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Adult Education

Adult Education Programs offer a variety of academic, self-improvement, vocational and craft courses to community residents in all parts of Maine. Courses are usually announced in local papers. In some areas, adults earning high school diplomas can participate free of charge. If you have a special interest or hobby you would like to teach or if you would like an adult education program at your senior club or site dining, contact the Adult Education Office through your local school system.

Elderhostel

Elderhostel is a program available through a national network of colleges and universities. They provide short term, on campus, college level courses to older persons at a very low cost. For more information, call or write:

Elderhostel

75 Federal Street

Boston, MA 02110-1914 .617-426-8056

Toll Free 1-877-426-8056

TTY ..617-426-5437

Senior College

Just because someone retires from work doesn't mean he or she retires from learning. In the past six years retirees in Maine have founded fourteen "Senior Colleges," learning centers that offer older Mainers a variety of courses on interesting and insightful topics from Islam to the Internet.

The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at The University of Southern Maine in Portland helps senior colleges organize and communicate with one another.

Senior college courses are usually taught by retirees who have lifetimes of experience in the subjects.

For more information call:

Local/Out-of-State 207-780-4406

Toll Free 1-800-800-4876 (X 4406)

Or visit the Internet Site www.usm.maine.edu/olli

The phone number for each of the Senior Colleges is listed on the Addresses page.

Technical Colleges

Technical Colleges provide post-secondary technical education. People 62 or older may register for courses on a space available basis free of charge. Laboratory and other fees must still be paid by the student. Enrollment in specific courses is conditional on the approval of the Dean of Admissions. See Technical college listing

University of Maine System

Maine residents age 65 or older who wish to register for courses at a campus of the University of Maine but are unable to cover the cost of tuition may apply to take the course tuition free. To do so, request a Senior Waiver at the Student Accounts (billing) office at the campus you plan to attend. The waiver of tuition can be used only for undergraduate courses; it does not cover lab and other course fees. See University of Maine Campuses