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Lifelong Learning

From pottery to cooking and puppy training to beekeeping, our non-credit classes provide fun learning experiences.

Welcome to Joliet Junior College's Lifelong Learning Program!


Explore classes designed to provide a multitude of learning opportunities.

Students of all ages enroll in lifelong learning classes to enrich their minds, explore new talents and keep up with today's constantly changing technologies. Many enjoy the more relaxed atmosphere of non-credit classes as they focus on gaining a skill without the pressure of grades.

Classes are set during the day, evenings and Saturdays to accommodate the busy schedules of today's families. 

Community & Continuing Education Catalog

The best way to see all the lifelong learning classes that we offer is to read our catalog. The catalog is published three times a year. Printed copies are mailed directly to those on our mailing list. An interactive version is also available online.

FALL 2023 CATALOG

The fall term for continuing education classes runs August 14 through December 18. 

Want a printed catalog mailed to you?

Please fill out our catalog request form or call (815) 280-1555. You can also sign up to receive our email newsletter on the form.

JOIN OUR MAILING LISTS

Class Registration

We've updated our online registration process, and easy registration is now available any time of day and even on weekends! To register for a class from our digital catalog, simply click on the class title. You will be taken to a registration form. Fill it out with your information and select the class(es) you would like to take. Submit the form and provide payment on the following page. (No more credit card processing fees!) If you experience any problems, give us a call at (815) 280-1555 to speak with one of our registration specialists. We would be happy to assist you.

How to Register for Classes

  • By Phone

    Register for Class By Phone

    • Call (815) 280-1555.
    • Our registration specialists would be happy to assist you during office hours.
    • Our office is open Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. If you call when our office is closed or we are unable to answer the phone, please leave a message. We will return your call as soon as possible.

  • Online

    Register for Lifelong Learning Classes Online

    Here are some tips and trick for registering online:

    Follow the links through our interactive digital catalog
    • Each class in our digital catalog is linked to a registration form.
    • Just click on the class title to be taken to the correct form.

     

    All classes are registered through Dynamic Forms
    • When you click on the link in the catalog, you will be taken directly to the registration page.
    • Fill out the form and click 'Submit Form.'
    • Complete payment information on the following page.

     

    Need help with online registration?
    • Please call our office at (815) 280-1555. We would be happy to assist you.

In-Person Lifelong Learning Classes

We offer in-person lifelong learning classes at campuses throughout the JJC district. Whether you enjoy crafting, want to learn about local Joliet history or need to train your puppy, we have a class for you! (Please note, not all topics are taught every semester. Please view the current digital catalog to see what classes are available.)

  • Creative Arts Classes

    • Crafting
    • Drawing & Painting
    • Music
    • Pottery
    • Sewing

     

    There are so many awesome ways for you to express yourself creatively during one of our classes. Grab a friend (or two!) and explore a new hobby!

    MORE INFORMATION & REGISTRATION

  • Culinary Classes

    • Authentic Bites
    • Baking & Desserts
    • Cheers!
    • Family Favorites
    • Holiday Mode
    • Sweet Decor
    • Veg Out

     

    When you take one of our culinary classes, you aren't just learning from the best instructors around, you get HANDS-ON instruction. Plus, you get to enjoy the fruits of your labor!

    Culinary classes are held in a professional teaching kitchen at Joliet Junior College's City Center Campus

    MORE INFORMATION & REGISTRATION

  • Floral Arranging Classes

    Classes include all supplies and tools needed to create your floral masterpieces. No previous floral design experience required. Offered in partnership with Bella Flora.

    MORE INFORMATION & REGISTRATION

  • Health & Wellness Classes

    We offer a variety of health and wellness classes that will help improve your own life and the lives of those around you.

    MORE INFORMATION & REGISTRATION

  • History Classes

    Are you a history buff or just enjoy learning about the days of yore? Then you're in the right place! Our instructors will keep you on the edge of your seat as you learn about how the events of the past connect to our world today.

