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In the previous few columns we looked at what is perhaps the most well-known later life learning organization–Elderhostel Lifelong Learning Institutes. For the next few columns we will take a look at other equally life-enhancing organizations, starting today with the OASIS Program. There’s a wealth of opportunities out there once you begin focusing on lifelong learning and all it has to offer. With so much variety, you’re sure to find program(s) that suit you. The goal of these columns is to inspire you to include lifelong learning as part of your “After-50” life. How you do that, however, is something only you can determine. OASIS OASIS is a public-private partnership that serves more than 350,000 members age 50+ through a national network of centers in 25 cities. The OASIS Institute in St. Louis is the national headquarters. Primary centers are in department stores. Each center is a specially designed space with offices, a lounge and classrooms, providing a comfortable setting where members can relax and meet people with similar interests. Additional programs are offered in other community locations. Local sponsors such as health care institutions, nonprofit agencies, department stores, banks, businesses, foundations and individuals provide financial support. An OASIS director manages each center with assistance from staff and member volunteers. OASIS is nationally sponsored by The May Department Stores Company Foundation. Background An initial grant from the U.S. Administration on Aging funded a two-year project to demonstrate the feasibility of a public-private partnership. From an initial start in four cities, OASIS today has programs in 25 different cities across the U.S. In the last several years, OASIS has received grants from several well-known foundations including nearly $1 Million from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation for the Active for Life Program, $500,000 from the SBC Foundation for computer training and $250,000 from the National Endowment for the Humanities for a Lewis & Clark Project. OASIS also partnered with the SPRY Foundation to develop Science Across the Generations with funding from the National Science Foundation. The program brings together OASIS volunteers and children to explore math, science and technology concepts. Grants such as these certainly lend validity to what is an outstanding program. Programs Course offerings vary widely from city to city but usually include art, computer, consumer information, intergenerational opportunities, literature, music, science and nature, exercise and dance, health and aging, history, personal development and enrichment, philosophy, religion and spirituality, politics and world affairs, sports and a myriad of volunteer opportunities. The most far-reaching community service opportunity is the OASIS Intergenerational Tutoring Program which promotes literacy with a proven approach designed to build children’s self-esteem and positive attitudes toward learning. Working with elementary schools, OASIS pairs older adults with young children with underdeveloped reading and language skills. The adults work one-on-one with the students each week as their tutors, mentors, and friends. Since 1989 volunteers have helped over 211,000 children learn to read and be more successful in school. The program has proven to be beneficial to both the students and the tutors and consistently receives high marks from educators. OASIS Today Don’t Miss Out on This Special Opportunity for Readers of this Column Check out www.onedayuniversity.com to learn more, and see if there’s a one-day university near you. If so, when you register, thanks to your reading of this column, you will get a 15% discount on the cost of the program. Just type in the word “LIFELONG” as your coupon code when you register at the website, or use it when calling 800-811-8821 to register. It’s that simple!  |
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