The Osher  National Resource Center (Osher NRC) is a national support and resource center based at Northwestern University’s School of Professional Studies and funded by the Bernard Osher Foundation. It serves a network of 124 independent lifelong‑learning institutes (called OLLIs) hosted by colleges and universities across all fifty United States states plus the District of Columbia.

The Osher  NRC does not govern these institutes, but rather acts as a “center of excellence,” helping them thrive by connecting them to each other and to resources, offering training and consultation, and promoting the growth and development of older‑adult learners.

Examples of Work:

• Professional development and networking: The center organizes national conferences (every 18 months) and produces webinars and trainings for OLLI staff and volunteers, enabling Institutes to share best practices and learn from one another.
• Research and data on lifelong learning: The Osher NRC conducts national surveys of OLLI members to understand demographics, learning interests, and the role of online learning in lifelong education. For example, their 2024 membership survey report provides insights into older adult learners and their preferences.
• Shared course offerings: Through programs like “Osher Online,” the center helps OLLIs deliver courses across institutions, allowing members to access high‑quality online content offered through collaborative arrangements

Resources

Northwestern University, School of Professional Studies. (n.d.). National Resource Center for Osher Lifelong Learning Institutes. https://sps.northwestern.edu/oshernrc/

Northwestern University, School of Professional Studies. (n.d.). About the Osher National Resource Center. https://sps.northwestern.edu/oshernrc/about/

Northwestern University, School of Professional Studies. (2024). Report on the 2024 national survey of the OLLI membership. https://sps.northwestern.edu/oshernrc/files_nrc/report-on-the-2024-national-survey-of-the-ollis-membership.pdf

Carnegie Mellon University. (2023). Osher Online: Lifelong learning for older adults. https://www.cmu.edu/osher/publications/weekly-essentials/2023/fall/osher-online.html?utm_

Learn & Work Ecosystem Library. (2025-10-10 16:52:15). Lifelong Learning. https://learnworkecosystemlibrary.com/glossary/lifelong-learning/