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Center for Urban and Regional Excellence courses for August, September 2025

By: Indiana University Northwest
Last Updated: August 5, 2025

Range of free and low-cost courses includes business, finance, health, technology, 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.
Senior & Adult Ed: Enroll

Senior Planet: Passwords, Passkeys and More

2-3:15 p.m., Monday, Aug. 11
In-person at the Crown Point Community Library
Registration deadline: Aug. 6

10 to 11:15 a.m., Thursday, Sept. 25
In-person at Hammond Senior Center at Pulaski Park
Registration deadline: Sept. 21
Free and open to adults ages 60+

Protecting your online accounts starts with strong password practices. In this lecture, we’ll review password basics before exploring options like single sign-on, passkeys, multi-factor authentication and password managers. Learn why these password alternatives are safe ways to simplify your digital life and keep your personal information secure.

Senior Planet: Cloud Storage

1-2:15 p.m., Monday, Aug. 18
In-person at the Banta Center, Valparaiso
Registration deadline: Aug. 13

OR

2-3:15 p.m., Monday, Sept. 8
In-person at the Crown Point Community Library
Registration deadline: Sept. 4
Free and open to adults ages 60+

In this lecture, you’ll learn the basics of cloud storage — a technology that lets you store documents, images and other media files remotely while giving you greater accessibility, reliability and protection for your important data. We’ll discuss what it is, why it’s the future of data storage and demonstrate a few of the most popular services currently available to consumers.

Senior University: Cyber Security

4:30-5:30 p.m., Tuesday, Aug. 19
Concurrent: Zoom and in-person at IU Northwest
Registration deadline: Aug. 12
Free and open to adults ages 55+

Are you concerned about the security of your social media accounts? Not sure how to determine if an email is fraudulent? Would you like to ensure you are making a transaction on a secure site? If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, then join us and learn cyber security fundamentals. This session will focus on securing personal information, safely conducting online transactions and identifying scams and phishing attempts. Register today so that you can learn to protect yourself while online!

Senior Planet: Affordable Home Internet

11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m., Friday, Aug. 22
In-person at the Merrillville Branch of the Lake County Public Library
Registration deadline: Aug. 17
Free and open to adults ages 60+

Having home internet can help you save money, look for a job, connect with others, make everyday tasks easier and much more! This lecture goes over basic information you need to know when signing up for home internet service so that you can understand all your options. You’ll also learn about resources for finding low-cost programs for internet service.

Senior Planet: Digital Tools to Boost your Business

3-4:15 p.m., Wednesday, Aug. 27
In-person at IU Northwest
Registration deadline: Aug. 21
Free and open to adults ages 60+

Are you interested in becoming an entrepreneur? This lecture gives an overview of some important digital tools to help you get your online business up and running. Learn about e-commerce sites, how social media can help promote your business and how you can use video chat platforms for services. We will also cover how to get paid using digital payment services.

Senior Planet: Healthcare & Tech at a Glance

10-11:15 a.m., Thursday, Aug. 28
In-person at Hammond Senior Center at Pulaski Park
Registration deadline: Aug. 24

11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m., Sept. 26
In-person at the Merrillville Branch of the Lake County Public Library
Registration deadline: Sept. 22
Free and open to adults ages 60+

Curious how recent technological advances have changed healthcare? In this lecture, we’ll explore how doctors are using cutting-edge tech, like AI and smart devices, to diagnose, monitor and treat medical conditions. We’ll also discuss how patients can use technology to manage and improve their health. We’ll cover how to prepare for and what to expect from telehealth appointments, common healthcare wearables and best practices for using AI for medical information.

Adult Ed/Senior U: The Empowered Caregiver: Responding to Dementia-Related Behaviors

12-1:15 p.m., Wednesday, Sept. 3
Concurrent: Zoom and In-person at IU Northwest
Registration deadline: Sept. 1
Free and open to adults of all ages

Join Linda Curley, Purdue Extension Educator and Alzheimer’s Association Community Educator, for the fourth 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 common behavior changes related to dementia and how they are a form of communication, non-medical approaches to behaviors and recognizing when additional help is needed.

Senior Planet: Intro to Managing Your Privacy Online

1-2:15 p.m., Friday, Sept. 5
In-person at the Banta Center, Valparaiso
Registration deadline: Sept. 2
Free and open to adults ages 60+

Concerned about privacy when online? Unsure about accepting cookies? Then come learn about some essential privacy tips! In this introductory lecture, we’ll review how ads target us online, how to limit tracking, where to find browser settings and extensions to better control how our information is shared. We’ll also discuss some of the key features of password managers and why they’re a safe and secure option.

