Life & Leisure

Life & Leisure

Have you ever found yourself at a loss when someone asks you, what you do in your free time? Leisure education is a transformative process that encourages us to explore our attitudes, motivators, and interests. It empowers us to develop a meaningful lifestyle by discovering potential opportunities and resources.

Some of the classes at Iowa Western Continuing Education include:

Available Courses

We will create a pretty heart that includes more hearts and florals. This design will make a beautiful picture to frame or can be made into a card for someone special. Bring yourself and take an artistic journey as we escape the cold! Materials and design provided. Feel free to bring a snack and soda while you work!  Instructor is Jacque Stephens   Fee: $25.00  Class is on Wednesday, February 12th beginning at 5:30 p.m.

Start Date: 02/12/25
End Date: 02/12/25
Seats Available: 20
Cost: $25
Location: Clarinda

Sunday February 23rd, 2025   8:00am-2:00pm at Iron & Willow Salon 
This continuing education course is designed for licensed cosmetologists looking to refine their skills, stay updated on industry trends, and meet licensure renewal requirements. Participants will explore advanced techniques, products innovations, and business strategies to elevate their professional practice while fostering creativity and client satisfaction. 
This course will be 2 hours of Iowa Law and 4 hours of continuing education. 

Start Date: 02/23/25
End Date: 02/23/25
Seats Available: 2
Cost: $100
Location: Council Bluffs
   02/28/25 - Council Bluffs Campus

**When:** Friday, February 28, 2025, 8:30 AM - 3:00 pm
**Where:** Looft Hall Auditorium, Iowa Western Community College Council Bluffs Campus 
Join us for an engaging event focused on the growing field of eco-tourism and sustainable business practices. Hear from industry leaders as they share their success stories, strategies for growth, and the impact of eco-tourism on communities and the environment. The event includes a keynote presentation, a panel Q&A session, and networking opportunities over coffee and refreshments.  Lunch on your own is available in
IWCC’s cafeteria for $10 - debit/credit card only
This event is presented in partnership with Golden Hills RC&D. Don’t miss this opportunity to explore the possibilities of eco-tourism for your business!  

Start Date: 02/28/25
End Date: 02/28/25
Seats Available:
Cost: $50
Location: Council Bluffs Campus
   03/01/25 - Council Bluffs Campus

Saturday, March 1, 2025, 2:00pm-4:00pm. Council Bluffs Campus - Kinney Hall #066 An array of fibers, dyes, and other art materials can be found growing here in our backyard. We'll practice techniques for identifying useful plants in the Winter landscape and students will create their own handmade sheet of paper using locally foraged plant fibers. Historical and contemporary examples of artists using foraged materials will be presented. 

Start Date: 03/01/25
End Date: 03/01/25
Seats Available: 16
Cost: $85
Location: Council Bluffs Campus
   03/11/25 - Council Bluffs Campus

Description: Calling all 6th to 8th grade students! Dive into the exciting world of robotics and engineering with our 6-week series .In this hands-on program, you'll learn the fundamentals of robotics, coding, and problem-solving while working with VEX IQ kits. Collaborate with fellow students, tackle challenges, and unleash your creativity as you design and build your own robots. Whether you're a beginner or have some experience, this series is perfect for anyone eager to explore the world of STEM! Don't miss this opportunity to discover your potential and have fun along the way! 
Class Dates: March 11, March 18, March 25, April 1, April 8, April 15 Class Time: 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM Location: Looft Hall, IWCC Council Bluffs Campus

This program is open to individuals who are current 6th - 8th grade students. 
Registration Note: Registrations should be made under the student's name and payment is due at the time of registration. 

