HU OFFERS PILOT PROGRAM FOR NEW LIFELONG LEARNING INSTITUTE TO HAMPTON ROADS SENIORS

Hampton, VA - Hampton University’s College of Continuing Education (CCE) will offer a three-day "Lifelong Learning Institute: Education for Life" introductory pilot program on May 9-11 from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. The two pilot program courses, Financial/Estate Planning and Beginner Computers, are available to Hampton Roads citizens ages 55 and older. The cost is $25 for the three-day session. CCE plans to formally launch the "Lifelong Learning Institute" program in the fall.

The Financial/Estate Planning course will teach students about purchasing property and implementing estate planning into a long-range financial plan. Using on-site computer labs, CCE’s Beginner Computers class will help seniors with little to no computer experience gain hands-on basic computer skills including how to search the Internet, read e-mails, log onto different programs and more. All of the programs will be in a relaxed environment with no exams, homework or credits. Retired professors will teach the courses.

According to the 2000 U.S. Census of Population and Housing, 10.3% of Hampton Roads’ population is over the age of 65. As the community’s baby boomer generation begins entering retirement and as the senior population increases, HU is stepping in to offer continuing education for the community’s elders.

"Lifelong Learning offers men and women the opportunity to be intellectually stimulated and challenged through enrichment in diverse subjects," said Kevin Marrow, director of entrepreneurial studies at CCE. "Participants will have the opportunity to meet new people and enjoy time with peers who wish to continue learning, and experience many fields of study."

In the fall, CCE will officially launch the Lifelong Learning Institute program and will offer several other course subjects including philosophy, art history, creative writing, history, music, religion and literature. These courses will require a $35 annual membership fee plus a $50 registration fee per term, allowing members to enroll in three courses each term of the year. San Francisco State University College of Extended Learning’s Osher Lifelong Learning Institute is being used a model for HU’s Lifelong Learning Institute.

For more information on attending the pilot program, please contact Kevin Marrow at (757)872-6700 or kevin.marrow@hamptonu.edu.