UC San Diego's Osher Lifelong Learning Institute Awarded $25,000 Grant

Education doesn't have to stop upon graduation. Instead it can -- and should be -- a lifelong endeavor. The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at UC San Diego is committed to the sustained pursuit of knowledge by providing intellectually stimulating opportunities to adults over 50 years of age.

To help in those efforts, The Bernard Osher Foundation, a philanthropic organization that supports a national lifelong learning network for seasoned adults, recently awarded UC San Diego's Osher program a $25,000 grant to help grow its program, which already reaches almost 800 adults in the region.

Amy Patterson, program manager for UC San Diego's Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, said the financial assistance will help grow and improve the program and increase the diversity of participation to ensure a more enriching experience for all members.

"We have a modest and somewhat restricted operating budget, and cannot typically move forward with high-expense projects," she said. "Our program is in its 43rd year and we are always looking for new ways to expand and grow."

The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at UC San Diego is an all-volunteer, self-funded organization and members elect both its executive officers and a council to establish the organization's priorities and policies, including its curriculum, finances, membership, activities, fundraising and more. It recently developed a marketing and communication committee and the grant will help the program expand its "local and regional footprint with the ideal result of adding new members," said Patterson.

One of the areas UC San Diego Osher wants to focus on is expanding access to its online video library of recorded lectures to more communities throughout southern California. Already it has partnered with a number of local senior and retirement communities so that their residents can have access to rich and diverse educational offerings online.

"Community engagement and enrichment for the older adult demographic are key and top priorities for this organization," said Patterson. "The grant will support our efforts in these areas."

To find out more about UC San Diego's Osher Lifelong Learning Institute visit http://olli.ucsd.edu.