Start Date: 03/11/25
End Date: 04/15/25
Seats Available: 0
Cost: $85
Location: Council Bluffs Campus
   03/08/25 - Council Bluffs Campus

Saturday, March 8, 2025 10:00 am - 1:00 pm - Council Bluffs Campus Student Center 
Nothing is better than cozying up with a comforting, bowl of delicious soup. In this class, Chef Tasos will teach you a selection of his favorite soups, perfect for batch cooking and warming weeknight meals. By the time class wraps, you’ll have a new go-to comfort meal for cold nights and plenty of soup to take home. PLEASE BRING YOUR OWN APRON FOR THIS CLASS.
"Please note: A minimum of 10 students is required for this class to run. If the minimum is not met, participants will be notified in advance, and any payments will be fully refunded."
MENU • Swedish Meatball Soup • Chicken Tortilla Soup • Broccoli Cheddar Gnocchi
 

Start Date: 03/08/25
End Date: 03/08/25
Seats Available: 15
Cost: $45
Location: Council Bluffs Campus

Class will be Tuesday, March 11, 2025 - 5:30 pm - 8:30 pm - Hitchcock Nature Center
This course covers the fundamentals of wildland fire planning and management. Participants will learn how to develop fire management plans, assess wildfire risk, and implement strategies for fire prevention and response. Topics include fire behavior, safety protocols, prescribed burning, and managing fire-prone landscapes to protect ecosystems and communities.

Start Date: 03/11/25
End Date: 03/11/25
Seats Available: 14
Cost: $65
Location: Council Bluffs Campus
   03/11/25 - Council Bluffs Campus

Classes start Tuesday, March 11, 2025 from 5:30 pm - 8:30 pm and continue one Tuesday evening per month until November. 
This hands-on series is designed for landowners, natural resource professionals, and outdoor enthusiasts looking to deepen their knowledge of managing Iowa’s unique ecosystems. Participants will explore topics such as tree and plant identification, invasive species management, herbicide application, equipment operation, trail design, tree and shrub removal, wildfire planning, and ecosystem restoration. Some classes will include fieldwork at off-site locations, offering real-world application and insights.  
 

Start Date: 03/11/25
End Date: 11/04/25
Seats Available: 14
Cost: $499
Location: Council Bluffs Campus
   03/18/25 - Council Bluffs Campus

Class will be held every Tuesday & Thursday from 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm starting March 18 thru May 1, 2025

The Food Truck Business Certificate Course is designed to equip aspiring food truck entrepreneurs with the knowledge and skills needed to successfully launch and operate a food truck business. This 7-week course covers all essential aspects of the food truck industry, including business planning, regulatory compliance, operations management, marketing strategies, and culinary techniques. Through a combination of theoretical instruction, practical exercises, and hands-on experience, students will gain a well-rounded understanding of what it takes to thrive in the competitive food truck market.

Start Date: 03/18/25
End Date: 05/01/25
Seats Available: 4
Cost: $500
Location: Council Bluffs Campus

Zoom: 03/24/2025 6:30 pm – 9:30 pm 
In just a few hours, you can learn enough secrets of the trade to give you years of musical enjoyment.  Learn to play piano the way professionals do-using chords. The chord method is LOTS of fun and dramatically easier to learn than reading notes.   Fee includes the online book, online follow up lessons, a recording of the class and also an optional periodic question and answer session.   Class is held online using zoom and is partly hands on instruction and partly lecture demonstration.  Ages 13+
 

Start Date: 03/24/25
End Date: 03/24/25
Seats Available: 24
Cost: $69
Location: Online

Zoom: 03/25/2025 6:30 pm – 9:00 pm 
In just a few hours you can learn enough about playing the guitar to give you years of musical enjoyment, and you won’t have to take private lessons to do it.  This crash course will teach you some basic chords and get you playing along with your favorite songs right away.  Fee includes the online book, online follow up lessons, a recording of the class and also an optional periodic question and answer session.   Class is held online using zoom and is partly hands on instruction and partly lecture/demonstration.  For ages 13+.

