LLI History

Originally chartered as an affiliate of the AARP Institute of Lifetime Learning in 1977, the first semester of classes featured eight classes. The fee was $5 per course and the teacher’s honorarium was $50.  Though limited in scope, the courses represented a variety designed to appeal to older adults: law for seniors, Texas history, creative writing, needlecraft, Spanish, painting, genealogy and philosophy. 

In 1983, we separated from AARP and became Lifetime Learning Institute (LLI) of Austin, which has been offering two semesters of classes annually for more than 45 years.  We schedule 65-75 courses each semester in languages, writing, exercise, crafts, film, science, music, history and more.  

Learning is always fun with optional homework, no disciplinary problems, no exams, no grades -- and students who choose to be there.  LLI is blessed with well-qualified instructors who teach for pleasure (and a small honorarium).  

Courses are offered all over Austin at churches, recreation centers and retirement living facilities which provide space in return for a small donation.  Their support allows LLI to keep costs low so everyone interested can take part.

LLI is a totally volunteer organization.  Each semester our Program Committee develops curriculum and interviews instructors which results in the quality courses Austinites have come to expect.  Volunteers likewise manage registration, run the office, update the website, make classroom arrangements and monitor the wise spending of our funds.  

We are proud to offer educational opportunities -- and the ancillary interpersonal relationships that develop -- to well over 1000 registrants each semester.