Range of free and low-cost courses available to all
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.
Senior & Adult Ed: Enroll
Senior Planet: Protecting Your Personal Information Online
10-11:15 a.m., Thursday, Jan. 9
In-person at the Hammond Senior Center at Pulaski Park
Registration deadline: Dec. 18
Free and open to adults ages 60+
This presentation will cover the ins and outs of protecting your personal information online. We’ll cover tips for staying safe in cyberspace, such as safe browsing, recognizing online scams and when it’s OK — or not — to share your personal information online
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+
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 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.
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.