Community Education

Community Education has been a main staple of Outreach for over 40 years. So whether you're looking for something new and fun to do or want to gain a new skill, Community Education has something for everyone--even the little ones. Browse the list below and register online for your favorite class. Discounts are available on select Community Education classes. Register Today!

How to Start a Small Business

Have you been dreaming of starting your own business, but you’re not quite sure how to get started? This class will provide you with the information that you’ll need to get your business off the ground. Business expert and SCORE Volunteer Dr. Don Bradley will offer the resources needed help guide you toward owning and operating the business of your dreams!

Regular Fee: FREE

Tuesday, February 18 -

6:00 pm - 8:30 pm

Location: Brewer-Hegeman Conference Center

Instructor: Dr. Don Bradley | Little Rock SCORE

From Pen to Publishing

You’ve spent long hours writing and writing and your thoughts are finally captured in book form. Now what? Author Kassandra Klay will guide you through the process of getting it out to the world. This class will provide information to help you determine your best path toward publication, whether it be the traditional route or the self-publishing process. She will share tips to enhance your writing process and will walk you through the journey of launching your book. Since publishing a book doesn’t equal sales, Kassandra will also reveal marketing, promotion and advertising strategies to help your book jump off the shelf. Please make arrangements for lunch as a lunch break will be provided.

Regular Fee: $50

Saturday, February 22 -

9:00 am - 2:00 pm

Location: Brewer-Hegeman Conference Center

Instructor: Kassandra Klay

Women’s Self-Defense Workshop

During the Women’s Self Defense Workshop you will learn basic and effective “real life” self-defense tactics. Topics such as awareness of surroundings, most effective techniques and avoidance will be discussed. This workshop is based on the Street Smart Self Defense System developed by Master Brice Bishop, an 8th degree black belt and owner of National Black Belt Academy in Conway.

Regular Fee: $10

Saturday, February 22 -

10:00 am - 11:30 am

Location: Brewer-Hegeman Conference Center

Instructor: Master Brice Bishop

Small Business Marketing Tips

Savvy marketing, whether on a large or small scale, is the lifeblood of any business seeking growth. It involves all of the ways in which you communicate with the public, including potential customers. Let SCORE Volunteer and veteran instructor Dr. Don Bradley teach you the best ways to present your message to shape customer’s perceptions, gaining increased exposure and sales.

Regular Fee: FREE

Tuesday, February 25 -

6:00 pm - 8:30 pm

Location: Brewer-Hegeman Conference Center

Instructor: Dr. Don Bradley | Little Rock SCORE

Cast Away the Clutter!

Is the state of your home or office making you feel overwhelmed, stressed, anxious or frustrated? Is the clutter starting to affect your sunny disposition? Getting organized allows you to find the items you have, streamline your life and reduce stress. Sheryl Mulberry-Allen of Fresh Start Conway will teach you the basics to organizing any space in your home or office and help you discover obstacles keeping you from reaching your organizing goals. It’s time to start enjoying your home as a comfortable place that suits your life.

Regular Fee: Free

Tuesday, February 25 -

6:30 pm - 8:00 pm

Location: Brewer-Hegeman Conference Center

Instructor: Sheryl Mulberry-Allen

Financing a Home Loan

Financing a home loan is a big step. Ashley Newman will reveal the benefits of homeownership as well as different loan program options available. She’ll uncover the biggest obstacles toward homeownership and how to overcome them. You’ll also learn the mechanics of credit scores - what they mean, how to improve low scores and what options are available to buyers. Ashley will take you step-by-step through the application and loan process. Sign up today!

Regular Fee: FREE

Thursday, February 27 -

6:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Location: Brewer-Hegeman Conference Center

Instructor: Ashley Newman

Introduction to Mixed Media Art Journaling

Jessica Lane is ready to show you the different types of art paper, mediums and materials available to create a personalized art journal. She will guide you in preparing your pages, creating your layouts and layering them mixed media style. This class is suitable for students with little or no art experience. Supplies include everything you need for the class and basic materials to take home, as well as online resources for free mini courses and mixed media artists. Please make arrangements for lunch as a lunch break will be provided.

Regular Fee: $60

Saturday, February 29 -

9:00 am - 2:00 pm
Material Fee: $15

Location: UCA Downtown

Instructor: Jessica Lane

Managing Volunteers and Impact with GivePulse

Volunteers are essential to any nonprofit organization, not just to assist with operations and special events, but to raise awareness about your work in the community. When it comes to attracting volunteers, ease of access to opportunities and consistent communication are key. GivePulse provides a free volunteer management tool for nonprofits to create events, manage volunteers, and track the impact of volunteers with your organization. Learn how you can use this tool to more effectively engage UCA students and community members in your organization’s work. Can’t attend this training, but want to start using GivePulse? Email Lesley at lgraybeal@uca.edu to schedule an individual training!

