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Bloomington Campus

Bloomington Main Campus Affiliated Learning Sites

Center for Lifelong Learning

Classes for everyone

Ivy Tech Center for Lifelong Learning offers non-credit, personal enrichment classes for youth and adults. Registration for in-person and virtual classes is open to the public all year. With classes, workshops, and summer camps, students of all ages and skill levels have the chance to learn something new in the arts, humanities, STEM, and beyond!

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Spring 2025 programs and registration will be available in early December (release date TBD) with classes scheduled throughout January - May.

Contact Us

Monday - Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
lifelonglearning@ivytech.edu
812-330-4400
200 Daniels Way, Bloomington, IN 47404
Building Map Directions

Follow Us on Social
Facebook: @IvyTechCenterForLifelongLearning
Instagram: @ivytechcll

Youth Programs

  • The Ivy Tech Center for Lifelong Learning is proud to partner with Constellation Stage & Screen, who offer an exciting lineup of film, theater, and musical theater programs for Grades K-12! Littles, kids, and teens will work with professional instructors to explore their creative talents in a range of classes and camps hosted throughout the year.

    musical theater

    Musical Theater Playground: Munchkinland - Grades K-2

    Musical Theater Playground: Munchkinland is an introduction to musical theater arts for Littles (grades K-2nd) that dives into the magical world of Munchkinland from the beloved classic, The Wizard of Oz, Constellation's 2024 holiday show. Students will practice skills such as vocal expression and accuracy, building characters, and movement, all while exploring the music and characters of the popular Munchkinland sequence. This fun and interactive learning environment will also implement confidence-building theater games and improvisation activities to spark creative thinking, promote active listening, and encourage self-expression.

    NOTE: A limited number of scholarships are available for Theater & Film programs. Students must be eligible for free or reduced lunch through the National School Lunch Program to receive a scholarship. If you are interested, please click here for more information. Additionally, Constellation Stage & Screen programs are not eligible for Ivy Tech Employee Fee Remission. 

    Oct 26 - Dec 14 (No class Nov 30) | Sat, 9am-10am
    Sommer Schrader + Constellation Staff | Constellation Studios | $115

    waitlist here

    theater & comedy

    Acting Ensemble for Kids: A Christmas Carol - Grades 5-6

    Constellation's Acting Ensemble for Kids: A Christmas Carol (Grades 5-6) is a fast-paced and fun exploration of acting that will use a kids' theatrical version of the timeless classic, A Christmas Carol, to focus on building an ensemble. Students will also learn the basics of theatrical staging and theater etiquette while developing the building blocks of acting technique -- including voice and speech, creative movement, and exploration of world and character -- all while having a merry time as they work towards a final showcase! Students will emerge from the class more articulate, confident, and collaborative performers. This class is perfect for beginners, as well as acting students with some experience.

    NOTE: A limited number of scholarships are available for Theater & Film programs. Students must be eligible for free or reduced lunch through the National School Lunch Program to receive a scholarship. If you are interested, please click here for more information. Additionally, Constellation Stage & Screen programs are not eligible for Ivy Tech Employee Fee Remission. 

    Oct 28 - Dec 16 (No class Nov 25) | Mon, 5:30pm-6:45pm
    Mitchell Ward + Constellation Staff | Constellation Studios | $135

    waitlist here

    Acting Ensemble for Kids: A Christmas Carol - Grades 3-4

    Constellation's Acting Ensemble for Kids: A Christmas Carol (Grades 3-4) is a fast-paced and fun exploration of acting that will use a kids' theatrical version of the timeless classic, A Christmas Carol, to focus on building an ensemble. Students will also learn the basics of theatrical staging and theater etiquette while developing the building blocks of acting technique -- including voice and speech, creative movement, and exploration of world and character -- all while having a merry time as they work towards a final showcase! Students will emerge from the class more articulate, confident, and collaborative performers. This class is perfect for beginners, as well as acting students with some experience.

    NOTE: A limited number of scholarships are available for Theater & Film programs. Students must be eligible for free or reduced lunch through the National School Lunch Program to receive a scholarship. If you are interested, please click here for more information. Additionally, Constellation Stage & Screen programs are not eligible for Ivy Tech Employee Fee Remission. 

    Oct 30 - Dec 18 (No class Nov 27) | Wed, 5:30pm-6:45pm
    Constellation Staff | Constellation Studios | $135

    waitlist here

Adult Classes

Creative Arts

  • Beginning ceramics: Wheel Throwing

    For true beginners curious about ceramics or students with some experience looking to rediscover their skills with clay, this class will take you through the fundamental techniques of working with clay on the wheel. Students will learn to throw from beginner forms (pulling cylinders) and expand to things that interest them! Bowls, cups, mugs, plates, teapots, vases, planters, etc. We will work towards personal goals of the student while improving technique and gaining information regarding throwing itself. No prior experience necessary and all prior experiences welcome!

    NOTE: This class is not eligible for fee remission for Ivy Tech employees due to limited capacity. Please see our CLL fee remission guidelines for more information.

