Special Interests   

The in-person cohort has four mandatory meeting times, which include time for the final exam. All other work will be done within Canvas. You can select from among eight coaching sessions to complete your four meetings, but you must attend the first date (orientation) for successful completion:

• Mon, 1/5: 11 - 1 pm or 4 - 6 pm - Required Orientation
• Thurs, 1/8: 11 - 1 pm or 4 - 6 pm
• Mon, 1/12: 11 - 1 pm or 4 - 6 pm
• Thurs, 1/15: 11 - 1 pm or 4 - 6 pm

To apply for a fee waiver, please fill out this form.

This online class will be entirely conducted within Canvas. You will make appointments to meet with the facilitator online for your required meetings, one of which is orientation. Orientation will consist of completing an assignment and the pre-assessment. Honorlock will be used for the proctored final exam, or you may take the exam in the Testing Center.

Technology requirements are access to a laptop or desktop computer, up-to-date Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox web browsers, and reliable internet, webcam, and microphone.

To apply for a fee waiver, please fill out this form.

Take this five-question survey to find out if you are a good candidate for the online Biology Bootcamp. If you answer a. or b. to all of the questions below, you are welcome to register for the online Biology Bootcamp. If you answered c. for any of the below, you may want to reconsider whether the online version is right for you.

1) Which best describes your technology access?

          a. I have a computer at home with reliable internet access, webcam, and microphone, and I know how to find and use my ICC email account.

          b. I have regular access to a computer with reliable internet access, webcam, and microphone, and I have an ICC email account.

          c. I don't have access to a computer with the above features or an ICC email address.

2) Which best describes your technology skills?

          a. High. I am experienced with using my ICC email, web browsers, and Canvas.

          b. Medium. I will be able to use my ICC email, web browsers, and/or Canvas before the first day of the online Biology Bootcamp.

          c. Low. I am NOT ready to learn to use my ICC email, web browsers, and/or Canvas.

3) Which best describes your need for face-to-face instruction?

          a. Not essential to me, and I am fully able to learn without face-to-face interaction.

          b. Important to me, but I am capable of learning in an online environment.

          c. Essential to me, and I need interaction in person with the instructor and /or other students to learn effectively.

4) Which best describes how you approach getting help online?

          a. I feel comfortable reaching out to the instructor or the technology help desk with questions and asking for help when I need it.

          b. I hesitate to ask questions, but I will ask for help if I need it.

          c. I do not like to ask questions, ask for help, or work with others when I need help.

5) Which best describes the amount of time you have to devote to learning online?

          a. 7 hours or more per week during the class period.

          b. At least 5 hours per week during the class period.

          c. Fewer than 3 hours per week during the class period.

Private Piano Lessons: One-on-One

Private lessons will be individualized for each student, while simultaneously adhering to a consistent music curriculum throughout the Academy. Taught by qualified and experienced educators in the field of piano, students will learn the fundamentals of technique, theory, application, and performance of playing the piano. Lessons will take place in the professional studio space on the East Peoria campus of ICC.

Semester tuition includes 15 lessons, performances in the Recital Hall at the end of the semester for students to demonstrate their skills, as well as other performance and competitive opportunities to incentivize the passionate student. All levels and all ages are invited to study with our teachers, who teach in an environment that will foster creative and fulfilling music experiences for all.

Individual times to be arranged by the facilitator (weekday afternoons or evenings).

If you have any questions, please reach out to Jennalynn Cisna at Jennalynn.Cisna@icc.edu.

Private Voice Lessons: One-on-One

Private voice lessons are individualized to each student and their voice! Students will learn the fundamentals of proper voice technique and musicality over the course of 15 lessons. Lessons will take place in the professional studio space on the East Peoria campus of ICC. All levels and all ages are invited to study with our teachers, who teach in an environment that will foster creative and fulfilling music experiences for all.

Individual times to be arranged by the facilitator (weekday afternoons or evenings).

If you have any questions, please reach out to Jennalynn Cisna at Jennalynn.Cisna@icc.edu.

If you've ever been interested in singing in a choral organization, our Community Ensemble: Concert Choir is looking for community members!

This group meets on Tuesdays and Thursdays on the East Peoria campus.

There is no audition required for this community ensemble.

Concert date is scheduled for Monday, April 27, 2026, at 7:30 pm.

Contact instructor, Ron Kiesewetter, with any questions: Ron.Kiesewetter@icc.edu.

Do you play guitar, piano, wind, or percussion instruments? Consider joining the Hard Bop Jazz Band.

