For most people, structured learning in a classroom setting ends after college or grad school. But for students at UD's Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, classroom education begins again after retirement.

Established at UD in 1994, this institute has grown tremendously in the last 12 years. Recently, the Osher Foundation, based in San Francisco, awarded UD a $1 million grant, which will undoubtedly help expand the program and attract even more baby boomers to continue their education. UD has received a total of $2 million from the Osher Foundation since 2004, accompanied with high enrollment numbers. The grants received go to support operational costs, such as scholarships and shuttle services for the residents.

According to UD's Continuing Education Web site, Lifelong Learning Institutes 'provide opportunities for intellectual and cultural exploration and development for men and women 50 years of age or better.' Students are able to enroll in as many seminars they want after paying the $80 registration fee. Often the class moderators are retired educators or experts in certain fields. Currently, the Osher Foundation supports 93 university-based lifelong learning programs nation wide.

The classes for UD's program meet in the McGinnis Center, where 34 different seminars will be offered for the winter session, beginning Jan. 8. A recent press release noted that 'more than 1,450 students between the ages of 50 and 90-something enrolled in peer-led seminars last year, making it one of the most successful lifelong learning institutes in the country.'

Julie Mitchell, assistant dean for special programs and continuing education at UD, is very enthusiastic about the program and excited for the grant.

'When we launched the institute in 1994, for many people, it was a dream deferred,' she said in a recent press release. 'Many had not gone to college and saw this as their opportunity to participate in higher education. For others, it's been the opportunity to go back to school and learn all the things they never had the chance to learn.'

With no tests or grades, students involved in the LLI experience a relaxed atmosphere, the goal of which is to learn from peers and expand one's insight and knowledge.