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Kick off 2026 by Learning a New Skill with CSM Community Education
The new year is a chance to set fresh goals and invest in new ambitions. The College of Southern Maryland’s (CSM) Personal Enrichment programs offer opportunities to learn new skills and set New Year’s resolutions into motion.
Personal Enrichment courses are tailored to a variety of community interests, including travel, food, arts and crafts, dog training, language learning, IT skill development, and more. The courses open the door for Southern Maryland residents to try something new or revisit a life-long interest.
The Makerspace at the CSM Velocity Center at Indian Head is one place to start the new year with purpose. This collaborative workspace provides community access to advanced, professional-grade equipment for designers and creators, including 3D printers, laser cutters, soldering irons, and vinyl printers. The space also offers hardware and software for gaming, robotics, and app development.“The Makerspace is a unique place which empowers Southern Maryland residents to bring ideas to life or try their hand at creating something new,” said Makerspace Coordinator Jack Gaskins. “Staying inspired and motivated to try new things fuels personal growth, and the beginning of a new year is a great time to start.”
Gaskins instructs monthly equipment training courses for aspiring creators. The courses cover how to create designs, and how to bring designs into reality using the laser cutters, and the vinyl printer and cutter. Training courses are scheduled for each of these in January.
In December, CSM hosted a youth enrichment workshop for holiday gift making. Students learned to use software to design and create an image, which was then printed, cut, and heat pressed onto T-shirts and tote bags.
“We want to expand access to the Makerspace and give students the opportunity to develop creative skills that have a positive impact on the community,” Gaskins said. “That kind of hands-on experience fosters curiosity, creativity, and innovation well beyond the classroom.”
The Makerspace workshops are open to the public, however some of the Makerspace courses require memberships. Annual and monthly memberships are available for those who have completed the Introduction to Makerspace class, which is offered on a regular basis.
In addition to the Makerspace, Personal Enrichment classes are offered at the CSM La Plata, Leonardtown, and Prince Frederick Campuses. Tony Warrick, Director of Community Enrichment, said these community-focused courses are developed to foster a love for life-long learning.
“It’s never too late to chase a new dream, follow a new inspiration, or pursue a new opportunity,” Warrick said. “The Personal Enrichment courses are built to meet the needs of our community and help residents grow the talents they want to develop.”
Last fall, CSM Community Education launched Thrive 60+, a program offering courses for community members age 60 and older to try something new in a supportive environment. The courses are offered for free or at low-cost through support from the CSM Foundation.
“The new year is the perfect time to invest in yourself,” Warrick said. “The Thrive 60+ and Personal Enrichment courses offer a practical way to begin the year strong, make meaningful progress towards your goals, and continue on the path of lifelong learning.”
The Spring 2026 Community Education catalog is available online, which includes a full list of the Personal Enrichment courses offered in the coming months.