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Community Education
Tween Robotics Club
with Scott Phillips
Build. Code. Create.
The Tween Robotics Club brings tweens, ages 9 to 12, together to take on exciting new engineering and programming challenges using LEGO® Spike Essentials robotics kits. Work with friends to design robots, program their movements, and put them to the test in friendly competitions.
From obstacle courses and races to imaginative problem-solving missions, each session offers a fresh challenge that blends creativity, teamwork, and STEM skills. No prior experience is needed—just bring your curiosity and a willingness to try something new!
The class is led by Scott Phillips, Director of Industry and Community Partnerships at UACCB, who is passionate about introducing kids to STEM. He believes the skills learned—like problem-solving, creativity, and critical thinking—are tools they can carry forward and apply throughout their lives.
- Register by calling the Library at 870-793-8814
- The class runs from 4:00 pm to 5:30 pm
- It's held at the Library in downtown Batesville
This program is made possible through a collaboration between the University of Arkansas Community College at Batesville (UACCB) and the Independence County Library, working together to spark curiosity, inspire learning, and make STEM fun for the next generation.
Laser Engraving Garden Markers
with Scott Phillips
Create custom garden markers and plant stakes that are as practical as they are personal. In this hands-on, beginner-friendly class, you’ll design and laser engrave durable plant tags and garden stakes using UACCB’s professional-grade laser engraver.
You’ll gain hands-on experience with laser engraving while learning essential safety practices, basic design principles, and how digital designs are translated into finished engraved products. This class also provides a great introduction for anyone interested in exploring laser engraving before investing in a machine of their own.
Designing for laser engraving
Participants will start by creating simple, clean designs using Canva, then learn how those designs are prepared and engraved using LightBurn—the industry-standard software for laser cutters and engravers.
What you’ll make and take home
By the end of class, you’ll take home a set of custom garden markers engraved with plant names, graphics, or your own creative touches—perfect for vegetable gardens, flower beds, or thoughtful handmade gifts.
Who should attend
This class is ideal for hobbyists, gardeners, and anyone curious about laser engraving. No prior design or laser experience is required.
Details
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Cost: $25 for community members, free for UACCB students, employees, and employee family members
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What to bring: Nothing! All materials are provided, and a computer will be available for use during class.
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Experience level: Beginner-friendly. No prior design or laser engraving experience is required.
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Age requirement: Participants must be at least 16 years old or accompanied by an adult.
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Software used: Canva (design) and LightBurn (laser control).
Register today!
This class is limited to 10 students. However, if the class is already full when you register, please add your name to the waitlist. If there is enough interest, we may offer additional sections.
Seed Starting Workshop with UA Extension
with Michelle Mobley
This hands-on workshop teaches you how to start plants from seed for spring gardening: vegetables, herbs, flowers, and more!
Michelle Mobley, Independence County's Extension Agent, will walk you through the essentials of seed starting and provide all the materials needed to plant your trays. Bring your own seeds if you have favorite varieties you'd like to start.
Scott Phillips will also show how to build a simple, low-cost light rack using everyday hardware-store parts—a setup that gives seedlings the bright, steady light they need to grow sturdy and transplant-ready.
Experienced gardeners and new enthusiasts alike are welcome to join us. Children are welcome, too, but must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. All supplies included. No experience necessary.
Date: Monday, February 23, 2026
Time: 6:00–7:30 PM
Location: UACCB Workforce Training Center (map)
Cost: FREE - All supplies included
Excel Level 1
with Rhonda Williams
Learn the basics of Excel including entering and formatting numbers and text; ranges; copying and moving data; basic formulas; data entry short-cuts like filling in a range, autosum, auto complete and autofill; relative and absolute cell references; searching Help; formatting and printing.
Testimonial: "Rhonda Williams was a wonderful instructor. She was very knowledgeable and easy to follow. I would take more of her courses in the future." Bailey Morris
Testimonial: "Loved my instructor. She was very knowledgeable and also made class fun!" Magan Rogers
Cancellations: To cancel a class, five (5) business days' notice prior to the course starting date is required to withdraw and receive a refund.
Tween Robotics Club
with Scott Phillips
Build. Code. Create.
The Tween Robotics Club brings tweens, ages 9 to 12, together to take on exciting new engineering and programming challenges using LEGO® Spike Essentials robotics kits. Work with friends to design robots, program their movements, and put them to the test in friendly competitions.
From obstacle courses and races to imaginative problem-solving missions, each session offers a fresh challenge that blends creativity, teamwork, and STEM skills. No prior experience is needed—just bring your curiosity and a willingness to try something new!
The class is led by Scott Phillips, Director of Industry and Community Partnerships at UACCB, who is passionate about introducing kids to STEM. He believes the skills learned—like problem-solving, creativity, and critical thinking—are tools they can carry forward and apply throughout their lives.
- Register by calling the Library at 870-793-8814
- The class runs from 4:00 pm to 5:30 pm
- It's held at the Library in downtown Batesville
This program is made possible through a collaboration between the University of Arkansas Community College at Batesville (UACCB) and the Independence County Library, working together to spark curiosity, inspire learning, and make STEM fun for the next generation.
Raised Bed Gardening
with Michelle Mobley
Course Description:
Unlock the secrets to a thriving vegetable garden with our comprehensive Raised Bed Gardening course. Whether you're a novice or an experienced gardener, this course will provide you with the knowledge and skills needed to cultivate a successful raised bed garden.
In this class, instructor Michelle Mobley will teach the basics to a successful raised bed vegetable garden. You will understand how and what vegetables will grow best in your raised bed. You will explore more about raised beds/container gardening.
By the end of this class, you'll have the confidence and knowledge to create and maintain a thriving raised bed vegetable garden, ensuring a bountiful harvest season after season. Join us on this journey to cultivate not just plants but a sustainable and fulfilling gardening experience.
This is a free class. Bring your family and friends.
Attend to Win:
One lucky participant will take home a free raised bed constructed from locally-grown and milled eastern red cedar! Eastern red cedar is an excellent choice for raised bed construction because it’s naturally rot-resistant, durable, pest-repellent, non-toxic, and eco-friendly, providing long-lasting performance without harmful chemicals.
About the instructor:
Michelle Mobley is the Independence County Extension Agent-Staff Chair for the UA System Division of Agriculture.
Will run
Hunter Education
with Jeff Eddy
Join us for this free, in-person Hunter Education class sponsored by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission (AGFC). The course takes place on Saturday, April 4, from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Arkansas law requires anyone born after 1968 to complete an approved hunter education course before purchasing a hunting license. Youth under 16 may hunt without certification if supervised by an adult (age 21 or older), but completing this course is strongly encouraged.
There is no minimum age to enroll, but the course material is written at a sixth-grade reading level.
Upon successful completion, students will receive their official Arkansas Hunter Education card.
If you have questions, please call 870-612-2082. Registration online via the AGFC website is required.
Hunter Education
with Jeff Eddy
Join us for this free, in-person Hunter Education class sponsored by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission (AGFC). The course takes place on Saturday, October 3, from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Arkansas law requires anyone born after 1968 to complete an approved hunter education course before purchasing a hunting license. Youth under 16 may hunt without certification if supervised by an adult (age 21 or older), but completing this course is strongly encouraged.
There is no minimum age to enroll, but the course material is written at a sixth-grade reading level.
Upon successful completion, students will receive their official Arkansas Hunter Education card.
If you have questions, please call 870-612-2082. Registration online via the AGFC website is required.