Start Date: 03/25/25
End Date: 03/25/25
Seats Available: 25
Cost: $69
Location: Online
   03/29/25 - Council Bluffs Campus

Saturday, March 29, 2025 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm - Council Bluffs Campus Student Center 
You will learn the basics of cheese selection, how to fold meat, make a meat rose, salami link and chain. You will  learn about the different varieties of cheeses as well as pairings. You will be guided step by step as you create your own board to take home and enjoy.

Start Date: 03/29/25
End Date: 03/29/25
Seats Available: 15
Cost: $49
Location: Council Bluffs Campus
   03/29/25 - Council Bluffs Campus

Class will be Saturday, March 29, 2025 - 9:30 am - 12:00 pm - Looft Hall Room #022 
This is a two-hour beginner class. Some topics included in this class: machine setup; navigating the software; differences in cutting materials; care of mats and blades; basic cutting and how to get images and much more. You will leave this class with several small projects plus the basic knowledge you need to start cutting on your own. The best part? Supplies are included. Our classes are for the Cricut Explore series, Maker and Maker 3. Machines that only utilize cartridges are not appropriate. Students need to bring their Cricut machine, a computer or mobile device, cords, mat, and any tools you already own. Please make sure you are using the most current version of Design Space. 

Start Date: 03/29/25
End Date: 03/29/25
Seats Available: 6
Cost: $49
Location: Council Bluffs Campus
   03/29/25 - Council Bluffs Campus

Class will be Saturday, March 29, 2025 - 1:00 pm - 3:30 pm - Looft Hall Room #022 If you know the basics of your Cricut machine and are ready to polish your skills, join us for the next step in your Cricut education. This intermediate level class will reinforce what you already know and introduce new tools and techniques in the Design Space Software. Designed for paper crafters, we will focus on cutting letters, tiles, and other elements used primarily in card making and scrapbooking. We ask that you have a Design Space Access subscription for Cricut 2 and 3. Bring your machine, a computer or mobile device, cords, a cutting mat, and any tools and pens that you might already have. All paper is supplied. The machines welcome in this class include any of the Cricut Explore machines and the Cricut Maker machines. The Cricut  Joy and any machine that exclusively uses cartridges and not covered in this class - but instruction is available by request. 

Start Date: 03/29/25
End Date: 03/29/25
Seats Available: 8
Cost: $49
Location: Council Bluffs Campus
   04/05/25 - Council Bluffs Campus

Saturday, April 5, 2025 3:00 pm - 6:00 pm - Council Bluffs Campus Student Center 
In this course you will learn, first hand, how to prepare a Neapolitan pizza. The secret of this world known Pizza Style is in the dough. You will learn how to prepare a perfect dough that is crunchy and airy. You will make homemade Pizza Sauce, and taste different pizzas. By the end of the class, you'll take home pizza dough ready for a second rise, along with your leftover pizza and calzone (if there are any!) and recipes to impress your family and friends.
Menu: • Pepperoni Pizza • Caprese Pizza • Calzone with Ricotta filling

 

Start Date: 04/05/25
End Date: 04/05/25
Seats Available: 13
Cost: $45
Location: Council Bluffs Campus
   04/07/25 - Council Bluffs Campus

April 7th-May 12th, 2025 from 5:30pm-6:15pm 
Feel Invigorated and stretched after Yoga flow! This gentle flowing yoga style will keep you moving, but is gentle on joints and appropriate for beginners. Flow vinyasa-style to relaxing music, and work on your flexibility. Yoga mats, blocks and other equipment are available at the wellness center, feel free to bring your own mat if you prefer. Please let the instructor know of any injuries or limitations, as portion of class may have students on their knees or inversions such as downward dog pose. The instructor will modify poses to meet the needs of participants. 

