Learn. Explore. Grow.• Locations in Kent, Sussex, New Castle counties
• Academic cooperative for adults 50 and over
• Prior membership or participation not required
The University of Delaware is proud of its history as one of the earliest and largest lifelong learning programs in the country, hosting Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) programs in Dover, Lewes, Ocean View and Wilmington. Structured as academic cooperatives, OLLI programs are open to adults aged 50+ to take and teach classes together, with course offerings determined by member interest as well as the passions and expertise of the dedicated volunteer member-instructors at each program’s location, with no grades, exams or educational prerequisites.
OLLI membership is open to men and women 50+ and to members’ spouses or partners at any age. Whether your formal education ended early in life or includes advanced degrees, we welcome you.
More than 2,500 OLLI members from Delaware and our neighboring states participate in lifelong learning courses and programs each semester, in subjects like:
OLLI programs are structured as learning cooperatives, with a semester-based membership and volunteer leaders and instructors supported by UD and OLLI staff. The cost of OLLI registration is an affordable semester-based membership fee, not tuition. Financial assistance options are available at all locations.
OLLI is not affiliated with any religious or political organization, nor does OLLI endorse or promote any political or religious viewpoints.
OLLI participants interact in a learning community that embodies a wide range of experiences, cultures, abilities and even generations. Civil discourse, the free and open exchange of ideas, mutual tolerance and everyday courtesy are hallmarks of the OLLI community. Click here for more details about OLLI community conduct.
Established by the University of Delaware as the Academy of Lifelong Learning in 1980 and the Southern Delaware Academy of Lifelong Learning in 1989, in 2010 the Academy received endowment support from the Bernard Osher Foundation and was renamed to reflect its Osher affiliation.