Lifelong Learning

Lifelong learning is an approach to learning that is continuous and self-motivated over one's life. Lifelong learning can be formal (schools), non-formal (vocational), or informal (recreational).These programs provide opportunities for older adults to achieve personal or professional learning goals, or just have fun trying something new.

Click on the v-shaped arrow to the right of each program description to view more information. 

ACC offers free in-person and on-line classes, workshops, demonstrations, and special events.

Cost: no cost

Who Is Eligible: anyone

Address: 7334 Park City Drive, Sacramento 95831 

Phone: (916) 394-6399 

Email: can send message through Contact page on website

Website: https://www.accsv.org/classes/

Note: pre-registration may be required

Coursera offers online courses that older adults and others can take for fun or to earn certificates, degrees, or other credentials.

Cost: costs vary (some courses are free)

Who Is Eligible: anyone

Email: can send message through Contact page on website

Website: https://www.coursera.org/

This program offers free phone and online activities that build community through group discussions, games, and education. 

Cost: no cost

Who Is Eligible: anyone 60 or older

Address: 2185 N. California Blvd, Suite 215, Walnut Creek, CA 94596 

Phone: (877) 797-7299 

Email: coviaconnections@covia.org

Website: https://covia.org/programs/well-connected/

This website offers a wide assortment of online classes, from wellness and fitness to how to use technology.

Cost: free with code "area4-ca"

Who Is Eligible: anyone

Phone: (888) 559-1614

Email: help@getsetup.io

Website: https://www.getsetup.io/partner/area4-ca

Hart Senior Center offers a variety of fun classes and activities, including arts, writing, literature, film, and technology. 

Cost: varies (some classes are free)

Who Is Eligible: anyone 50 or older

Address: 915 27th Street, Sacramento, CA 95816

Phone: (916) 808-5462

Website: http://www.cityofsacramento.org/ParksandRec/Recreation/older-adult-services/Hart-Senior-Center/Classes-and-Activities

Note: fee waivers are available through the Hart Fun Pass Program; go to https://anc.apm.activecommunities.com/cityofsacparksandrec/home?onlineSiteId=0 to register for classes

This community college district serves the Sacramento region with multiple community colleges and educational centers. Students can enroll in just one or a few classes for personal or professional development, or pursue certificates and degrees.

Cost: see website for per-unit fees and other costs

Who Is Eligible: anyone (must apply for admission)

Email: find email addresses for the different colleges here: https://losrios.edu/college-contact

Website: https://losrios.edu/

Note: information about taking one or a few classes can be found here: https://losrios.edu/admissions/get-started-and-apply/one-or-two-term-student-admission-and-enrollment-steps

The website offers free access to MIT course materials, including readings, slides, and video or audio recordings of lectures. 

Cost: no cost

Who Is Eligible: anyone

Website: https://ocw.mit.edu/

This non-profit organization offers a wide range of on-line classes for older adults on topics such as art appreciation, current events, history, music, science, and philosophy.

Cost: range from free to under $100

Who Is Eligible: anyone 50 or older

Phone: (314) 862-2933

Email: info@oasisnet.org

Website: https://www.oasisnet.org/

The Renaissance Society is a Sacramento-based membership organization that offers seminars and programs on a wide range of subjects taught by and for Renaissance members. Many of the classes are held on the Sacramento State University campus.

Cost: $100/year, $60 for spring semester only, free for anyone 90 or older

Who Is Eligible: anyone

Address: 6000 J Street, Mail Stop 6074, Sacramento, CA 95819-6074

Phone: (916) 758-5133

Email: renaissa@csus.edu

Website: https://www.csus.edu/college/social-sciences-interdisciplinary-studies/renaissance-society/

The Sacramento Public Library provides free access to on-line classes and educational programs to anyone with a library card. Users can learn a wide variety of languages, improve professional skills through LinkedIn Learning, and more.

Cost: no cost

Who Is Eligible: anyone with a library card

Address: 828 I Street, Sacramento, CA 95814 

Phone: (916) 264-2920 

Email: can send message through Contact page on website

Website: https://www.saclibrary.org/Education/Online-Learning/Classes-Tutorials

The Open University program allows individuals to take regular university classes without being formally admitted to the university. Older students are allowed to audit courses for no credit at a reduced rate.

Cost: $65 per unit (audit), $253 per unit (for credit)

Who Is Eligible: must be 60 or older to audit courses at reduced fee

Address: College of Continuing Education, 3000 State University Drive, Sacramento, CA 95819

Phone: (916) 278-4433

Email: ccecreditreg@csus.edu 

Website: https://cce.csus.edu/open-university

Note: see website for details about how to enroll; course options dependent upon available class space and instructor approval

Free virtual social events and classes about topics such as fitness, technology, and finance. Programs offered in English, Spanish, and Mandarin.

Cost: no cost

Who Is Eligible: anyone (targeted to people 60 and older)

Phone: (888) 713-3495 

Email: can send message through Contact Us page on website

Website: https://seniorplanet.org/

Free online courses taught by Stanford University professors or industry experts. Many of these courses are also offered through Coursera.

Cost: no cost

Who Is Eligible: anyone

Email: can send message through Contact Us page on website

Website: https://online.stanford.edu/free-courses

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This page was originally created by Sung Trias. Last updated 3/6/2022.