Start Date: 04/07/25
End Date: 05/12/25
Seats Available: 20
Cost: $30
Location: Council Bluffs Campus
   04/07/25 - Council Bluffs Campus

April 7th-May12th, 2025 from 4:30pm-5:15pm 
Develop your core strength and tone up with this low-impact workout based around the Pilates and Barre. Enjoy a low-impact workout using hand wights, Pilates balls, resistance bands and a ballet barre while tighten and ton glutes, core and improve posture. No dance required! All equipment is provided by the Wellness Center, bring your own yoga mat if desired (we have mats also), and dress comfortably in yoga class wear. Footwear is yoga grippy socks, bare feet, or clean gym shoes if you prefer to keep shoes on.

Start Date: 04/07/25
End Date: 05/12/25
Seats Available: 20
Cost: $30
Location: Council Bluffs Campus
   04/08/25 - Council Bluffs Campus

Class will be Tuesday, April 8, 2025 - 5:30 pm - 8:30 pm - Council Bluffs Campus 
This course covers the essential techniques for removing trees and shrubs, focusing on best practices for clearing invasive species and managing woody encroachment. Learn about proper tools, safety measures, and effective methods for removal in diverse landscapes. Ideal for land managers, conservationists, and anyone interested in maintaining healthy ecosystems.

Start Date: 04/08/25
End Date: 04/08/25
Seats Available: 15
Cost: $65
Location: Council Bluffs Campus
   05/06/25 - Council Bluffs Campus

Class will be Tuesday, May 6, 2025 - 5:30 pm - 8:30 pm - Council Bluffs Campus - Looft Hall 
This course covers the safe and effective application of herbicides in land management. Learn how to identify invasive plant species, select appropriate herbicides, and apply them using best practices to minimize environmental impact. Topics include safety protocols, equipment use, and integrated pest management strategies for maintaining healthy ecosystems.

Start Date: 05/06/25
End Date: 05/06/25
Seats Available: 16
Cost: $65
Location: Council Bluffs Campus
   05/09/25 - Council Bluffs Campus

Friday, May 9, 2025 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm - Council Bluffs Campus Student Center 
Enjoy a fun and delicious evening with this hands-on, three-course cooking class. Perfect for date nights or a girls’ night out, you’ll work in groups to create a mouthwatering menu featuring braised short ribs, creamy cheddar grits, and a sweet finish with Banana’s Foster Bread Pudding. Come hungry and ready to cook! Please bring your apron and a beverage of your choice.
Menu: • Apple Cider Salad • Braised Short Ribs | Caramelized Onions • Glazed Carrots • Banana's Foster Bread Pudding | Vanilla Cream Sauce

 

Start Date: 05/09/25
End Date: 05/09/25
Seats Available: 16
Cost: $50
Location: Council Bluffs Campus
   05/23/25 - Council Bluffs Campus

Friday, May 23, 2025 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm - Council Bluffs Campus Student Center 
Join us for an unforgettable evening of Italian steakhouse classics where you’ll master the art of grilling and creating delicious, restaurant-quality dishes. 
This hands-on class will guide you through the preparation of a luxurious Italian-inspired steakhouse menu, perfect for steak lovers and Italian cuisine enthusiasts alike. Come hungry and ready to cook!
Menu: • Tuscan Creamy Cannellini Bean and Leek Soup • Tagliata | Arugula Salad (Italian Sliced Steak) • Italian Cream Cake
 

Start Date: 05/23/25
End Date: 05/23/25
Seats Available: 16
Cost: $49
Location: Council Bluffs Campus

Class will be Tuesday, June 10, 2025 - 5:30 pm - 8:30 pm - Council Bluffs Campus - Looft Hall 
This course is part of the Land Stewardship Series. Learn to identify native and invasive trees, plants, and shrubs that impact western Iowa’s prairie and savanna ecosystems. This hands-on course will teach you how to recognize species that need protection and those that require management or removal to preserve fragile landscapes. Gain practical skills to support effective land stewardship and conservation efforts.