    10/21/2024 - 12/9/2024 | Mondays, 6:00pm-9:00pm
    Maggie Fitzgerald | Ivy Tech Main Campus | $275

    waitlist HERE

    experienced ceramics: Wheel Throwing

    Looking to build new clay skills and refine existing ones? This class is a great continuation for students with some experience who would like to advance their wheel-throwing techniques: centering, pulling, forming, and finishing. We will explore the wheel as a tool for making functional ceramics and sculpture. Altered wheel-thrown forms will be demonstrated. Finally, we will learn about glaze and finishing techniques. Students will gain a deeper understanding of the nature of clay, glazes, ceramic processes, and equipment while exploring their own projects.

    PREREQUISITE: Beginning Ceramics: Wheel Throwing or an equivalent level of experience in ceramics is recommended for this class.

    NOTE: This class is not eligible for fee remission for Ivy Tech employees due to limited capacity. Please see our CLL fee remission guidelines for more information.

    10/22/2024 - 12/10/2024 | Tuesdays, 6:00pm-9:00pm
    Maggie Fitzgerald | Ivy Tech Main Campus | $275

    waitlist HERE

    Clay in the kitchen

    Clay and food have an ancient, intimate relationship. People have been cooking in clay since the first clay pots were shaped. In Clay in the Kitchen we will focus our clay shaping skills on making vessels for cooking and baking. Depending on their intended use, our cooking pots will be fired either to stoneware temperatures--such as lidded casseroles and cloches for baking in an oven--or low-fire earthenware temperatures for open flame cooking, like Japanese donabe, Korean ttukbaegi, Central and South American olla, and north African tagine. Because the potter's wheel is only 6,000 years old and people have been cooking in clay long before then, all of our cookware can be made with slabs and/or coils, thrown on the wheel, or a combination of both. While we are primarily concerned with form and function of these pots, we will also explore various means of decorating and finishing.

    PREREQUISITE: Students must have completed at least one full-length beginner level CLL ceramics course at the Ivy Tech Main Campus and be familiar with the CLL ceramics studio space and practices.

    NOTE: This class is not eligible for fee remission for Ivy Tech employees due to limited capacity. Please see our CLL fee remission guidelines for more information.

    10/23/2024 - 12/11/2024 (No class 11/27) | Wednesdays, 6:00pm-9:00pm
    Scott Barton | Ivy Tech Main Campus | $260

    waitlist HERE

    an interplay of ceramic techniques & ideas

    This course is designed for people who have experience with shaping clay and who wish to explore their imaginations and broaden their skills in the art and craft of ceramics. The class encourages both independence and the interplay and incorporation of ideas and techniques of fellow ceramicists. That is, we will learn from and teach each other. We will also push ourselves in new directions and face failure together. We will use methods of hand-building, wheel-throwing, surface-texturing, and their combination to create pieces of art of underlying functionality, pure aesthetics, or both. Come to this class with your ideas and goals. You already know what you can do. Now do more.

    PREREQUISITE: Students must have completed at least one full-length beginner level CLL ceramics course at the Ivy Tech Main Campus and be familiar with the CLL ceramics studio space and practices.

    NOTE: This class is not eligible for fee remission for Ivy Tech employees due to limited capacity. Please see our CLL fee remission guidelines for more information.

    10/24/2024 - 12/12/2024 (No class 11/28) | Thursdays, 6:00pm-9:00pm
    Scott Barton | Ivy Tech Main Campus | $280

    waitlist HERE

    advanced ceramics study

    This course is designed for experienced CLL students to have the freedom to explore the wheel and beyond without the structure of a traditional class. Under the supervision of your instructor, you will have time reserved in the studio in addition to open studio hours to build on the skills you’ve gained in beginner and experienced level classes toward individual goals and projects.
    This class will be supervised by instructor Scott Barton, who will help shape and support your experience in this course, while emphasizing the freedom to explore and providing feedback toward your progression.

    PREREQUISITE: Students must have completed at least one CLL ceramics class at the Ivy Tech Main Campus studio beyond the beginner level, and be familiar with the CLL ceramics studio space and practices.

    NOTE: This class is not eligible for fee remission for Ivy Tech employees due to limited capacity. Please see our CLL fee remission guidelines for more information.

    10/25/2024 - 12/13/2024 (No class 11/29) | Fridays, 5:00pm-8:00pm
    Scott Barton | Ivy Tech Main Campus | $230

    waitlist HERE

  • adding meaning with mending

    Mending is an art form as old as fiber arts itself, though today few people still practice. There is a phenomenon that happens though, when you put your own time and effort into mending a textile or garment. Not only do you add longevity to its life, you also imbue it with a sense of importance by adding a bit of yourself to the piece. In this class, we will learn ways to repair an array of pieces, whether woven or knit, by apply patches, darning, embroidering, etc. You will be asked to bring in your own pieces to work on, along with your creativity!
     
    Supplies: Supply kits containing fabric patches, needles, thread, yarn, and darning needles will be provided and are included in the class registration fee.