Regular Fee: FREE

Tues, March 3 -

9:00 am - 11:00 am
This event is for nonprofit leaders and staff

Location: UCA Downtown - 1105 West Oak Street in Downtown Conway

Instructor: Dr. Lesley Graybeal | UCA Nonprofit Workshop Series

Know Before You Go: “Show Me the Money!” Finding and Applying for College Scholarships

With tens of thousands of scholarships available nationwide every year, you might think it would be easy to earn a few. Finding the ones you qualify for, however, and then doing what it takes to apply can be frustrating. In this workshop, you'll discover the best places to find scholarships as well as how to write a winning scholarship essay.

Regular Fee: FREE

Thursday, March 5 -

6:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Location: Brewer Hegeman Conference Center

Instructor: Donna Hill

RV There Yet? How to Hit the Road in an RV

Whether you're looking for a getaway with the kids for a weekend or for a way to enjoy retirement, hitting the road in an RV might be just the ticket! Don & Laurie Walker "took a break" after a 30-year military career by living full-time in a Holiday Rambler motorhome. Seven years and 90,000 miles later they know all the ins and outs of the RV lifestyle. Learn about types of RVs, how they work, amenities, budget issues, lifestyle choices, pros, cons, and all the wonderful places you can go. This class will end with a Q&A session so you can get personalized advice.

Regular Fee: Free

Tuesday, March 10 -

6:30 pm - 8:00 pm

Location: UCA DOWNTOWN

Instructor: Dr. Don & Laurie Walker

Personalized Jewelry Crafting

Craft jewelry has become quite popular because people want to show their individuality through jewelry that fits their personality. This class will teach you how to make different types of craft jewelry including earrings, bracelets and necklaces. You may focus on either making one piece of jewelry or an entire collection. Tools will be provided for you to use during class and to continue crafting on your own afterward. Making jewelry that is special and unique can carry meaning far beyond something you buy in a store!

Regular Fee: $30

Thursday, March 12 -

6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Material Fee: $20 (paid to instructor on day of class)

Location: Brewer-Hegeman Conference Center

Instructor: Dr. Candice Barnes

Brain Matters: The Brain on Drugs

Are you curious about how your brain works and the possible effects street, over-the-counter and prescription drugs can have on its functionality? Join neuroscientist Dr. Barbara Clancy as she explains the way different drugs such as antidepressants, pain medications, alcohol, marijuana and other chemicals influence how your brain works. Registered participants can email potential discussion questions prior to class to communityed@uca.edu.

Regular Fee: Free

Thursday, March 12 -

6:30 pm - 8:00 pm

Location: Brewer-Hegeman Conference Center

Instructor: Dr. Barbara Clancy

First Time Homebuyer

Planning for your future as a first-time homeowner is the focus of this course. Upon completion, you will be issued an Arkansas Department of Finance Authority certificate that is a prerequisite for assistance toward a down payment or closing costs on a new home. Anyone who will be on the mortgage loan must attend this class (e.g., both husband and wife). A lunch break will be provided.

Regular Fee: FREE

Saturday, April 4 -

8:30 am - 4:30 pm

Location: Brewer-Hegeman Conference Center

Instructor: Elizabeth Wilson | Universal Housing Development Corporation

Bookbinding 101

Do you love journals, diaries, daily planners, sketch books, etc.? Then take the next step and discover how to create personal keepsakes. You will learn various signature styles as you create a journal cover and also a Smash Book-style journal. No experience needed, all ages invited, supplies will be included, just bring your ideas and personal flair! Please make arrangements for lunch; a lunch break will be provided.

Regular Fee: $60

Saturday, April 11 -

9:00 am - 2:00 pm
Material Fee: $30 (paid to instructor at class)

Location: UCA Downtown

Instructor: Jessica Lane & Elizabeth Duke

The Healing Benefits of Massage: Discover the Technique for You

You’ve heard of Swedish and Deep Tissue massage, but did you know that there are many different techniques that treat various types of body stress and pain? How do you know which type of massage is best for you? Hear local, licensed massage therapists explain the value of the massage methods available. Also, come to receive a brief, personal consultation and experience a taste of therapeutic massage. You owe it to yourself to learn ways to help restore and heal your body.

