September 26 from 9am-11am

This course teaches new and developing beekeepers how to prepare colonies for a successful Iowa winter. Participants will learn how to assess colony strength, manage mite loads, ensure proper food stores, and configure equipment for cold-weather survival. The class covers insulation options, moisture control, entrance management, wind protection, and how to monitor colonies without disrupting the cluster. We also explore common overwintering challenges in the Midwest and practical steps to minimize losses. Whether this is your first winter or you want to refine your approach, this session provides clear guidance to help your bees emerge healthy and strong in spring.

September 12 from 9am-11am

The Iowa Beekeeper Work Calendar will review the seasonal work load for a typical local midwest beekeeper.  This is a great course for those considering beekeeping and first year beekeepers interested in understanding the seasonal planning unique to our area.  We will review the challenges of maximizing healthy hive populations with seasonal nectar flows for honey harvesting.  In this course, participants will learn the considerations unique to our Midwest location, and how to prepare for seasonal variations. 

Join us at IWCC in Atlantic each Monday for 6 weeks for a cup of coffee and conversation. Every week is a new learning experience featuring local, regional, or global topics. The class is held on Mondays, at 9:30 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. from September 14th through October 19th.   Fee $20.00

Class will be held Thursday Evenings 6:00pm - 8:30pm September 24th thru November 5th - Looft Hall CB Campus
This educational series is designed for small farmers, market gardeners, and backyard growers interested in selling locally produced food and agricultural products. The topics will primarily focus on produce production, but many sessions will also be valuable for small livestock producers looking to expand their business knowledge and market opportunities.
Whether you are growing vegetables in a backyard garden, managing a market garden, operating a diversified small farm, or raising livestock on a small scale, this series will provide practical information, local resources, and valuable connections to help you develop and grow your farm business.

September 19, 2026 from 1:00pm-3:00pm
Looft Hall
Join this fun and creative candle-making experience led by Horizons Candle Shop! During this hands-on class, you'll create two custom 4-ounce candles while choosing from a variety of fragrance options to design your perfect scent. No experience is necessary—Horizons will guide you through the entire process from start to finish. Enjoy a relaxed atmosphere, mingle with friends, participate in fun giveaways, and leave with two beautiful handmade candles created by you! Pre-registration is required.
As an added bonus for those who register, enjoy 20% off all Horizons Candle Shop products purchased during the class.

Students will be given a brief history of Copperplate Script, an overview of tools and materials, and instruction on how to use them. After learning some basic strokes for lowercase and uppercase letters using a traditional steel nib and oblique pen holder, students will learn how to form key letters that will allow them to continue their calligraphic study at home. Students will leave class with detailed exemplars and guide sheets for practice at home, as well as all supplies provided in class: a pen holder, nib, and a jar of ink. No calligraphy experience (or good handwriting!) needed, advanced or intermediate students will also benefit from guidance from an experienced instructor. 
Class is taught by Cheryl Dyer who is a poet, visual artist, and calligrapher. Her poetry has been published in several literary journals, and her visual artwork has been shown nationally. In addition to her artwork and writing she works as a lettering artist and calligraphy instructor.

Class is Saturday, September 19, 2026  11:00am - 2:00pm - Council Bluffs Campus Student Center Room 152
Fall harvests bring a different set of flavors and preservation opportunities. In this hands-on
class, you’ll work with fall crops such as root vegetables, apples, and hardy greens to learn
practical preservation techniques. We’ll focus on methods like water bath canning, pickling, and
simple storage strategies that help extend shelf life and reduce waste. You’ll gain direct
experience preparing and preserving seasonal produce, along with guidance on adapting these
methods at home. Participants will leave with preserved items and the confidence to make the
most of their fall harvest.
**PARTICIPANTS SHOULD BRING AN APRON**