    11/13/2024 - 12/11/2024 (No class 11/27) | Wednesdays, 6:30pm-8:30pm
    Sarah Nichols | Ivy Tech Main Campus | $95

    REGISTER HERE

Humanities

  • intentional genealogy: growing family trees through planned research supported by historic resources

    This course is framed by applying best practices for genealogical research.

    We will: (1) focus on using contemporary online sources, as well as expanding an understanding of the various web-based services (free and fee based); (2) explore essential in-person research of printed and stored historic records; (3) provide a framework to plan research objectives, formulate a usable personalized record keeping system, and resolve differences in the historical records; (4) model how to maintain research records, locate and interpret vital records, examine and apply US Census archival data, and track family members through local and social records; (5) establish methodology to get and keep records organized; (6) identity how to plan and conduct research, document and maintain citations, and write research reports and record progress.

    No experience or prior family search experience required.

    Supplies: Students may bring a personal computer to use, if desired, as well as an electronic storage filing option (external hard drive, thumb drive, etc.). It is recommended that all students have computer/internet access outside of class, as well as a program to read adobe files and a current membership to an online family tree making system.

    NOTE: This class will be held in-person at the Ivy Tech Bloomington Main Campus. If you need to miss a class and would like to review the material covered that day, we do have the ability to Zoom-record the meeting upon request and with the consent of other participating students.

    11/13/2024 - 12/18/2024 (No class 11/27) | Wednesday, 2:00pm-4:30pm
    Susan Snider Salmon | Ivy Tech Main Campus or Zoom | $90

    REGISTER HERE

Lifestyle

  • CLL Culinary Arts classes offer the opportunity to learn new recipes, techniques, and develop fundamental skills in the professional kitchens of Ivy Tech's Hospitality Program. All classes include Chef demonstrations, though most focus on providing hands-on experience with the featured topic and are limited capacity to ensure each participant receives adequate guidance.

    All supplies are included with the registration fee and each class culminates with a shared meal or supplementary food that will be available during the class. We can accommodate most dietary/allergy restrictions, though please be aware of the class details and potential limitations of ingredient substitution.

    rough puff pastry

    In this class, students will use three ingredients to create one of the most essential and versatile pastry doughs, rough puff pastry. Each student will use their dough to create an apple galette and we will collectively make two delicious savory tarts, as well. Students will also learn a few quick delicious treats to make with scraps. Allergies: wheat, eggs, dairy, alliums, rennet.

    This class is not eligible for fee remission for Ivy Tech employees due to limited capacity.

    11/16/2024 | Saturday, 10:00am-2:00pm
    Chef Stacy Strand | Ivy Tech Main Campus | $90

    waitlist HERE

    Macarons

    In this class, we will make Italian Meringue macarons which are slightly less sweet and have a softer interior than the French Meringue version. Students will also make a meringue buttercream to flavor and fill their macaron. There will be plenty (about 30 finished macaron) to take home! This course includes both demo and hands-on components that you will learn in Ivy Tech’s professional kitchens!

    This class is not eligible for fee remission for Ivy Tech employees due to limited capacity.

    12/14/2024 | Saturday, 10:00am-2:00pm
    Chef Stacy Strand | Ivy Tech Main Campus | $90

    waitlist HERE

Theater & Film

  • The Ivy Tech Center for Lifelong Learning is proud to partner with Constellation Stage & Screen, who offer an exciting lineup of film, theater, and musical theater programs for all ages! Students will work with professional instructors to explore their creative talents in a range of programs hosted throughout the year.

    acting for adults: the ensemble - Ages 18+

    Constellation's Acting for Adults: The Ensemble will focus on the collaborative nature of theatre and stage performance. In addition to ensemble-building acting exercises to help develop and sharpen your actor "toolkit," actors will use scripted scenes from ensemble-driven plays* as an "acting laboratory" to build upon the following skills: stage etiquette, identifying given circumstances, character analysis, script/scene analysis, staging/blocking, improvisation, playing an action, and stage presence. Students will leave the class more competent, confident, and collaborative performers. The class will culminate with a final showcase presentation of selected scenes. 

    *Depending on the class makeup, the following plays will be considered for scene study: 
    - The Minutes by Tracy Letts
    - 12 Angry Jurors by Reginald Rose, Sherman L. Sergel
    - Mr. Burns, A Post-Electric Play by Anne Washburn
    - Stage Door by Edna Ferber and George S. Kaufman
    - Our Town by Thornton Wilder
    - Peter and the Starcatcher by Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson, adapted for the stage by Rick Elice
    - The Coast of Utopia (trilogy) by Tom Stoppard
    - The Heidi Chronicles by Wendy Wasserstein

    NOTE: Constellation Stage & Screen programs are not eligible for Ivy Tech Employee Fee Remission.

    Oct 28 - Dec 16 (No class Nov 25) | Mon, 7:00pm-8:30pm
    Mitchell Ward | Constellation Studios | $165

    register here

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