Center for Urban and Regional Excellence courses for August, September 2026

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 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 and Adult Education programs. CURE is now enrolling for the following offerings.

Senior University, Senior Planet and Adult Education Courses

For Senior University/Senior Planet and Adult Education courses, register online at the link below or call 219-980-6907 unless otherwise noted.

Register for courses here.

Senior Planet: Facebook

2-3:15 p.m., Tuesday, August 11
In-person at the Crown Point Community Library
Registration deadline: August 9
Free and open to adults age 60+

Curious about Facebook but concerned about privacy? Interested in learning how to set up a profile or a page? Want to learn more about Facebook Live? This lecture offers an overview of Facebook’s evolution, its most popular features and tips for getting in on the action. It will also cover privacy settings as well as the role of advertising on Facebook.

Senior Planet: How to Choose a New Computer

1-2:15 p.m., Wednesday, August 12
In-person at the Munster Branch of the Lake County Public Library
Registration deadline: August 10
Free and open to adults age 60+

Looking for a new computer? This lecture introduces questions to ask yourself when buying a new computer and discusses some differences between desktops, laptops, Chromebooks and more. We’ll also cover technical specifications, popular operating systems and costs. Finally, we’ll go over considerations for deciding whether to buy a new or refurbished device and tips for maintaining your device.

Senior Planet: Intro to Chatting with AI

12:30-1:45 p.m., Friday, August 14
In-person at the Duneland Family YMCA, Chesterton
Registration deadline: August 12
Free and open to adults age 60+

Curious about using ChatGPT or Gemini but not sure where to start? In this lecture, we’ll explore tips for using generative AI chat programs so you can make them work for you. You’ll learn how to write questions or prompts that are specific and effective at getting helpful responses. Whether you plan to use them at work, for personal projects or just for fun, we’ll show you how this tech can help you with all sorts of tasks. We’ll also cover best practices for privacy and security so you can be a confident user. 

Community Garden: Invasive Species: From Awareness to Action in Your Landscape

12-1 p.m., Tuesday, August 18
Zoom meeting
Registration deadline: August 17
Free and open to adults of all ages

Join Jean Bernius, Co-Chair of the Lake County Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area (CISMA), for a deeper exploration of invasive species and their impact on urban and suburban environments. Building on the introductory session presented by AJ Popovic in June, this presentation will focus on why invasive species are problematic in urban and suburban gardens and landscaping. We will cover the human and pet risks associated with invasives, how invasives hide/crowd out native and other plants and suggestions for alternative plantings that promote beauty, habitat and pose less risk to our pets, our trees and ourselves. 

Register online or call 219-980-6978.

Senior Planet: Digital Tools for Brain Health

10-11:15 a.m., Thursday, August 20
In-person at the Hammond Senior Center at Pulaski Park
Registration deadline: August 18
Free and open to adults age 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 U: Smartphones I for iPhones

4-5:30 p.m., Tuesdays, August 25, September 1 and September 8
Concurrent: Zoom and in-person at IUN
Registration deadline: August 17
Free and open to adults age 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.

Senior Planet: Cloud Storage

11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m., Thursday, August 27
In-person at the St. John Branch of the Lake County Public Library
Registration deadline: August 25
Free and open to adults age 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 Planet: Technology for Aging in Place

11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m., Friday, August 28
In-person at the Merrillville Branch of the Lake County Public Library
Registration deadline: August 26
Free and open to adults age 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.

Community Garden: Nature Walk and Butterfly Talk

12:30-1:30 p.m., Wednesday, September 2
In-person at IU Northwest
Registration deadline: August 31
Free and open to adults of all ages

Join Caryn Corriere, ecologist at Gibson Woods Nature Preserve, for a nature walk in the Little Calumet River Prairie and Wetlands Preserve during monarch butterfly migration to learn about local wildlife, conservation efforts and how you can get involved.

Register online or call 219-980-6978.

Senior Planet: Protecting Your Personal Information Online

1-2:15 p.m., Thursday, September 3
In-person at the Maria Reiner Center, Hobart
Registration deadline: September 2
Free and open to adults age 60+

This presentation will cover the ins and outs of how to protect your personal information online. We’ll cover tips for staying safe in cyberspace, like safe browsing, how to recognize online scams and when it’s OK – or not – to share your personal information online. 

Senior Planet: Protecting Your Medical Information Online

1-2:15 p.m., Wednesday, September 9
In-person at the Munster Branch of the Lake County Public Library
Registration deadline: September 7
Free and open to adults age 60+

While it can be daunting to create new accounts for healthcare and insurance portals, there are many benefits to doing so. MyChart and other portals make it easy to access your medical records and test results, communicate with healthcare providers and more. In this session, we’ll explore what you can do in these portals and discuss the robust security features they offer to protect your sensitive information. You’ll also learn tips for keeping your accounts safe, spotting phishing and scam attempts and increasing your privacy online. 

Adult Ed/Senior U: Behind the Ballot: Are You Ready to Vote?

12:15-1:30 p.m., Thursday, September 10
Concurrent: Zoom and in-person at IU Northwest
Registration deadline: September 8
Free and open to adults of all ages

Have you ever wanted to know how elections work? Curious to discover a time when one vote decided a mayoral election? Now’s your chance! In this informative, behind-the-scenes presentation, Michelle Fajman, Director of the Lake County Board of Elections and Registration (LCBER), will explain the voter registration process, steps to voting and common issues people encounter during voter registration and/or voting and what you can do to avoid those issues. She will also discuss new laws related to elections/voting, election/ballet security, LCBER voter and candidate services and fun Lake County election facts and history. 

