The aphorism, “You can’t teach an old dog new tricks,” does not apply to North Carolina State University’s Encore Program for Lifelong Enrichment.
This continuing education program, designed for adults 50 and older, is a unit of McKimmon Center for Extension and Continuing Education.
Founded in 1991, the NCSU Encore program currently has 1,000 members who join annually. It offers short, non-credited courses, study trips, social and special events, special interest groups, and extracurricular activities. Topics and courses are wide ranging, but all are “emphasizing learning for the joy of learning.”
Members choose from more than 80, six-week courses every year. These courses usually meet once a week for 90 minutes. Homework is optional; there are no tests or grades. This helps to relieve members of any anxiety, enabling them to enjoy the course fully.
Encore’s special interest groups are usually member-based, ranging from book and movie groups to hiking and knitting circles. These are run by members with the approval of the Encore program administration.
Encore is financed through membership, program fees, and sponsorships as well as the Encore Endowment. Expenses include classroom rental, administrative and staff support, and registration processing. Registration is open throughout the program year. Encore offers financial aid and scholarship opportunities to keep its programs affordable for the greatest number of adults, aged 50 and older.
This program offers retirees the opportunity to enrich their minds and broaden their knowledge of new ideas. For more information, contact the Encore office at 919-515-5782 Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. or write to: Encore, Campus Box 7401, Raleigh, NC 27695.