Academy for Lifelong Learning

ALL began life in 1997 as the Institute for Learning in Retirement, an offshoot of Elderhostel (now called Road Scholar) and the Elderhostel Institute Network. Within a year we became the Academy for Lifelong Learning, with an objective to offer short, college-level courses and other education events — without homework, tests or credit. Although hosted and administered by Western Washington University, ALL is 100 percent member-driven and supported by membership dues and program fees.

Inspired by the belief that a curious mind never retires, the Academy for Lifelong Learning (ALL) is a volunteer-led community providing a variety of educational and cultural programs in a pressure-free environment.

Our content is produced by volunteers who devise courses, excursions and other programs; recruit instructors from a diverse pool of WWU faculty, faculty emeritus, and experts in various fields and professions; and plan events. Policy is set by a Board of Directors elected from the membership.

Courses and excursions offered by ALL include a diverse spectrum of topics from traditional liberal arts and sciences, with an emphasis on interdisciplinary exploration, utilizing formats that encourage discussion and exchange of knowledge. Programs are open to all interested adults.