This group meets on Tuesdays and Thursdays on the East Peoria campus. 

Auditions are held on the first day of class. 

Concert date is scheduled for Tuesday, April 21, 2026, at 7:30 pm.

Contact the instructor, Larry Harms, with any questions: Larry.Harms@icc.edu.

The Community Ensemble: Concert Band is looking for wind and/or percussion players to join their ensemble.

This group meets on Mondays on the East Peoria campus.

There is no audition required for this community ensemble.

Concert date is scheduled for Monday, May 4, 2026, at 7:30 pm.

Contact the instructor, Karli McCann, with any questions: Karli.McCann@icc.edu.

This course introduces students to essential workplace skills in two key areas: customer service and custodial services. Students will explore customer service basics including professional communication, handling customer needs, and maintaining a positive attitude in the workplace. In addition, students will learn proper cleaning techniques, safety procedures, equipment use, and task organization to succeed in custodial roles.

This course introduces students to the foundational principles of kitchen safety and basic culinary techniques. Emphasis is placed on the safe and effective use of kitchen tools and appliances, accurate measurement of ingredients, and the ability to follow simple recipes. Students will also develop essential food safety and hygiene practices while gaining confidence in working with common kitchen hazards such as heat and sharp utensils. In addition, the course provides an introduction to workplace readiness and the fundamentals of working in a restaurant environment.

This course prepares students for the workplace by focusing on essential pre-employment skills. Topics include communication, time management, resume building, interview practice, workplace behavior, and self-advocacy. Students will develop the skills and confidence needed to pursue and maintain employment. The course also explores various job types and helps students identify their interests and strengths.

The relationship you have with yourself is the foundation for ALL relationships in your life. It's important to create a loving foundation with yourself (self-love) because it is key to loving your life.

Sometimes, that is easier said than done because we can be so hard on ourselves and have high expectations. Many times, we don't say the nicest things to ourselves about ourselves.

Join us for Put A Little Love In Your Heart to learn and understand:

• Why we struggle with loving ourselves.
• What gets in the way of loving ourselves the way we should.
• Why it is so important to love yourself.
• What exactly self-love is.
• What benefits you experience when you love yourself.
• Practical ways to grow in loving yourself more.

You will leave this masterclass with a greater understanding of yourself, effective strategies to grow in self-love, and be motivated and inspired to start loving yourself more.

This Valentine season, along with showing compassion to those you love, take some time to also show yourself some love!

Get a comprehensive introduction to the fast-growing cannabis industry in Illinois and beyond. This session will walk you through the structure of the cannabis supply chain—from cultivators and processors to testing labs, transporters, and dispensaries. You’ll learn how Illinois's approach fits into the larger national picture and what’s on the horizon for legalization, employment, and entrepreneurship.

You’ll Learn:

• Who’s involved in bringing cannabis from seed to shelf

• How Illinois regulates and licenses different types of businesses

• Trends and opportunities in cannabis employment and ownership

• Federal laws vs. state laws—and what might change next

Ideal for curious consumers, potential job seekers, or anyone wanting to understand how the industry works from top to bottom.

Ready to begin your cannabis journey—whether medically or recreationally? This interactive workshop demystifies the endocannabinoid system, cannabinoid & terpene benefits, and dosing strategies to avoid unwanted effects. You’ll gain clarity on consumption, storage, transport rules in Illinois, and the medical cannabis program for qualifying patients. Walk away feeling confident in your next dispensary visit.

Learning Outcomes:

• Understand the endocannabinoid system, cannabinoids, and terpenes
• Learn dosage methods across different product formats
• Master responsibilities related to legal use, storage, and transport
• Explore medical cannabis eligibility, application, and usage

This session helps you make sense of the diverse and sometimes overwhelming world of cannabis products. We’ll review different consumption methods (like smoking, vaping, edibles, tinctures, topicals) and how each affects the body. Learn about solvents used in production, how to read dispensary menus, choose appropriate dosages, and evaluate which product types might be best for your goals—be it pain relief, stress management, or sleep support.

You’ll Learn:

• Key product categories and delivery methods

• How to read product labels, menus, and dosage info

• Tips for safe and effective consumption

• Questions to ask your budtender or healthcare provider

Ideal for new or returning cannabis users, medical patients, and curious consumers.

$10 is the class registration fee collected by ICC. Please pay when you register for the class.