Start Date: 06/10/25
End Date: 06/10/25
Seats Available: 15
Cost: $65
Location: Council Bluffs
   07/08/25 - Council Bluffs Campus

Class will be Tuesday, July 8, 2025 - 5:30 pm - 8:30 pm - Council Bluffs 
Learn the basics of operating essential equipment for effective land management. This hands-on course covers the use of machinery like Bobcats for shearing, grinding, and mulching; Bush Hogs for mowing and shrub removal; brush cutters; and other tools. Gain practical skills for maintaining and restoring landscapes safely and efficiently.

Start Date: 07/08/25
End Date: 07/08/25
Seats Available: 14
Cost: $65
Location: Council Bluffs Campus

Class will be Tuesday, August 5, 2025 - 5:30 pm - 8:30 pm - Hitchcock Nature Center
This course focuses on the principles of designing sustainable soft trails in natural landscapes. Learn how to plan, layout, and build trails that minimize environmental impact while providing access for hiking, mountain biking, and other outdoor activities. Topics include trail alignment, erosion control, and long-term maintenance strategies, with an emphasis on creating trails that blend seamlessly with the surrounding environment.

Start Date: 08/05/25
End Date: 08/05/25
Seats Available: 15
Cost: $65
Location: Council Bluffs
   09/09/25 - Council Bluffs Campus

Class will be Tuesday, September 9, 2025 - 5:30 pm - 8:30 pm - Council Bluffs Campus - Looft Hall  
This course provides an overview of Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations as they apply to land management and stewardship activities. Learn about safety standards for working with heavy equipment, herbicides, and in the field, as well as proper risk management practices. Ideal for land managers and those involved in outdoor conservation work, this course helps ensure a safe and compliant work environment.

Start Date: 09/09/25
End Date: 09/09/25
Seats Available: 15
Cost: $65
Location: Council Bluffs Campus

Class will be Tuesday, October 7, 2025 - 5:30 pm - 8:30 pm - Council Bluffs Campus 
Discover the techniques and tools needed to harvest, process, and clean native seeds for restoration projects. This hands-on course covers best practices for collecting seeds, ensuring quality through proper processing, and preparing them for planting or storage. Perfect for anyone interested in conservation or land restoration efforts.

Start Date: 10/07/25
End Date: 10/07/25
Seats Available: 15
Cost: $65
Location: Council Bluffs Campus
   11/04/25 - Council Bluffs Campus

Class will be Tuesday, November 4, 2025 - 5:30 pm - 8:30 pm - Council Bluffs Campus - Looft Hall 
Learn the foundational skills and strategies needed to start and manage a successful business. This course covers essential topics such as creating a business plan, understanding finances, marketing your services, and navigating the challenges of entrepreneurship. Ideal for aspiring business owners or those looking to strengthen their business knowledge.

Start Date: 11/04/25
End Date: 11/04/25
Seats Available: 14
Cost: $65
Location: Council Bluffs Campus


Refunds: You may cancel your registration 5 business days prior to the start of the class date and receive a 100% refund excluding the $50 non-refundable processing fee. If contacting outside Iowa Western Community College’s Continuing Education Department business hours, leave a voicemail and or send the department an email. Iowa Western’s Continuing Education is not responsible for refunds if contact is not pursued via voicemail and or email. In compliance with the IWCC policy, refunds will only be produced in the form of a check. A check will be issued within 14 business days after the refund is admitted to the customer. Refund will be sent to the customer’s address that is on file. Certain program restrictions may apply. Contact Continuing Education for more details at ce@iwcc.edu.

Cancellations: Iowa Western reserves the right to cancel any class where difficulties arise in staffing or scheduling or where a minimum enrollment is not achieved. A full refund will be issued for all canceled classes.

Transfers/Withdrawals: Transfers may be subject to $25.00 transfer fee. Non-attendance for a class does not constitute a withdrawal and refunds are not issued for non-attendance. Transfers may be made up to two full business days (unless otherwise noted in the class information) prior to the start date of the class. After that time, transfers will not be permitted and no refund will be issued.