Have you ever thought of what it would be like to be a college student again or maybe a college student for the very first time, to walk across a campus; to go to the library; to sit in a classroom; to sit in the student union and listen to groups of students talking about their assignments; or just sitting quietly looking around you…?

Lawmakers across America are helping to make the dream become a reality, by passing laws which allows seniors the privilege of going to college without having to pay tuition. In Texas, for example, the State Legislature amended the Education Code to read as follows:

Texas Education Code-Section 54.210. Senior Citizens
(a) In this section SENIOR CITIZENS means a person 65 years-old or older.
(b) The governing board of any state supported institution of higher education may allow a senior citizen to audit any course offered by the institution without the payment of a fee, if space is available.
(c)The governing board of an institution of higher education may allow a senior citizen to enroll for credit in up to six hours of courses offered by the institution each semester or summer term without payment of tuition, if space is available.

Seniors have accumulated a wealth of knowledge that has taken them a life time to obtain and they have earned a right of passage to “keep on learning.” Theymay no longer be able to “boogie down” and dance to the rhythm and swing of: “Love and Happiness” by Al Green; Jackie Wilson’s “Baby Workout; or “Something Got a Hold of Me” by Etta James (remember?). But they can seek an education or additional knowledge, learn a new language, take a painting class, take piano lessons, become a nurse… whatever studies stimulates their brain, opens their mind, and enriches their life, go for it! Education gives us something to talk about besides our aches, pains, and social security checks.
Colleges and universities across this nation, are reaching out to seniors citizens to help them to fulfill their educational dreams through a variety of incentives such as: Free tuition, credit for prior life experiences; credit for prior learning, military credits, certification credits, transfer credits, credential credits, credits for attendance at seminars, community service, work experiences, and credits for articles or books written.

The University of Houston’s policy incentive for senior’s statement reads as follows: “The University allows senior citizens to audit any course offered by the campus without payment of a fee. Senior citizens enrolled in courses for credit are entitled to a waiver of the tuition for up to six (6) credit hours of course work.”

Also, the University of Houston, through it’s Continuing Education Program offers courses under two categories: “Education Beyond Degrees” and through the “ Lifelong Learning Institute.” One is for individuals with degrees who perhaps wish to enhance their careers; the other is designed to attract individuals without a degrees, who may wish to continue their intellectual and personal growth. Course examples include: English for Professional Development, Paralegal Certificate, or The Life and Works of Noel Coward, the noted English playwright, composer, director, actor and singer.
www.uhd.edu (713)221-8000

Prairie View A&M University’s tuition exemption policy for seniors reads: “Senior Citizens aged 65 and older taking six (6) Semester Credit Hours are exempt from paying tuition.” The Mission Statement of the Professional Studies and Life Long Learning Division of Continuing Education, boast the following statement: “A commitment to coordinating quality, innovative, continuing education programs that enhance professional development, career opportunities, and life long learning endeavors.”
www.pvamu.edu (936)261-3311

The Lone Star College System through its Academy for Life Long Learning (ALL), states the following: “for an annual membership fee of $15.00, senior citizens 50 and over, are entitled to register for any courses offered in the Academy for Life Long Learning, at no cost or for a nominal fee.” Educational offerings, range from Advanced Knitting, to Bird Watching, and Auto Repairs, to a course entitled: Older Women’s Legacy (OWL) Writing Circle, “An eight-week session designed for women who want to capture memories and write about the times of their lives….” (LSC-North Harris).

The Lone Star College System for Life Long Learning (ALL) is for active older adults age 50 and over, who enjoy opportunities for continued intellectual and personal growth. Lone Star College campuses are located in: Cypress-Fairbanks, Kingwood, Montgomery, North Harris, and Tomball.
www.lonestar.edu (832)813-6500

I encourage seniors to take advantage of the treasures of educational opportunities offered to senior citizens, through community colleges, universities, vocational schools, and other learning centers, throughout Texas and across America. When seniors step through the college doors and into a classroom, they are sure to share a love of learning with interesting and diverse groups of people that will boost their life.

Someone once said, “When a great opportunity knocks on the door of your life, it is often no louder than the beating of your heart, and It is very easy to miss.” Often referred to as the “Education President,” Barack Obama while on the campaign trail had this to say about education: “Education has been the vehicle for social and economic mobility, giving hope and opportunity to millions of people of all ages. Even for those well-past their twenties, people recognize that an education is the ticket to a better life. We must prepare our students, young and old, not only to meet the demands of the global economy, but also to take their place as committed and engaged citizens.”