The AARP Fee is $20.00 for AARP members and $25.00 for nonmembers that can be paid on the day of the class. The instructor will collect the money before the class. Cash or check payable to AARP due at the time of class. Please bring the correct amount if paying by cash. Bring your Membership card, driver's license, and a pen. Must attend full 4 hours both days to qualify for Insurance Discount required by the state of Illinois. Arrive 20 minutes early for class sign in. The facilitator is a volunteer and is certified by the Illinois Secretary of State.

Confused about what’s legal—and what’s not? This session demystifies cannabis laws in Illinois. We’ll cover the rules for both recreational and medical users, including possession limits, transportation, workplace concerns, and the responsibilities of cannabis businesses. You’ll also learn about the war on drugs, which agencies enforce the law, and how inspections and penalties work for dispensaries.

You’ll Learn:

• What’s legal for adult-use and medical cannabis in Illinois

• Who enforces the laws (IDFPR, IDOA, etc.)

• Key compliance issues for businesses and consumers

• What happens if regulations are broken

Ideal for anyone interested in staying compliant, working in cannabis, or just staying out of trouble.

Ready to begin your cannabis journey—whether medically or recreationally? This interactive workshop demystifies the endocannabinoid system, cannabinoid & terpene benefits, and dosing strategies to avoid unwanted effects. You’ll gain clarity on consumption, storage, transport rules in Illinois, and the medical cannabis program for qualifying patients. Walk away feeling confident in your next dispensary visit.

Learning Outcomes:

• Understand the endocannabinoid system, cannabinoids, and terpenes
• Learn dosage methods across different product formats
• Master responsibilities related to legal use, storage, and transport
• Explore medical cannabis eligibility, application, and usage

Ever wondered what happens behind the counter at a dispensary? This session takes you behind the scenes to explore the inner workings of a cannabis retail space. You’ll get an overview of customer check-in, inventory controls, compliance steps, and how dispensary staff are trained to serve customers. Perfect for those considering a career in cannabis or launching a retail business.

You’ll Learn:

• How dispensaries are staffed and operated

• Technology used to track inventory and sales

• Legal procedures for sales and age verification

• What it takes to thrive in a dispensary role

Ideal for aspiring dispensary employees, cannabis business students, and entrepreneurs.

Do you see yourself working in the field of cannabis? Opportunities are everywhere in this new and constantly growing industry! To work in cannabis, you need to know basic plant science, patient & product navigation, laws, and regulations. In addition to basic operations, this course focuses on supply chain and inventory management.

What sets this program apart from other cannabis dispensary programs? GPEAK badges! GPEAK stands for Greater Peoria Essential Skills, Ability, and Knowledge, and was developed by Greater Peoria leaders to provide training in the essential skills they want to see from employees. GPEAK activities aligned with the objectives of this course will provide you with essential skills in teambuilding and conflict management, problem solving and accountability, and decision making. At the end of the course, you will be badged in the above-mentioned skills. 

In this 5-session course, you will learn the following in a team-centered, in-person, interactive cohort:
•    Cannabis plant basics and products available
•    History, myths, and stigmas of cannabis
•    Laws, regulations, and operations pertaining to a cannabis dispensary
•    Cannabis supply chain and inventory management
•    Dispensary customer service and pathways into the cannabis industry

Registration fee will be refunded upon request if learners complete all 5 nights of the course, thanks to a grant provided to ICC.

Step into the wild and wonderful Spring Creek Preserve for a morning of discovery, exploration, and connection with nature! This guided adventure invites participants to explore part of the preserve’s 262 acres of diverse habitats—grasslands, woodlands, bottomlands, and creek beds. Together we’ll search for wildflowers, insects, birds, trees, moss, rocks, and maybe even fossils!

Designed for nature enthusiasts ages 10 and up, this family-friendly event also welcomes younger adventurers (ages 7–9) with an accompanying adult. Nature exploration helps build stronger family bonds, promotes physical and mental well-being, sparks curiosity, and encourages environmental stewardship—all while having fun in the great outdoors.

Get ready to breathe fresh air, splash through shallow waters, spot buzzing insects, hear birdsong, and maybe find a small aquatic creature in the stream. This is a hands-on, feet-wet kind of day!

Where to Go: Spring Creek Preserve - located at the bottom of the hill across from Thornton's gas station on Rt. 116.

What to Bring:

• Closed-toe shoes required (no sandals, flip-flops, or Crocs)
• Old clothes that can get wet or muddy
• A hat, sunscreen, and bug spray
• A rain jacket (just in case!)
• A water bottle and a snack

Note: field equipment (nets, buckets, etc.) will be provided.

