Bloomington Lifelong Learning Coalition
Our Mission
The Bloomington Lifelong Learning coalition (BLLC) seeks to support, promote and facilitate lifelong learning in Bloomington. Its membership includes the City of Bloomington Mayor's Office, Indiana University, Ivy Tech Community College, City of Bloomington Parks and Recreation, Monroe County Community School Corporation, the Bloomington Area Arts Council, the Monroe County Public Library, WorkOne, and the Greater Bloomington Chamber of Commerce.
The Coalition will:
- seek to develop and nurture a culture of lifelong learning in Bloomington;
- sponsor Lifelong Learning Week each September, as well as other activities to promote learning opportunities for adults in Bloomington;
- encourage partnerships among participating organizations, as well as with other community groups to advance adult learning;
- build upon the strengths of participating organizations to develop a broad continuum of lifelong learning opportunities, and, where possible, avoid duplication of services;
- seek to identify and develop learning opportunities for underserved populations in the community;
- partner with economic development agencies, local business and civic groups to ensure a highly trained and competitive workforce;
- promote the arts in the community;
- share facilities and resources, where appropriate, and work toward the goal of identifying suitable community space for the consortium's courses and programs.
The Coalition will function with direction provided by a steering committee comprised of representatives from each participating organization and will be chaired (for a one-year term) by a recognized educational leader appointed by the Mayor of Bloomington.
Bloomington Lifelong Learning Coalition Member Organizations
City of Bloomington Parks and Recreation Department
People's University, the City of Bloomington Parks and Recreation Department's adult leisure education program, encourages lifelong learning in a relaxed environment. People's University offers courses in a variety of subject areas to adults, and brings together businesses, teachers and other community members with knowledge and skills to share with those who would like to learn.
The Greater Bloomington Chamber of Commerce
The Chamber's educational programs (Better Business U and Business Blitz) offer continuing educational programs for business owners to make their business successful and enhance their business knowledge. The Chamber also partners with IU Bloomington Continuing Studies to provide Leadership Bloomington-Monroe County, a seven-month leadership development program. In addition, the Chamber's Franklin Initiative prepares high school students for the world of work, and Stay In School coordinators help young adults who have dropped out of high school pursue GED's, continuing education, or certification programs.
Department of Workforce Development
The Department of Workforce Development has a vision to become a leder in the development and growth of a highly skilled workforce. We are obligated to the agency and our customers to continuously evaluate and improve performance of the workforce development system.
IU Bloomington Continuing Studies
For 37 years Indiana University Bloomington Continuing Studies has brought the extraordinary resources of the campus to the community with high quality, award-winning noncredit programs for adults. These include Lifelong Learning, Professional Development, Mini University, Leadership Bloomington-Monroe County (offered in partnership with The Greater Bloomington Chamber of Commerce), Workplace Learning, and the General Studies Degree Program.
MCCSC Adult Education
MCCSC Adult Education offers classes for teens who need another path to complete high school, for adults who want to brush up their basic skills or prepare to take the GED, for people from other countries who want to learn English, for anyone wanting to learn basic computer skills, and a host of other services. Classes are available morning, afternoon and evening, and most are free!
Bloomington Area Arts Council
The Bloomington Area Arts Council, a community-based non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, serves as the foundation for arts in our community by managing The John Waldron Arts Center and delivering high-quality arts programming and services including: Arts Education, Performances, Exhibitions & Gallery Shop, Regional Services to support artists and arts organizations and the arts information Web site.
Ivy Tech Center for Lifelong Learning
Through its Center for Lifelong Learning, Ivy Tech Community College-Bloomington brings new opportunities in noncredit learning to residents of south-central Indiana. Programs range from professional skill development and certificates to personal enrichment and summer camps for children. The Center is located in teh heart of downtown Bloomington in the historic Illinois Central Freight Station at 7th and Morton Streets.
Monroe County Public Library
Open 69 hours each week, 7 days of the week, Monroe County Public Library serves as a downtown destination and learning place for all ages. The library offers free programs, workshops, and technology classes throughout the year, as well as public Internet computers, online research and learning tools, adult literacy tutoring (VITAL), a Job Search Collection, and materials for every interest. Find out more on the library's website.