Locations

Universities

If you’re looking for opportunities to further your education, explore new topics or interests, and meet new people, enrolling in a class at a local university or other education institute is a great option for you. We’re so fortunate to have a wide array of education opportunities and universities in the area. Plus, many of the universities and schools in DC offer discounted classes for older adults, or other programs designed especially for people who are 55+.

Take a look at some opportunities below.

American University Arboretum and Gardens The AU campus is known for its arboretum and gardens. It displays 385 different species and varieties of woody plants! You can schedule a Walking Tour, visit the campus on your own, or volunteer to help with grounds maintenance and more. https://www.american.edu/finance/facilities/Arboretum-and-Gardens.cfm

American University Community Audit Program
With the 2019 launch of Changemakers for a Changing World, the university’s 5-year strategic plan, American University is committed now more than ever to promoting and supporting lifelong learning for its local community members and over 135,000 living alumni. AU’s Audit Program welcomes individuals who are not alumni but who are ages 55 and older and live in the 20016, 20015, 20008, and 20007 DC zip codes to audit a course.

The $150 audit fee supports the Alumni Association Scholarship, which is awarded each year to one first-year student with demonstrated financial need whose parent or grandparent also attended American University. Please contact the Office of Alumni Relations with questions at alumniaudit@american.edu
Link to Website: https://www.american.edu/alumni/benefits/education/alumni-audit/index.cfm

The Katzen Arts Center is on AU’s campus, on Ward Circle. It has a wonderful museum, as well as performance spaces. See their website to view current exhibitions, concerts, openings, as well as their free yoga classes and lectures. https://www.american.edu/cas/katzen/

The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute is affiliated with AU and occupies the sixth floor of 4801 Massachusetts Avenue NW., as well as some satellite sites. They offer 8-10 week study groups during the day on many topics, as well as short classes, lectures, and events throughout the year. Participating is a wonderful way to meet other people, keep learning, and share your own passion and knowledge. Learn more via their website at http://olli-dc.org/

George Washington University offers residents age 60+ who live in the neighborhoods surrounding the Foggy Bottom and Mount Vernon campuses (specifically zip codes 20037 and 20006) the opportunity to audit classes for $65. Learn more by calling (202) 994-1972, emailing onds@gwu.edu, or visiting their website.

Georgetown University allows adults age 65+ to audit undergraduate level courses for $50 a class. Call (202) 687-8700 for more information or visit their website.

The University of the District of Columbia’s Institute of Gerontology offers a number of programs for older adults that address companionship, health and fitness, and continuing education. Enjoy water aerobics, pursue a degree at a discounted tuition rate, and more. Read below for more information about programs.
Visit the Institute of Gerontology website

The Bodywise Health and Fitness Program is a free program designed to promote health, wellness, and fitness for DC residents age 60+. You can take water aerobics, yoga, low-impact aerobics, and movement/chair exercise in all the Wards in Washington, DC. Classes are conducted by certified instructors.
Click here for the Bodywise application.

The Senior Companion Program connects older adults with each other through volunteerism. Senior companions support other older adults who need extra assistance to live independently in their homes and communities. The program serves older adults with disabilities or those with chronic conditions. Example assistance includes offering companionship and friendship, assisting with household chores, or providing transportation.

The Senior Respite Program provides in-home assistance to older adults living alone. The program also provides support to caregivers.

Senior Tuition Program offers discounted and waived fees for DC residents who are age 65+. If you’re interested in auditing a class (receiving no college credit), the cost is waived. For those interested in obtaining a degree, you pay half of the tuition and fees set for students, depending on the type of class or degree. All applicants must first be admitted to the University. Courses are held at the Community College and the University of the District of Columbia.

The College of Agriculture, Urban Sustainability, and Environmental Sciences (CAUSES) at the University of the District of Columbia (UDC) offers associate, baccalaureate, and graduate programs, certificate programs, and community outreach programs to learners of all ages. CAUSES offers cutting edge academic programs in urban sustainability, water resources management, nutrition and dietetics, urban architecture, and community planning.

Areas of study include:

• Architecture and Community Planning
• Urban Sustainability
• Nutrition and Dietetics
• Center for Sustainable Development and Resilience
• Center for Urban Agriculture and Gardening Education
• Center for Nutrition, Diet, and Health
  
  Visit their website for more information.

Byte Back provides computer training and career preparation to underserved Washington, DC metro area residents. Students are diverse and come from all walks of life–there are veterans, older adults, English language learners, and people with disabilities. Some students are unemployed, underemployed, or experiencing homelessness. You can learn everything from computer basics to administrative or IT professional tracks. Contact (202) 529-3395 or bba@byteback.org to learn more. You can also visit their website.