IUN Community Garden: Hügelkultur Workshop

10 a.m. to 12 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 9
In-person at IU Northwest
Registration deadline: Sept. 4
Free and open to adults of all ages

Join Oakley Molinaro, master naturalist and Lynn Barbee, master gardener and horticulturist, at the IUN Community Garden for a hands-on workshop and learn how to build a hügelkultur bed. Hügelkultur, pronounced “HOO-gul-culture,” is a gardening technique that utilizes layers of decaying wood and other organic matter to create a raised garden bed. Participants will learn about the benefits of this gardening method and how to construct one.

Senior University: Smartphones I for Androids

4:30-6 p.m., Tuesdays, Sept. 9, 16 and 23
Concurrent: Zoom and in-person at IU Northwest
Registration deadline: Sept. 4
Free and open to adults ages 55+

Is your smartphone outsmarting you? It won’t be for long if you register for this three-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!

Prerequisite: Participants should have an Android smartphone. Registration Priority will be given to those new to Smartphones I.

Senior Planet: Tech Tips for Disaster Preparedness

11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m., Wednesday, Sept. 10
In-person at the Whiting City Hall
Registration deadline: Sept. 7
Free and open to adults ages 60+

Did you know that technology is an essential part of being prepared for emergencies and natural disasters? In this session, we’ll explain how technology can help you prepare. We’ll discuss and demonstrate useful features of the FEMA and Red Cross apps, including setting alerts. Additionally, we’ll review built-in smartphone features that can come in handy in the event of an emergency and explore how to keep phones and essential devices charged during a prolonged power outage. Finally, we’ll discuss how you can use social media to get emergency and other important information from local and national authorities.

Senior University: Smartphones I for iPhones

4:30-6 p.m., Thursdays, Sept. 11, 18 and 25
Concurrent: Zoom and in-person at IU Northwest
Registration deadline: Sept. 4
Free and open to adults ages 55+

Is your smartphone outsmarting you? It won’t be for long if you register for this three-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!

Prerequisite: Participants should have an iPhone smartphone. Registration Priority will be given to those new to Smartphones I.

Senior Planet: Affordable Home Internet

12:30-1:45 p.m., Friday, Sept. 12
In-person at the Duneland YMCA Healthy Living Campus, Chesterton
Registration deadline: Sept. 9
Free and open to adults ages 60+

Senior Planet: Digital Tools for Brain Health

1-2:15 p.m., Monday, Sept. 15
In-person at the Munster Branch of the Lake County Public Library
Registration deadline: Sept. 11
Free and open to adults ages 60+

Stay sharp with technology! In this lecture, we’ll explore digital tools to support habits that can help you stay sharp, including wearable devices, engaging websites and informative podcasts. Discover practical resources to keep your mind active and enhance your cognitive wellbeing in today’s digital world.

Senior Planet: Technology for Aging in Place

1-2:15 p.m., Wednesday, Sept. 17
In-person at IU Northwest
Registration deadline: Sept. 14
Free and open to adults ages 60+

In this lecture, you’ll learn how home assistants, smart appliances and wearables can save you time and money, help you manage health conditions and even give you greater peace of mind. We’ll also discuss best practices for maintaining your privacy and security when using this technology.

Adult Ed/Senior U: The Good, The Bad, The Ugly: Reverse Mortgages

12:30-1:45 p.m., Friday, Sept. 19
Concurrent: Zoom and in-person at IU Northwest
Registration deadline: Sept. 16
Free and open to adults of all ages

This session will provide an overview of the Reverse Mortgage Product offered by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA). Joe Kellogg, certified reverse mortgage counselor, will discuss how reverse mortgages work as well as their pros and cons. This session will inform those considering a reverse mortgage as well as those who already have one. Time will be allotted for questions and answers, so please come prepared. Note: The presenter will be joining via Zoom.

Adult Ed/Senior U: Financial Guidance for an Even Better Tomorrow: Budgeting and Debt Management

12-1 p.m., Monday, Sept. 22
Concurrent: Zoom and in-person at IU Northwest
Registration deadline: Sept. 19
Free and open to adults of all ages

You’re invited to a comprehensive financial education session with Centier Bank! Designed for adults of all ages, this insightful presentation will provide you with valuable knowledge on effective budgeting, smart strategies for paying down debt and essential information about credit checks. Join us and gain the financial guidance you need for an even better tomorrow!

Note: A recording of this session will not be made available.

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, these 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
Fundamental Courses: Enroll

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.

All Indiana University events/programs, groups, activities, educational, cultural, and historical observances are open to all members of the Indiana University community.