Class is Saturday, October 3, 2026  8:30am - 11:30am - Council Bluffs Campus Student Center Room 152
As the season comes to a close, preserving your final harvest becomes essential. This hands-on class focuses on handling larger quantities of late-season produce such as squash, root crops, apples, and storage vegetables. You’ll practice preservation techniques including
water bath canning, batch processing, and proper storage methods for long-term use. Emphasis will be placed on efficiency, safety, and maximizing shelf life. Participants will leave with preserved goods, practical skills, and a clear understanding of how to carry their harvest into the winter months.
**PARTICIPANTS SHOULD BRING AN APRON**

Class is Saturday, September 5, 2026 6:00pm - 9:00pm - Impact Hill, Oakland, Iowa
Hard cider is one of the simplest and most rewarding fermented beverages to make at home. In this class, you’ll learn how to transform apple juice or fresh-pressed cider into a flavorful, naturally fermented drink. We’ll cover yeast selection, fermentation basics, flavor variations, carbonation options, and bottling techniques. You’ll also learn how to adjust sweetness and alcohol levels to suit your taste. Whether you’re working with store-bought juice or apples from your own trees, this class will show you how to produce consistent, high-quality cider at home.

September 8 from 6:30pm-8:30pm
Looft Hall

An Individualized Education Program (IEP) is an important tool designed to support your child's success in school. This class is designed to help parents understand the IEP process, their role as a member of the IEP team, and how to effectively partner with educators to support and advocate for their child's educational journey. 

Tuesday, September 8 and Tuesday, September 15 from 6:00pm-7:30pm
Looft Hall

This 2-part course is designed to help students move from financial survival mode into intentional financial growth and stability. 

Class is Saturday, August 22, 2026  11:00am - 1:00pm - Council Bluffs Campus 
Late-season gardening is about precision and planning. In this class, you’ll learn how to push
your garden beyond the traditional growing season using cold-hardy crops and strategic timing.
We’ll cover what can still be planted late in the season, what should already be established, and
how to manage crops through frost and colder temperatures. You’ll also learn about
overwintering techniques, cold frames, and how to protect crops for extended harvests. This
class is ideal for gardeners looking to maximize production and maintain fresh food availability
as the season winds down.

Class is Saturday, August 22, 2026  8:00am - 11:00am  - Student Center Room 1204 Council Bluffs Campus 
Pressure canning is essential for safely preserving low-acid foods like vegetables, and this class will walk you through the process step by step. You’ll learn how pressure canning works, why it’s necessary for certain foods, and how to properly prepare, pack, and process your jars. We’ll cover key safety principles, equipment use, and common mistakes to avoid. Participants will observe and assist in the canning process and leave with a clear understanding of how to confidently preserve their own garden produce at home.
**Participants Should Bring an Apron**

Class is Saturday, October 3, 2026  12:00pm - 3:00pm - Student Center Room 1204 Council Bluffs Campus 
Take pressure canning to the next level by preserving complete, ready-to-eat meals. In this class, you’ll learn how to safely combine ingredients like meats, vegetables, and broths into balanced, shelf-stable meals. We’ll cover proper layering, liquid ratios, processing guidelines, and recipe considerations to ensure both safety and flavor. This approach is ideal for busy households, emergency preparedness, or anyone looking to simplify mealtime. Participants will see the process in action and leave with practical knowledge for creating their own canned meal options at home.
**Participants Should Bring an Apron**

Class is Saturday, September 5, 2026 12:00pm - 3:00pm  - Student Center Room 1204 Council Bluffs Campus 
Pressure canning meat is one of the most powerful tools for building a self-sufficient food system. In this class, you’ll learn how to safely preserve a variety of meats for shelf-stable storage without sacrificing quality. We’ll cover raw pack vs. hot pack methods, proper processing times, and how to ensure safe, reliable results every time. You’ll also learn how pressure-canned meat can save time in the kitchen and provide quick, ready-to-use protein for meals. Participants will gain hands-on exposure to the process and leave prepared to confidently can meat at home.
**Participants Should Bring an Apron**