San Diego, CA

A continuing education program that has been offering free, non-credit classes to older adults since 1914.

Since 1914, older adults in San Diego have been able to take free, non-credit classes through the San Diego Community College District's (SDCCD) Continuing Education Institution.

Nuts and Bolts:

• The institution maintains six campuses throughout the city, serving 50,000 students.
• For older adults in particular, there are about 600 classes being conducted every day, according to Pat Mosteller, the Older Adult Coordinator for SDCCD.
• Classes include art appreciation, effective communication, current events, social studies courses, health classes, nutrition, computer skills and many more.
• Instructors for SDCCD's older adult courses must have a degree in their field and at least two years of experience.

Successes:

• Best of all, SDCCD allows and encourages its instructors to bring their courses to any public space in the community where older adults can more easily access them. Whether in recreation centers, senior centers, churches, or other community spaces, SDCCD helps to bring rich lifelong learning activities to hundreds of older adults in San Diego.
• The institution also collaborates with neighboring community college systems to share strategies, courses and instructors so that older adults outside of San Diego can access the same lifelong learning opportunities.

How can you do it?

• Investigate the possibilities at your local community college.
• Contact professors and instructors about donating time and instruction.

For more information on this program: San Diego Community College District