What do cookie decorating, Civil War history, watercolor painting, home repair, birding, pickleball, and a Christmas bakery tour of Chicago have in common?
They’re all part of the Fall 2026 Highland Community College Lifelong Learning program.
Registration for the Fall 2026 Lifelong Learning semester opens at 8 a.m. Monday, Aug. 3, 2026. Community members can register online or by phone beginning that morning for a semester designed to inspire curiosity, encourage personal growth, and connect people through learning.
Highland Community College Lifelong Learning offers educational experiences for adults who simply enjoy learning. Classes require no grades, no tests, and no prerequisites — just an interest in exploring new ideas, developing new skills, and meeting others who share similar interests.
This fall, the program features 59 classes, including 33 new offerings, taught by 26 instructors in 10 communities across seven counties. Participants can attend classes close to home at libraries, museums, businesses, community centers, churches, and other partner locations, as well as online.
The Fall 2026 schedule reflects the wide-ranging interests of lifelong learners.
History enthusiasts can explore topics ranging from Abraham Lincoln and James A. Garfield to the Galveston hurricane, the Merci Train, Oakdale Tabernacle, Cahokia, and the Civil War. Creative learners can discover watercolor, pastel, pottery, Zentangle, and other artistic pursuits. Those looking for practical skills can learn home repair techniques, electrical basics, plumbing, painting, and other do-it-yourself projects. Food lovers can decorate seasonal cookies, make sushi, prepare appetizers, and experience the popular Downtown Chicago Christmas Bakery Bus Tour. Participants can also enjoy birding, pickleball, writing, music, wellness, and other opportunities designed to enrich everyday life.
Rather than simply offering classes, Highland Community College Lifelong Learning creates opportunities for people to gather, learn, and build connections throughout northwest Illinois and southern Wisconsin. Through partnerships with local libraries, historical societies, businesses, museums, parks, and community organizations, the program extends Highland Community College’s educational mission far beyond its campus.
“Lifelong Learning is about discovering something that sparks your curiosity,” said Rebecca Anderson, manager of Lifelong Learning at Highland Community College. “Whether someone wants to learn a practical skill, explore local history, express their creativity, or simply enjoy an afternoon with others who love learning, our goal is to provide welcoming experiences that enrich lives and strengthen our communities.”
That mission is reflected in participant feedback. Across recent semesters, evaluations consistently praise the program’s knowledgeable instructors, welcoming atmosphere, engaging classes, and the opportunity to continue learning simply for the joy of learning. Many participants return semester after semester and often introduce friends and family to the program.
Because many classes have limited enrollment, early registration is encouraged.
The complete Fall 2026 schedule, course descriptions, and registration information are available at highland.edu/lifelong. Registration also is available by contacting the Highland Community College Lifelong Learning office at 815-599-3403.
Highland Community College Lifelong Learning welcomes adults of all backgrounds and experience levels. Whether participants attend one class or several, the program offers opportunities to discover new interests, build new friendships, and experience the satisfaction of lifelong learning in a supportive and engaging environment.
