Back to school for seniors has options, including Lifelong Learning Institute (LLI)

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What does back to school mean to you? Back to school may conjure memories, including the smell of white paste, new crayons, or a new lunchbox. It may bring back thoughts of hectic mornings gathering kids into a minivan and going to the parking lot lineup. It may make you smile that you do not have to worry over the day-to-day hustle and hassle, or it may make you feel a bit melancholic that you no longer have the need to buy those school supplies for little ones.

As an older adult though, it may make you wish you could try to go back to school. Did you know that might just be a possibility?

There are a variety of ways to get back to school with several options nearby. Waubonsee Community College offers a Lifelong Learning Institute (LLI) for older adults who are looking for ways to enrich their minds. Previously known as Institute for Learning in Retirement, LLI has been offering classes since September 1996. Members share their knowledge, interests, and talents with other members in a volunteer organization.

LLI has an open yearly membership for adults 50 and older. It is a low cost way to learn new things and share new things with others. The cost to join is just $25 per year, and courses are just $45 each! Field trips and incidentals may vary in price, though. The low cost is possible through the support of the college, and the ability to utilize classroom space, office space, and technical and staff support, all at no cost to LLI or its members.

One does not need to be a teacher to be a facilitator or co-facilitator. The LLI is just looking for avid learners! Current members are always happy to share their expertise and advice to those just starting out who may have a new course they would like to create. More information is available at waubonsee.edu/community-offerings/lifelong-learning.

Low-income seniors can take advantage of tuition deals, too. The Senior Citizen Courses Act (110ILCS 990) allows low-income seniors to have access to tuition waivers through our State universities. According to the State law, Senior citizens, 65 years of age or older, may be eligible for a full-tuition waiver of in-district tuition for all regularly scheduled credit courses.

There are guidelines to admission into the program, however. To take advantage of the tuition deals, you must be trying to find access to regular courses, other than credit courses designed specifically for senior citizens. Seniors will be admitted only if available classroom space exists in a class in which tuition-paying students are already enrolled, and the school still can require course fees for materials, other than tuition. This program is available to Illinois residents at all our State universities. The annual household income threshold is at or below 200% of the 2018 federal poverty level guidelines. To give an idea of that amount, for a household of one, that would be an annual income of $24,280. For a household of two, the limit is $32,920 and $41,560 for a household of three. Those interested would have to apply to the financial aid office at the respective university, and provide all documentation, including the completed senior citizen tuition waiver application, as well as proof of age and Illinois residence.

Whether you are heading back to school to enrich your mind and rejuvenate your heart, to build a new career, or to achieve a degree, remember you are only as old as you feel, and forever young as long as you are learning.

Barb Nadeau is the community relations manager for the Voluntary Action Center of DeKalb County. Barb has worked in television, radio, and print media, as well as in volunteer coordination and networking amongst non-profit social service agencies. She is a freelance writer and television host. Contact Barb at bvnadeau@gmail.com.

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