Register online or call 219-980-6978.

Senior U: Intro to Computers

10 a.m. to 12 p.m., Fridays, September 11, 18 and 25
In-person at IU Northwest
Registration deadline: September 7
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 join Chelsea Whittington for this In-person series. The sessions 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! 

Senior Planet: Passwords, Passkeys and More

12:30-1:45 p.m., Friday, September 11
In-person at the Duneland Family YMCA, Chesterton
Registration deadline: September 9
Free and open to adults age 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.

Adult Ed/Senior U: Social Security 101

12:30 to 1:30 p.m., Mondays, September 14 & 21
Concurrent: Zoom and in-person at IU Northwest
Registration deadline: September 10
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. 

Email or call 219-980-6978.

Senior U: Smartphones I for Androids

4-5:30 p.m., Tuesdays, September 15, 22 and 29
Concurrent: Zoom and in-person at IUN
Registration deadline: September 7
Free and open to adults age 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. 

Senior Planet: Intro to Learning Apps: Languages and the Arts

11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m., Wednesday, September 16
In-person at the Whiting City Hall
Registration deadline: September 14
Free and open to adults age 60+

Lifelong learning is fun and offers many benefits! There are hundreds of apps out there for every type of learner and all kinds of interests. This presentation will introduce you to apps that help you learn different languages, explore the arts and art history and even show you how to play instruments. If you want to learn it, there’s an app for that! 

Senior Planet: Tech Basics for Caregiving

10-11:15 a.m., Thursday, September 17
In-person at the Hammond Senior Center at Pulaski Park
Registration deadline: September 15
Free and open to adults age 60+

Caregiving is challenging in different ways for both the caregivers and the recipients of care. Thankfully, there are a variety of tech tools that can make caregiving easier for both and allow people to do more on their own. In this lecture, we’ll explore ways to integrate technology into your daily routine: from scheduling reminders with your phone or home assistant, to accessing self-care resources and making the most of telehealth appointments. We’ll also explore options for ordering and receiving essential items like groceries and prescription drugs from the comfort of your home. 

Senior Planet: Tech Tips for Disaster Preparedness

1-2:15 p.m., Friday, September 18
In-person at the Banta Center, Valparaiso
Registration deadline: September 16
Free and open to adults age 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 Planet: Getting Started with Facebook

2-3:30 p.m., Tuesday, September 22
In-person at the Crown Point Community Library
Registration deadline: September 17
Free and open to adults age 60+

During this hands-on workshop, you will sign up for Facebook and begin building your profile. You’ll also learn how to find friends and will get an introduction to Facebook’s privacy settings. If you’re ready to join Facebook, then this workshop is for you! Prerequisite: Participants should bring a mobile device to the session (smartphone, tablet, laptop, etc.). 

Senior U: Finding Your Voice: A Writing Workshop

1-3 p.m., Wednesdays, September 23, 30 and October 7
In-person at IU Northwest
Registration deadline: September 15
Free and open to adults age 55+

What does it mean to write in one’s own voice? In this three-session workshop, journalist, author and playwright David Hoppe will work with participants who wish to tell their personal stories in ways that truly reflect their experiences. Sessions will deal with Point of View, Story, Observation and Audience, using examples from writers past and present. Beginners and experienced writers are welcome. 

Community Garden: Rain Gardens

1-2:15 p.m., Thursday, September 24
Zoom meeting
Registration deadline: September 22
Free and open to adults of all ages

Join Dolly Foster, Purdue Extension Horticulture Program Assistant, to learn how to create a beautiful garden near your home that will help control storm water and attract butterflies and hummingbirds. It seems that storm water management has recently become an increasingly important issue for municipalities. If most homes and businesses had rain gardens on their property, the storm sewers would not be overburdened, which would mean less flooding. Attend this lecture and learn how to disguise storm water management as a beautiful garden on your property. 

Register online or call 219-980-6978.

Senior Planet: Intro to Selling Online

11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m., Friday, September 25
In-person at the Merrillville Branch of the Lake County Public Library
Registration deadline: September 23
Free and open to adults age 60+

Want to make some extra money? Online marketplaces make it easy to sell almost anything – from your vintage collectibles to handmade crafts! This lecture will introduce you to different online platforms for selling all kinds of items, including furniture, clothing, household items and more! We’ll also cover some tips and best practices for safely using these platforms so you can avoid scams and sell confidently! 

Adult Ed/Senior U: Chase Money Skills: Improving Credit and Managing Debt

12:20-1:20 p.m., Monday, September 28
Concurrent: Zoom and in-person at IU Northwest
Registration deadline: September 24
Free and open to adults of all ages

In this interactive workshop, you’ll learn how to improve your credit and better manage any debt you may have, including building a positive credit history, reducing your credit utilization and dealing with delinquent debts. The session will be led by Tammi Davis, Chase Community Manager.
Note: This presentation will not be recorded. 

Register online or call 219-980-6978.

Enroll or learn more.

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. 

Enroll, learn more or view all Fundamental Courses.

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 or 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 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.

Enroll, learn more or view all Comprehensive Career Tracks.