Regular Fee: Free

Tuesday, April 14 -

6:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Location: UCA DOWNTOWN

Instructor: Various Instructors

Introduction to Landscape Painting with Acrylics

Have you ever been captured by the brilliance of a sunset or the beauty of a meadow in spring and wished you could recreate it on canvas? If so, then this is the class for you! You’ll be using acrylic paints to complete a painting on canvas. Artist Leslie Collier will discuss light and shadow and how to show distance within your work to create a dynamic painting. This class is perfect for people with little or no experience with drawing or painting, but all skill levels are welcome. Just bring a willingness to expand your horizons! Please make arrangements for lunch as a lunch break will be provided.

Regular Fee: $60

Saturday, April 18 -

9:00 am - 3:00 pm
Material Fee: $15 (paid to instructor at class)

Location: UCA Downtown

Instructor: Leslie Collier

Estates, Wills, & Trusts

Learn the basics of estate planning such as wills, trusts and powers of attorney. Local attorney Frank Dudeck will discuss state and veterans benefits. He will also cover asset protection laws showing how individuals and families reaching the retirement planning phase can plan ahead to protect assets from nursing home and long-term care expenses. If your family is already in a nursing home crisis situation, then come see how to protect your assets.

Regular Fee: FREE

Tuesday, April 21 -

6:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Location: Brewer-Hegeman Conference Center

Instructor: Frank Dudeck | Dudeck Law Firm

Smart Recycling

This class is geared toward Conway residents, but it’s open to all. Join the Conway Department of Sanitation for this presentation to learn the ins and outs of the industry and Conway’s recycling program. Recycling educator, Whitney Reuschling, will discuss acceptable items, share current trade news and answer other sanitation questions. This class will culminate with a tour of Conway’s Material Recovery Facility.

Regular Fee: FREE

Wednesday, April 22 -

9:00 am - 1:00 pm

Location: Brewer Hegeman Conference Center

Instructor: Whitney Reuschling

Friendly Driver Certification Program

This fun interactive course educates drivers on the best and safest way to share the road with people and bicycles. The class addresses: common crashes and how to avoid them, what’s legal and what’s not legal for motorists, bicyclists and pedestrians, why sharing the road is the safest option for all transportation users, and how to navigate bicycle and pedestrian-related infrastructure, including sharrows, bike boxes, green lanes, roundabouts and rapid flashing beacons. This program is ideal for student drivers of all ages, new residents, professional fleet drivers, as well as the general public. Upon completion, you will be issued a Conway Friendly Driver certificate.

Regular Fee: FREE

Thurs, April 30 - April 30

6:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Location: Brewer-Hegeman Conference Center

Instructor: Moriah Bruner, Isaac Sims | City of Conway Bicycle & Pedestrian Advisory Board

Art Journaling with Watercolors and Textures

Record your ideas, memories, thoughts and emotions with art! Join Jessica Lane in this crafting course and create an art journal filled with fun textures and beautiful watercolors to preserve your memories for years! This course is ideal for beginners and those who have previously taken Jessica’s Art Journaling class. Please make arrangements for lunch; a lunch break will be provided.

Regular Fee: $60

Saturday, May 9 -

9:00 am - 2:00 pm
Material Fee: $20 (paid to instructor at class)

Location: UCA Downtown

Instructor: Jessica Lane

NEW! Creative Cubs Art Camp

Do you have a budding artist? Is your child always doodling and drawing? If so, then sign them up for this great summer experience. Jessica Lane will teach your cub about elements of line, shape, value, form, texture and space through different mediums such as drawing, painting, sculpture, print- making and collage. This is the perfect opportunity to promote their creative side while they have fun doing it! There will be an Artists’ reception on Thursday for students and their families.

Regular Fee: $100

Monday - Thursday, June 29 - July 2

8:30 am - 12:00 pm

Location: UCA DOWNTOWN

Instructor: Jessica Lane

Cub Fit Camp

Cub Fit Camp invites rising 4th and 5th graders to campus for a dynamic daily schedule of activities related to fitness, nutrition and wellness. This is a great opportunity for your child to show off his/ her dance moves with Zumba and practice Yoga techniques. Your student will also learn how healthy foods can keep him/her from getting sick and much more. Sign your young athlete up for a fun, active week of fitness at UCA!

Regular Fee: $100

Monday - Friday, July 20 - July 24

8:30 am - 4:00 pm
For more information, please visit this page: uca.edu/outreach/cubfit

Location: Brewer-Hegeman Conference Center

Instructor: Various health and wellness professionals