OLLI Student in Classroom

Osher Lifelong Learning (OLLI)

Experience the joy of learning from those who find joy in teaching. 

  1. Academics
  2. Adult & Professional Studies
  3. Osher Lifelong Learning (OLLI)

Meet lifelong learners. Expand your intellect. Explore new cultures. As a member of the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI), you'll complete noncredit courses that equip you to learn, explore, and socialize. 

Learn From OLLI Members

OLLI members volunteer to teach each course in the OLLI curriculum. Because these volunteers develop course content, they often focus on the topics that inspire them most. That means you'll benefit from countless opportunities to uncover a new interest or explore a lifelong passion. In the past, courses have covered:

  • Current events
  • History 
  • Geography and travel
  • Music and literature
  • Psychology
  • Philosophy and religion

Attend Year-Round Courses

OLLI operates on a three semester system, meaning you can take courses during the fall, spring, and summer. You can take classes at our Main Campus in Chester, or at off-site locations in Chester and Delaware county. No matter what courses you take, you'll experience an environment that cultivates creativity and critical thinking. Here, you'll never stop learning. 

View Spring 2020 OLLI Catalog Register Now

  • Annual Full Membership: $275 for unlimited courses, valid for one calendar year or three academic terms; only available for purchase during the spring semester.
  • Term Full Membership: $150 for unlimited courses, valid for one academic term (spring, summer, or fall).
  • Satellite Membership: $55 includes 2 courses at participating satellite locations, valid for one academic term (spring, summer, or fall).
  • Individual Course Registration: $75 on Main Campus in Chester; $30 at a satellite location. 

How to Register

To register for your membership courses, complete our online registration form and follow the prompts to make any necessary payments. If you prefer to register by phone or mail, call 610-499-4279 or complete our mail-in membership & course registration form.

We encourage you to register early! Some courses have limited seats, and spots are available on a first come, first serve basis. If the maximum class size has not been reached, you may register until the end of the first week of classes.

Benefits of Full Memberships

With a full OLLI membership at Widener, you'll receive access to:

  • Unlimited on-campus OLLI classes
  • Clubs, committees, and lecture series events
  • The library, gym, and pool, as well as on-campus fitness classes 
  • OLLI hosted trips, events, and excursions

To bring courses to students in Chester and Delaware County, we work closely with local retirement communities, senior centers, community foundations, and senior resource facilities. Residents of these facilities may take courses at a discounted rate, while OLLI members may take courses at a facility that is convenient to them for no additional cost. 

Current Partners

  • Aston Community Center
  • Bellingham
  • Chester Senior Center
  • Daylesford Crossing
  • Downingtown Senior Center
  • Freedom Village Retirement Community
  • Granite Farm Estates
  • Heatherwood Retirement Community
  • Jenners Pond
  • Kendal-Crosslands
  • Lima Estates Retirement Community
  • Living Branches
  • Maris Grove
  • Normandy Farms Estates
  • Plush Mills
  • Schoolhouse Senior Center
  • Shannondell Retirement Community
  • Surrey Services
  • Tel Hai
  • Wellington at Hershey's Mill

To bring OLLI courses to your facility, contact us today at 610-499-4279 or olli@widener.edu. 

OLLI members have access to a variety of clubs and committees. You can find what speaks to you—and savor the opportunity to connect with fellow book worms, theater buffs, and community volunteers. 

Clubs

  • Book Club: Discuss different works of literature through sessions facilitated by our library liaison.
  • Grandparenting Discussion Group: Explore resources, issues, and tips for raising grandchildren. 
  • Grandmom and Me: Bring in your little one for a weekly story and craft.
  • Delaware County Community Theatre Club: Attend community shows and discuss your top takeaways and favorite moments. 

Committees

  • Curriculum: Advocate for OLLI courses and special events. 
  • Hospitality: Welcome new OLLI members and plan key events, including OLLI open houses and the annual OLLI luncheon.
  • Special Events: Coordinate field trips and other social gatherings.
  • Outreach: Develop strategies to increase and maintain OLLI memberships. 

Attend regular lunchtime talks held throughout the fall and spring semesters. Set out to meet fellow attendees, or bring your friends for free. Speakers often include faculty members and administrators from OLLI and Widener, as well as regional experts on a variety of topics.

Interested in speaking, or know an expert who may want to speak?  Complete our speaker series topic proposal form.

OLLI Students Laughing in Classroom

Support the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute

Thanks to the generosity of friends, neighbors, and current members, OLLI can make powerful programming and compelling courses available to hundreds of lifelong learners. These supporters ensure that adults in nearby communities never stop learning. 

Will you join them? Find out how your gift will extend OLLI offerings for years to come. 

Make Your Gift

Get in Touch

Questions about the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute? We're glad to connect with you.