It seems that the older we get, the more we realize there’s so much more we need to know — and want to know.
Being self-taught is always an option but if you really miss the structure of a formal classroom, enroll in college coursework designed for older adults. Even better, it’s free.
If you’re 60 or better, you can build skills, explore new ideas, enhance understanding and enrich life by attending any state college or university, thanks to the Ohio Department of Higher Education’s Lifelong Learning program. (At some locations, students as young as 50 can enroll for free; marked below with an asterisk *).
Loads of Options
A Lifelong Learning Institute (LLI), or Institute for Learning in Retirement (ILR), is a community-based organization of retirement-age people who never tire of learning. These non-credit academic programs are structured with regular semesters and coursework. But you don’t have to worry about what grade you’re earning along the way.
Note that the coronavirus pandemic has disrupted the traditional schedule of face-to-face classes and outings this fall semester. Call program offices or visit their websites for the latest updates. And in the spirit of learning new skills, be prepared to take an online class.
Check out these Lifelong Learning Institutes in Northeast Ohio:
- Baldwin Wallace University: Institute for Learning in Retirement (Berea)
bw.edu/alumni/organizations/ilr/
440-826-3188
- Case Western Reserve University: Senior Scholar (Cleveland)
case.edu/lifelonglearning/courses/senior-scholars
Course Audit Program for Senior Citizens < case.edu/seniorauditprogram/ >
216-368-2090
- Cuyahoga Community College: Encore 55+ Learning (Cleveland)
tri-c.edu/encore-senior-adult-programs/
216-987-2274
- Lorain County Community College: Center for Lifelong Learning (Elyria) *
lorainccc.edu/community/center-for-lifelong-learning/
440-366-4148
The ILR at Baldwin Wallace in Berea usually attracts more than 2,000 older students with its ample offering of 42-46 classes that educate, entertain and inform each semester, says ILR office manager Donnie Ipsaro. Coursework is typically complemented by day trips, overnight tours and extended adventures to destinations like Ireland in 2019.
But due to the pandemic, all spring experiences were canceled and fall courses will be conducted online. “We’re trying like the dickens to move everything online for fall to keep the ILR program alive here,” Ipsaro says. “I don’t know what tomorrow will bring and I can’t tell you anything definite right now, except that we have a fantastic group of people here trying to offer options online for the foreseeable future. It’s quite a task.”
Anyone interested in registering for BW’s ILR course offerings this fall semester should check the website, call the office or email Ipsaro. “We’re doing the best we can and pray that everyone stays healthy,” she says.
If you prefer to simply sit in on a regularly-scheduled college course along with the general student body, Ohio’s four-year universities and two-year technical colleges allow residents 60 and older to attend classes at no cost.
In most cases, no college credit is earned and some costs (for books, equipment and lab fees) may apply. Contact the admissions or registrar’s office of a participating institution for details, including class availability at regional campuses nearby.
These local colleges and universities offer free courses to older Ohioans:
- University of Akron: 60 Plus (60+) Program
- Cleveland State University: Project 60
- Cuyahoga Community College: Program 60
- Kent State University: Senior Guest Program
- Lakeland Community College: Senior Citizen Audit
- Lorain County Community College: Senior Citizen Registration
- Stark State College: Senior Citizen Discount
Expand your horizons with lifelong learning opportunities at a college or university in your neighborhood. While most classroom instruction this fall has been replaced by online courses due to COVID-19, you can still satisfy your curiosity about technology, art, finance, science, history… whatever you choose! You’ll be invigorated to learn something new.
