programs: Enroll
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
Comprehensive Career Tracks: Enroll
These online Career Track programs offer students an opportunity 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 offer opportunities for national certification, externship placement and/or career support.
About IU Northwest
One of seven campuses of Indiana University, IU Northwest is located in metropolitan Northwest Indiana, approximately 30 miles southeast of Chicago and 10 miles from the Indiana Dunes National Park. The campus has a diverse student population of approximately 3,500 degree-seeking students and 1,800 dual-credit students and has been recognized by the Department of Education as a minority and Hispanic serving institution. The campus offers Associate, Baccalaureate, and Master’s degrees from the College of Arts and Sciences, the College of Health and Human Services, the School of Business and Economics, the School of the Arts, and the School of Education. The campus is also host to IU School of Medicine-Northwest-Gary, the region’s only four-year medical doctorate program. As a student-centered campus, IU Northwest is committed to academic excellence characterized by a love of ideas and achievement in learning, discovery, creativity, research, and community engagement. Indiana University Northwest is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer committed to achieving excellence through diversity. The University actively encourages applications from women, minorities, veterans, persons with disabilities, and members of other underrepresented groups.