Local Science Engagement Network Community

About 125 universities host branches of the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI).  This is a program for mature students (i.e. the retirement set) who are simply interested in learning and staying engaged.  ( https://www.osherfoundation.org/olli.html ) The list of program universities is at https://www.osherfoundation.org/olli_list.html  .Each program operates independently and may be set up with different structures.  Each program offers (non-degree) classes in a range of topics: arts, language, literature, current events, science, etc.  Folks can sign up for a modest tuition and take the classes they are interested in.  

I'm a retired oceanographer and started volunteer teaching, offering classes in environmental science and oceanography in 2016 for OLLI at American University.  After a couple of years, I also offered classes for OLLI at Johns Hopkins, and with the advent of zoom, am giving classes for OLLI at Univ. of RI.  

This existing program is an excellent opportunity for scientists, especially us retirees, to reach out to an interested audience and offer insights about science.  One does have to recognize that the science courses are often a hard sell as science may not pr perceived as as much fun as other offerings.  Still, with a little thought one can make them interesting enough to attract participants.  I have had classes with as few as 6 participants to as many as 80 (oceanography at JHU).  More typically, I get about 15 to 20 "students".  The classes I have taught have mostly been 1.5 hours long once a week for 6 to 10 weeks.  Some others have been two hours or as short as two sessions per class.  

I encourage scientists who feel it is important to improve understanding in the general public, and who can be engaging in the classroom, to look for their local OLLI program and propose a course or two.  

I should point out that working with a largely audience, one cannot be offended when one of your participants nods off in the middle of class. 

Dear Kenneth,

Thank you for sharing your experience teaching for the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) program. I am a recent graduate from the University of Pennsylvania, and I have experience teaching literature and language. Your post has given me a great idea for utilizing my skills and interests to make an impact in the community while engaging with a diverse audience.

I think the OLLI program is a great opportunity for me to continue teaching and connecting with learners who are simply interested in learning and staying engaged. I am interested in learning more about how to get involved in OLLI and where to find work opportunities, especially in art and language. Do you have any advice or recommendations on how to get started with this program or where to look for opportunities?

Thank you again for sharing your insights and experience, and I appreciate any information you can provide on how to get involved with OLLI.

Best regards,
Chang