The College of Southern Maryland (CSM) has released its spring 2025 Community Education schedule, presenting an array of options designed to enhance job skills, support career shifts, foster personal growth, or cultivate new hobbies. Named “Cuisine, Culture, and Connections,” this season’s classes range widely, covering topics from culinary arts to digital technology and from recreational activities to financial planning.
The spring program offers pathways for learning and personal enrichment, inviting residents from across the Southern Maryland community to join in. The courses, open to adults of all ages, will span several key areas of interest: food and drink, languages, travel, history, culture, and more.
“As the holiday season approaches, we invite you to start planning for the new year and explore the opportunities awaiting you in the spring semester at the College of Southern Maryland (CSM),” said Ellen Flowers-Fields, vice president of the Division of Continuing Education and Workforce Development. “Whether you’re returning to continue your personal development journey or joining us for the first time, this spring offers a fresh start and countless opportunities for growth and discovery.”
Enrichment and Practical Skill Courses
The spring schedule emphasizes experience-based learning, with classes that aim to help participants explore new interests or build on established skills. Offerings in personal enrichment encompass a diverse set of courses meant to inspire curiosity and personal growth.
Starting in January, courses such as puppy kindergarten, virtual music lessons, a chamber choir class, and driver education will be offered. Those with culinary interests can enroll in “Winter Italian Cooking” or cake decorating courses. Language learners have options like beginner Spanish, while other participants can pursue wellness through classes like Tai Chi.
February’s courses expand on creative pursuits with topics such as watercolor painting, group piano, digital photography, and fashion. An event titled “A Night in Milan: Fashion and Flavors” promises a cultural immersion, blending insights into Italian fashion with a taste of regional cuisine. The month’s selections also include beginner-level classes in ballet, interior decorating, and computer skills, catering to a wide variety of interests and skill levels.
For March, CSM’s schedule focuses on modern skills and hobbies, including an introductory class on cryptocurrency, personal cybersecurity, and travel planning. Those interested in alternative wellness may explore building an herbal home pharmacy, voiceovers, skincare detox, and escape room experiences. Courses on dog training, including novice tricks, provide options for pet owners, while cooking fans can try “Demo Cooking: Bollywood Masala” to sample Indian cuisine.
As spring continues, April brings more diverse courses, with Tai Chi, American Sign Language, kombucha brewing, sewing, and crochet on the list. Day trips planned for the month include “At Home with History in Southern Maryland,” which provides a historical tour of local landmarks, as well as a guided excursion to Hillwood Gardens and Estates in Washington, D.C.
Special Course Offerings
For individuals seeking specialized instruction, the spring catalog features a range of unique topics. The “Food and Drink” category includes seasonal classes like Valentine’s Day Cookie Decorating and Spring-Themed Cookie Decorating, as well as more advanced cake decorating skills focused on wedding cakes and fondant techniques.
For those interested in home and garden pursuits, options include beekeeping, upcycling furniture, floral design, and microgreens cultivation. Language and public speaking enthusiasts can improve their skills with courses on Japanese basics, English fluency, and American Sign Language.
Within the Makerspace and technology category, CSM offers introductory classes on 3D modeling with Blender, vinyl cutting, and Arduino for aspiring tech hobbyists. The Recreation and Wellness category includes activities such as hand dancing, foraging for wild foods, escape room adventures, and a couples massage class.
Participants looking to build or market their skills can choose from courses like Microsoft Excel, retirement planning, basic IT troubleshooting, and “Start and Market a Food Business from Your Home Kitchen.”
Workforce Development and Resources
Alongside personal enrichment, CSM’s spring catalog includes workforce training and adult education options aimed at advancing participants’ career prospects. CSM offers various courses tailored to support career transitions, improve marketability, and provide resources for small businesses. The college encourages local residents to explore these courses as a pathway to personal and professional development.
The complete listing of spring courses is available in CSM’s latest schedule, which has been mailed to Southern Maryland residents. Those interested in enrolling can also view the full course catalog online.
