About Us

Who We Are: The Academy for Lifelong Learning

"A community of adults gathered together to design and enjoy new adventures in learning."

History: The Colorado Academy of Lifelong Learning was formed in December, 2002 by a group of like-minded men and women seeking to bring stimulating intellectual, cultural, and social opportunities to adults in the Denver area. The founders are volunteers whose only objective is to serve the membership.

Nonprofit: The Academy is a nonprofit Colorado corporation, a 501(c)(3) recognized by the IRS, headquartered in Denver.

A Lifelong Learning Institute: There are over 500 Lifelong Learning Institutes, LLIs, nationwide devoted to the same goals. Each is tailored to the individual needs and tastes of its community. The Academy is neither politically nor financially linked to any of the other LLIs. There is just a shared common objective of lifelong learning. The LLI movement nationwide is growing at an exceptional pace. The maturing of the baby boom generation will further accelerate this trend.

Age Requirements: Adults who share our goals and interests are welcome in our classes. The original plan was to have a program for adults 45 and older. But we absolutely refuse to enforce the age requirement! This is a departure from the rules of other LLIs.

Self-Governing: We are completely self-governing. The Board has complete decision-making authority over all areas of endeavor. The Board answers to no one but the membership.

Self-Financing: The Academy is completely self-financing. All funds received stay within the organization and are used solely for the benefit of the members and the program. No other organization has a call on the financial resources of the corporation or its programs. To begin operations, several of the founding members loaned funds to the corporation at below market rates of interest. The corporation repaid these loans as operational success permitted.

Objective: The objective is to deliver the highest quality educational offerings possible at the lowest possible cost to the participants. As our membership grows, we expect to be able to lower the course fees and will do so whenever possible.

Our Most Frequently Asked Questions

 

How can I contact the Academy?
Email us at Info@AcademyLL.orgif you have a question. Or click on Contact Us if you would like to be added to our mailing list and receive information about the next semester's classes.

When do classes meet?
The Academy has two terms beginning mid-September and mid-February. The two-hour classes meet once a week and typically run for three to ten weeks. They meet on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 10 to 12 am and 1:30 to 3:30 pm. Summer events are held on a periodic basis.

Who takes classes with the Academy?
Active, intellectually curious adults with flexible hours take Academy classes. Activities are designed for people who seek academic challenges, networking opportunities, and social events. You must be a member to sign up for a class.

What is the membership fee?
The membership fee for the two-term academic year is $30 or $20 for just one term. Tuition fees range from $25 to $80.

Why are some courses more expensive than others?
Rather than charge a standard fee for every course, we think it's fairer to charge the direct costs of each course to the participants in that course. Some classes are longer than others. Some are taught by experts, some by facilitators. Some facilitators enhance their classes with outside materials, videotapes, speakers, etc.

Is there a discount if my spouse and I both take classes?
We welcome all members and will treat everyone as an individual. That means: no discounts.

What happens if the course I want is closed out?
If the course you want is closed, you will receive a phone call in order to discuss your options.

There are courses I’d like to take but they’re not being offered. What can I do about this?
Sheila Porter, the current Curriculum Chairman, is always looking for tips on new courses and assistance in offering them. Please contact her directly.

Must I pay with a check?
Yes, please. Your check is your receipt in the event of any confusion. We’re not set up for credit cards, and cash creates a burden on our accounting system. Confirmation letters are not sent. You can just assume that you are in the class.

May I pay later?
You may, but your place in the class will not be held until your check is received.