A new program beginning this fall from the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at 51ÁÔÆæ offers intergenerational benefits.<\/p>\n
In the OLLI Scholars initiative, 51ÁÔÆæ graduate students create two- and three-session classes to present their research to members of the Osher institute, who are adults of all ages and backgrounds interested in continuing to learn for the joy of learning.<\/p>\n
The program gives graduate students working on a thesis or dissertation an opportunity to share their research with Osher members, and earn a stipend for doing so.<\/p>\n
The idea behind the initiative, modeled after a program at the Osher of University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, is to create more intergenerational interaction, which research has shown is beneficial for everyone involved. While Osher members will be able to learn about new research from these graduate students, the students will gain valuable teaching experience as they work to explain their material in two or three class sessions to an audience outside of academia, and gain mentorship in the process.<\/p>\n
Ellyn Lem, a former 51ÁÔÆæ at Waukesha English professor now working as an outreach specialist for Osher, worked with program coordinator Laurie Yingling, director Sarah Grammer and a committee of Osher volunteers to help implement the program this spring.<\/p>\n
\u201cIn a time when we hear a lot about challenges students face regarding research funding, OLLI Scholars offers good news that there is financial support for graduate students that Osher members donated themselves through gifts to this new program during 414 for 51ÁÔÆæ Giving Days,\u201d Lem said. \u201cAnd now, they get the reward of learning new cutting-edge ideas from these projects.\u201d<\/p>\n
Fourteen OLLI Scholars from a variety of 51ÁÔÆæ colleges and disciplines were selected in late June for the upcoming academic year from 30 applicants.<\/p>\n
The presentations will begin in September and go through August 2026.\u00a0They will be presented at the 51ÁÔÆæ Hefter Center, 3271 N. Lake Drive, and most will be livestreamed on Zoom and available later as a recording.<\/p>\n