If you’ve been in a store recently you may have noticed a transition on the shelves. Summer staples, sunscreen, and bathing suits are being replaced by markers, notecards, and crisp notebooks- it’s back to school time! If you miss the excitement of going back to school here’s some good news: you can be a learner at any age! Today we’re going to explore local education opportunities for older adults.
Organizations offering full courses
- Adult Learners Institue of Chelsea– Provides a diverse selection of quality community-based learning experiences and camaraderie for older adults in Western Washtenaw County.
- Elderwise– offers In-depth courses and interactive learning with peer teaching, plus social activities.
- Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI)– Offers a full catalogue of lectures, study groups, mini classes, and trips. $25 annual membership fee. Scholarships available.
Community Education
- Ann Arbor Adult Enrichment– offers a wide array of programs in the arts, languages, cooking, wellness, finance, computers, woodworking, handicrafts, and more.
- Chelsea Community Education and Recreation– offers day, evening and weekend programs for adults
- Dexter Community Education– provides recreational and enrichment programming for all ages from children through adults.
- Milan Adult and Community Education– offers daytime and evening classes.
- Saline Community Education– offers opportunities to learn new technical or professional skills, stay fit through recreational activities, or take an enrichment course.
- Whitmore Lake Community Recreation– offers opportunities to get active, learn new skills, make new friends, and have fun.
Online Classes
- GetSetUp– offers hundreds of live online classes to keep seniors mentally, physically and socially active. Classes are interactive, easy to join, offered day and night and free for the community.
- MSU Extension: Washtenaw County– Free educational programs in Washtenaw County include food and nutrition, finances, agriculture, horticulture, and natural resources.
- Senior Planet (AARP) – offers courses, programs, and activities to help seniors learn new skills, save money, get in shape, and make new friends.
Educational Scholarships
- Emeritus Scholarship Program (Washtenaw Community College)– For Washtenaw County residents age 65+. Covers tuition for non-credit and credit classes and some fees for credit classes.
Don’t forget to check your local senior center and/or community center to learn about the speakers and other educational programs they offer!
