FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
THURSDAY, MARCH 25, 2004

CONTACT: Steve Dolan
(619) 594-5664
sdolan@mail.sdsu.edu

SAN DIEGO, Thursday, March 25, 2004 - San Diego State University's College of Extended Studies (CES) has received a $100,000 grant from the Bernard Osher Foundation for lifelong learning programs.

With the grant money, CES plans to devote an entire room in its new Gateway Center West building exclusively to continuing education programs for individuals 50 years of age and older.

The Osher Foundation offers grants of up to $100,000 per year for up to three years to develop and implement lifelong learning programs. Upon demonstrated success, the Foundation will consider establishing endowments of at least $1 million to support individual Osher Lifelong Learning Institutes.

CES will utilize its grant in specialized courses where credit is not given. No tests or papers are required in these courses.

"We are all delighted to have been selected for this grant," said William Byxbee, Dean of CES. "For more than 25 years, SDSU and the College of Extended Studies have been actively involved with the organization and delivery of personal growth and enrichment programs for retired adults. This grant will give us the opportunity to expand our offerings to more areas of San Diego and respond to the diverse needs and unique skill sets that retired adults bring to continuing education."

CES is responding to the fact that according to the U.S. Census Bureau in 2000, there were 871,215 people age 45 and above in San Diego County, representing 31 percent of the total population. By 2005, these same people will be 50 and above, the age group targeted by Osher Lifelong Learning Centers.

"This Osher Foundation grant is such a perfect fit for the College of Extended Studies and its outreach efforts to the greater San Diego community," said Dr. Cindy Emmans, Director of Grants and Contracts for CES. "The timing on this is perfect. We have the San Diego Trolley coming to San Diego State next year, which solves many transportation problems for people in this age group. Plus, our new building offers an excellent opportunity for learning because of the classroom we have set aside exclusively for this population."

The Osher Foundation began funding lifelong learning institutes several years ago to promote education for people "50 or better" who want to return to school "for the love of learning." The University of Southern Maine, located in Osher's home state, was the first Osher grantee in the late 1990s. Sonoma State University's Lifelong Learning Institute became the first state-wide recipient of a $1 million endowment from the Osher Foundation last year.

SDSU's College of Extended Studies offers a wide variety of lifelong learning classes, seminars, and certificate programs. Career advancement courses are offered in many areas of management, leadership, and quality improvement while self-enrichment courses range from astronomy to web design. Additionally, the College offers over 25 certificate programs, online courses, and many other learning opportunities. To register or for more information, call (619) 594-5152 or log on to www.NeverStopLearning.net.