McHenry County College (MCC) has announced its Q1 Community Enrichment schedule, featuring a wide variety of classes designed for personal enrichment, skill-building, and lifelong learning. Programs will run January through March 2026.
From creative workshops and hands-on hobbies to career exploration and youth-focused opportunities, MCC’s Community Enrichment offerings are designed to spark curiosity and encourage growth at every stage of life. This season’s schedule includes engaging options for all ages and interests, making it easy for community members to try something new or build on existing skills.
Some of this quarter’s personal development classes include “Candle Making Creations,” “Watercolor for Beginners,” “Custom Wood Creations,” “Backyard Apple Orchard Basics,” a multi-session Beekeeping Series, and more.
Creative minds can design their own themed candles in “Candle Making Creations,” led by Riverside Candle Shop. Participants will craft unique candle shapes during three separate sessions: January 14 (snowball shape), February 11 (heart square pillar shape), and March 11 (clover teacup shape).
Those interested in painting can explore foundational techniques in “Watercolors for Beginners,” held Wednesdays from January 26 through March 2 at Lorette’s Dragonfly Studio and Gallery. The course begins with basic exercises and gradually builds skills and confidence each week.
Participants can add a personalized touch to their home or office décor in “Custom Wood Creations” at Mimi’s Designs and Creations. In this hands-on class, attendees will select a design, paint each wooden piece, and assemble a themed snow globe. Sessions are offered January 29 (winter globe), February 12 (love globe), and March 12 (springtime globe).
Gardening enthusiasts can cultivate their own orchard during “Backyard Apple Orchard Basics,” a two-session workshop held February 3 and 10. Led by an experienced grower, the class covers apple variety selection, planting techniques, and essential care and maintenance practices.
For students in grades 2–12, MCC will host the Casting Dreams Competition on Saturday, February 7. Participants will carve an original design into a sand scratch mold and cast it in aluminum. Creations will be judged, with the top three designs earning gift cards valued up to $150. Winners will also advance to the 2026 National Competition in Grand Rapids, Michigan, in April.
The popular Beekeeping Series also returns this quarter with a variety of offerings, including “The Sweet Life: A Buzz-Worthy Look into the World of Honey Bees” on January 16; “Beekeeping 101” on Wednesdays, February 4–25; “Seven Ways to Raise a Queen” on March 4; “Beekeeping: Comb Honey” on March 11; “Beekeeping: Varroa Mite” on April 8; and “Beekeeping Field Study” on Saturdays, April 11 and 18.
Additional offerings include language classes in French, Spanish, and American Sign Language (ASL), as well as specialty courses in cookie decorating, stamped jewelry making, and more.
Registration is also open for Kids and College Spring Break classes, which run March 23 – 25.
View the full Community Enrichment schedule or register for classes here.