Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at the University of Delaware is an academic cooperative for adults 50 and over to enjoy classes, teach, exchange ideas and travel together. Instructors teach subjects they love to students who are there for the love of learning! No educational prerequisites are needed and there are no grades or exams—just learning for the fun of it.
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. An interest in learning is all that is required. Partial scholarships are available.
Members volunteer their wealth of talent and experience in planning and implementing high-quality educational experiences to form an educational cooperative. The members are the instructors and students, and through a committee structure guide the operating policies, develop curriculum and help with daily operations.
OLLI is not affiliated with any religious or political organization, nor does OLLI endorse or promote any political or religious viewpoints.
History
OLLI Lewes was originally established as the Southern Delaware Academy of Lifelong Learning in 1989. In 2010, the Academy received endowment support from the Bernard Osher Foundation. In recognition of that support, we joined similar organizations in 49 other states and became the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at the University of Delaware in Lewes/Ocean View.
The idea for OLLI Dover began in 2009 with informal conversations between the University of Delaware, the Modern Maturity Center and interested community leaders, especially Larry Koch. With its opening in the fall of 2010, the dream for the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at the University of Delaware in Dover became a reality. In 2018, the program moved to its new location, Wyoming Church, 216 Wyoming Mill Road, Dover.
In 2018-19, OLLI celebrated a 30-year milestone of UD lifelong learning in Kent and Sussex Counties.
In 2021, UD’s OLLI programs in Kent County and Sussex County officially merged to establish OLLI Kent/Sussex.