    MORE INFORMATION & REGISTRATION

  • Home & Garden Classes

    • Beekeeping
    • Gardening
    • Interior Design
    • Organization

     

    Whether your house needs some sprucing up or your garden needs a full makeover, our instructors will help you create the perfect utopia!

    MORE INFORMATION & REGISTRATION

  • Personal Finance Classes

    Our expert instructors will help you better understand how to prepare financially for retirement, choose the best insurance for your situation and how to budget.

    MORE INFORMATION & REGISTRATION

  • Personal Safety Classes

    • Illinois Concealed Carry
    • Illinois Concealed Carry Renewal Training

    In order to apply for an Illinois Concealed Carry Permit, students must successfully complete both the NRA Basic Pistol Course (8 hours) and the Illinois Concealed Carrry Permit Training Course (8 hours) for a total of 16 hours.

    Classroom sessions are held at JJC. In order to successfully complete the Illinois Concealed Carry training course, students must pass a live fire test at the range. Participants do not need to own a pistol; several types will be provided for use. Training laser pistols and targets are used to teach proper grip, stance and sighting.

    The live fire range testing will be held at Rink's Gun and Sport, 14363 Archer Ave. in Lockport. Students will be responsible for paying the range fee to Rink's. In order to accommodate schedules, the range time will be scheduled individually with the instructor. Additional range time can be scheduled.

    Instructors are approved by the Illinois State Police to conduct Illinois Concealed Carry firearms training.

    Students are solely responsible for completing the application process through the Illinois State Police; however, the instructor will provide an ID picture and assistance with any applications question.

    For more information and complete registration requirements, call (815) 280-1555.

    DO NOT BRING A FIREARM OR AMMUNITION TO THE COLLEGE.

    MORE INFORMATION & REGISTRATION

  • Pet Training Classes

    • STAR Puppy Training
    • K-9 Good Citizen (CGC)
    • K-9 Good Citizen Advanced Obedience (CGCA)

     

    Working as a team, owners and pets will learn to understand each other. Classes are taught in a warm and friendly environment at JJC's Weitendorf campus that encourages owners to have fun with their dogs, all while preparing them for certification. 

    Please Note: These classes are not appropriate for dogs with aggressive behavior problems. Dogs deemed overly aggressive toward other dogs or humans will be dismissed from the course without refund.

    MORE INFORMATION & REGISTRATION

  • Self-Assessment Classes

    Gain insight into your own thinking style, emotions and personality with these classes.

    MORE INFORMATION & REGISTRATION

  • Sign Language Classes

    Learn signing through demonstration and participation. 

    Please Note: For each paid registration in a sign language class, one member of the same household can register for the same class at a reduced rate.

    MORE INFORMATION & REGISTRATION

  • Special Interest Classes

    Have you ever wondered what the stars have in store for you? Or maybe you watch ghost hunting shows on television and wonder what it's really like? Find out in one of our special interest classes!

    MORE INFORMATION & REGISTRATION

Online Lifelong Learning Classes

Looking for an online option? We know that not everyone has the flexibility to join us on campus. Fortunately, we have online options available in a variety of subjects.

  • ed2go

    We have partnered with ed2go to provide the majority of our online lifelong learning classes. The classes are offered as instructor-led or self-paced. Choose the option that best fits your learning style and availability.

    Get Started With ed2go

    Topics include:

    ◾ Communication
    ◾ Creative Arts
    ◾ Gardening
    ◾ Genealogy
    ◾ Health & Wellness
    ◾ Home Computers & Technology
    ◾ Language
    ◾ Nutrition
    ◾ Parenting
    ◾ Personal Finance
    ◾ Photography
    ◾ Reading & Writing
    ◾ Test Prep

COVID-19 Update

In the event of important deadlines or class dates changing due to COVID-19, please visit our COVID FAQ page for the most up-to-date information.

Photographing Program Participants

Joliet Junior College reserves the right to photograph or film program participants. Photos and recordings are for college use only and may be used in college publicity materials and social media. Please notify programming staff if you do not wish to be photographed or filmed.

What's happening at JJC

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