Please fill out and turn in our Risk and Release form prior to the start of our exploration. The form can be turned in digitally to cce.information@icc.edu or in person in Hickory Hall.

In the event that we have to postpone due to weather, the rain date will be April 25.

Join us for an unforgettable morning that blends outdoor fun with discovery and learning!

Ready to begin your cannabis journey—whether medically or recreationally? This interactive workshop demystifies the endocannabinoid system, cannabinoid & terpene benefits, and dosing strategies to avoid unwanted effects. You’ll gain clarity on consumption, storage, transport rules in Illinois, and the medical cannabis program for qualifying patients. Walk away feeling confident in your next dispensary visit.

Learning Outcomes:

• Understand the endocannabinoid system, cannabinoids, and terpenes
• Learn dosage methods across different product formats
• Master responsibilities related to legal use, storage, and transport
• Explore medical cannabis eligibility, application, and usage

Growing your own cannabis is legal in Illinois for registered medical cannabis patients—and this class shows you how to do it the right way. We’ll introduce the basic principles of home cultivation, including lighting, nutrients, grow cycles, and what kind of equipment you need to get started. You’ll also learn about common pitfalls and how to avoid them.

You’ll Learn:

• Equipment basics: lights, soil, nutrients, and airflow

• Plant lifecycle: seed to harvest explained

• Indoor grow room setup tips

• Legal limitations and patient-only rules

Ideal for curious medical cannabis patients or hobbyists interested in home growing.

Get ready for a hands-on outdoor adventure through woodlands, boardwalks, and riverbanks! This Nature Explorations event begins at Cooper Park South, where we’ll explore a sandy beach and wade into the river in search of mussels, fish, and macroinvertebrates. As we identify the organisms we find, we’ll also learn about water quality and how these small creatures help tell the story of a healthy ecosystem.

Ideal for curious minds ages 10 and up, this family-friendly event also welcomes younger children (ages 7–9) when accompanied by an adult. Exploring nature together not only strengthens family bonds but also supports physical and mental health, sparks curiosity, and builds a deeper appreciation for the environment.

Whether you’re watching insects flutter by, hearing the call of a bird in the trees, or gently uncovering aquatic life in the shallows, this is a morning full of discovery and connection to the natural world.

Where to Go: Cooper Park South - Park behind Jonah’s Seafood, near the playground off Route 116.

What to Bring:

• Closed-toe shoes required (no sandals, flip-flops, or Crocs)
• Old clothes and shoes that can get wet or muddy
• Water shoes or rain boots for wading (optional but encouraged)
• Hat, sunscreen, and bug spray
• A rain jacket if there’s light rain in the forecast
• A water bottle and a snack

Note: field equipment (nets, buckets, etc.) will be provided.

Please fill out and turn in our Risk and Release form prior to the start of our exploration. The form can be turned in digitally to cce.information@icc.edu or in person in Hickory Hall.

In the event that we have to postpone due to weather, the rain date will be May 16.

Join us for a refreshing morning outdoors—where the river meets the forest, and every step is a chance to learn something new!

If you're considering medical cannabis as part of your wellness or treatment plan, this session will walk you through how to get started in Illinois’s Medical Cannabis Patient Program. You’ll learn how to qualify, apply, and use cannabis responsibly within legal guidelines. We’ll also cover how to navigate discussions with your healthcare provider, what protections you have under the law, and what to expect at your first dispensary visit.

You’ll Learn:

• Which medical conditions qualify for cannabis use

• How to apply for a patient card (or caregiver card)

• Legal protections—and limitations—for patients

• Cannabis use in housing, employment, and transportation

• Tips for starting a safe and effective regimen

Ideal for:

• Patients with chronic conditions like pain, anxiety, or PTSD

• Caregivers supporting a qualifying individual

• Healthcare professionals who want to guide patients with confidence

• Anyone wanting to legally and safely integrate cannabis into their care

Have you been feeling a bit sluggish lately? Is it hard to turn off your mind? Are you feeling more stressed and overwhelmed these days? If you answered "yes" to even one of these questions, then we encourage you to join this masterclass. You will learn one surprising reason we experience stress and overwhelming feelings and how they affect your overall health - physically, mentally, and emotionally. Once you realize its impact on you, it can change everything, because you will know how to take steps to reduce and manage the stress in your life.

We will share 3 strategic ways to take you out of feeling overwhelmed and stressed to experiencing more energy, balanced moods, and feeling more focused, calm, and present. Stress management is key to living a healthy life, so take this time to invest in you and your health because you are worth it!