Bored with work? Laid off, unemployed or underemployed? Maybe it's time for a new career.

Educators say the key to success is going back to school and earning a degree. To that end, area universities and colleges are hosting the 21st consecutive Working Smarter seminars, sponsored in part by The Times.

The seminars are free but registration is required.

Anyone who is worried about job reduction, interested in changing careers or who has been out of work for an extended period of time is invited to attend.

The colleges and universities involved include Purdue University Calumet, Hammond; Purdue University North Central, Westville; Valparaiso University; Indiana University Northwest, Gary; Ivy Tech Community College Northwest; and Calumet College of St. Joseph, Whiting.

The seminars are scheduled from June 23 through June 26.

PUC spokesman Wes Lukoshus said Working Smarter in the 21st Century is intended for anyone who wants to be more job- and career-marketable in today's challenging and fast-changing work place.

"Working Smarter is all about assessing where you are and where you want to be professionally and then connecting the two," he said.

"These programs are designed to provide attendees with ideas, insights, strategies and encouragement for jump starting or redirecting their professional lives," Lukoshus said.

Cindi Czapla, academic adviser for College of Adult Scholars and Young Scholars Academy at Valparaiso University, said Working Smarter is a fabulous opportunity to explore the benefits of investing in oneself.

"It is never too late to return to school, and there are boundless opportunities for people of any age to invest in a quality education," she said.

"In the next 10 years, there will be a surge of adult students as our economy changes from industrial-based to knowledge-based. More employers are seeking students with degrees, and an investment in your education will not only enrich you but will make you more marketable to employers," Czapla said.