Ivy Tech Center for Lifelong Learning

09/16/2026

Do you dream of a garden full of beautiful flowers and plants from spring through fall, filled with birds, butterflies, and other interesting creatures, but unsure how to get started? Instructors Bill, Eve, and Gillian will walk you through topics such as seed stratification and choosing the right site for your seeds, seedlings, or nursery transplants. You’ll visit demonstration sites where action steps to increase native habitat have taken place, ensuring you gain practical knowledge, whether you live in an apartment with a small balcony or on rural farmland!

For more information, and to register, please visit ivytech.edu/CLL.

09/14/2026

Curious about exploring sustainable living practices? Lifelong farmer, homesteader, and Owen County native Bill Pursell guides participants through key considerations for homesteading. Class sessions will cover everything from site and animal selection to land and water management to gardening. Bill also ties the class together by examining the business of homesteading, including budget and tax considerations, trading, marketing, auctioning, and other topics of interest to participants. All students will have the opportunity to participate and may attend in person or virtually via Zoom each class, as needed.

For more information, and to register, visit ivytech.edu/CLL.

09/10/2026

Interested in learning more about local Bloomington history? This fall, Susan Snider Salmon will be offering classes exploring the roots and significance of Bloomington’s Bryan Park and the Vinegar Hill district. “From Farm Fields to Arboretum: A History of Bryan Park” examines Bloomington’s past through a genealogical look at the entrepreneurial Orchard brothers and the transformation of farms into neighborhoods and residential developments, and how the parkland was acquired and park amenities were developed. “Full of Flavor: Why Bloomington’s Historic 'Vinegar Hill' Matters” investigates the district’s nomination and highlights outstanding, contributing, and notable homes built over 50 years of styles. All students can attend either in person or virtually via Zoom.

For more information, and to register, visit ivytech.edu/CLL.

09/08/2026

Explore how to tap into the body’s innate capacity for balance amid life’s pressures with Emily McCord! Participants will learn and practice powerful techniques for stress management and autonomic nervous system regulation. By the end of the course, you will know about soft-belly breathing, guided visualization, self-directed relaxation, self-expression through drawing, prompted journaling, moving meditation, and more!

For more details and to register, please visit ivytech.edu/CLL.

09/04/2026

Join us this fall for printmaking with Amanda Hutchins! In this introductory course, you will learn the basics of linocut block printing and familiarize yourself with printmaking tools, terms, and techniques. This medium is simple and fun, and it holds its value because you can keep making prints from your blocks. These prints make wonderful gifts, greeting cards, wrapping paper, T-shirts, and much more!

For more details, and to register, please visit ivytech.edu/CLL.

09/02/2026

Learn about the many ways to save for retirement, as well as the advantages and disadvantages of each, with Doug Hughes of Comprehensive Financial Consultants! You will discover how to save money on taxes, manage investment risks, and protect your assets from potential long-term health care expenses. Above all, this course shows you how to assess your financial situation and develop a personalized plan to achieve your retirement goals. Whether your objective is to build a nest egg, protect your assets, or preserve your lifestyle throughout retirement, this course helps you plan your future with confidence!

For more information, and to register, please visit ivytech.edu/CLL.

08/31/2026

Join us in the kitchen this fall in one of our upcoming baking or cooking classes! The Center for Lifelong Learning Culinary Arts program offers a variety of hands-on class options in the professional facilities of Ivy Tech Bloomington's School of Culinary Arts & Hospitality Management, featuring breads, pastries, sauces, soups, and more this fall. Our noncredit classes are open to the public and welcome beginners or more seasoned participants who are interested in growing their skills and discovering new recipes, learning about baking and nutrition science, or just enjoying the experience!

For current class details and registration, visit ivytech.edu/CLL.

08/31/2026

Doug Hughes will be teaching another round of Retirement Planning Today courses in early October at Ivy Tech Center for Lifelong Learning - a two-week, two-night course that covers a variety of financial topics!

Retirement Planning Today is designed for individuals ages 50-70 (although anyone may attend) who want to get a high-level review of retirement planning. A variety of topics are discussed, including retirement roadblocks, retirement income, estate planning, insurance and more.

There are two course options available:

📘 Tuesdays, October 6 and 13 - 6:00 to 8:30 pm - In-person
📙 Wednesdays, October 7 and 14 - 6:00 to 8:30 pm - In-person or virtual

To learn more, visit https://www.cfci.us/events

08/31/2026

08/28/2026

Are you interested in learning more about the local history of Bloomington or curious about how to start or progress your own genealogy research? This fall term, instructor Susan Snider Salmon is offering five course topics ranging from the history of Bryan Park to general record finding, family tree development, technology assistance, and identifying genealogical research objectives. Whether you are new to genealogy or simply want to deepen your understanding of the Bloomington area or your own family tree, these courses will help you on your way! All classes will be held at the Ivy Tech Bloomington Main Campus and accommodate both Zoom and In-Person participation.
For more details and to register, please visit ivytech.edu/CLL.