Report on the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at Penn State: Aligning with Sustainable Development Goals

Introduction: Fostering Lifelong Learning and Well-being

The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at Penn State is facilitating community engagement through two informational events designed to showcase its alignment with key United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The program, which serves adults aged 50 and better, directly contributes to SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) by providing a robust framework for continuous learning, social integration, and personal development.

Core Contributions to Sustainable Development Goals

• SDG 4: Quality Education: OLLI champions the principle of lifelong learning opportunities for all. By offering a diverse curriculum, the institute ensures inclusive and equitable quality education, promoting skills and knowledge that enhance personal enrichment and active community participation.
• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being: The program is structured to combat social isolation and promote mental well-being among older adults. Through educational courses, social events, and interest groups, OLLI creates an environment that fosters cognitive engagement and strong social bonds, which are critical components of a healthy life.
• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities: OLLI strengthens the social fabric of the community by creating inclusive, safe, and welcoming spaces for older residents. This focus on social cohesion and engagement helps build resilient and sustainable communities where all members can thrive.
• SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals: As a service of Penn State Outreach, OLLI exemplifies a powerful partnership between a major educational institution and the wider community, leveraging resources to achieve shared sustainability objectives.

Upcoming Community Engagement Events

OLLI will host two events to provide community members with a comprehensive overview of its programs. These sessions offer a direct pathway for individuals to engage with initiatives that support global sustainability targets on a local level.

Event attendees will have the opportunity to:

1. Learn about fall semester courses that promote lifelong learning (SDG 4).
2. Discover social events and Special Interest Groups designed to enhance well-being (SDG 3).
3. Explore travel and volunteer opportunities that foster global citizenship and community resilience (SDG 4, SDG 11).
4. Engage with current members to understand the program’s impact on personal and community well-being.
5. Receive a complimentary single-session course with the purchase of a new membership, lowering barriers to educational access.

Event Details

OLLI University Park Open House

• Date: Tuesday, August 19
• Time: 1:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
• Location: Outreach Innovation Building, 100 Innovation Drive, State College
• Registration: RSVP is requested via the official registration page or by phone at 814-867-4278.

OLLI Harrisburg Semester Kickoff

• Date: Wednesday, September 10
• Time: 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
• Location: Mukund S. Kulkarni Theatre, Penn State Harrisburg Student Enrichment Center
• Registration: RSVP is requested via the official registration page.

Organizational Background

For over 25 years, OLLI at Penn State has been dedicated to enriching the lives of adults through a multi-faceted approach encompassing education, travel, and social engagement. The recent expansion to Harrisburg demonstrates a growing commitment to broadening access to these vital community programs, further advancing the institution’s contribution to the Sustainable Development Goals across new regions.

Analysis of Sustainable Development Goals in the Article

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

The article on the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at Penn State connects to several Sustainable Development Goals by focusing on education, well-being, and community for older adults.

• SDG 4: Quality Education: This is the most prominent SDG. The article is entirely about OLLI’s mission to provide “lifelong learning” through “educational experiences” and “courses” for adults aged 50 and better. This directly aligns with the goal of ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education and promoting lifelong learning opportunities for all.
• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being: The article highlights that OLLI aims to “enrich lives” and provides a “welcoming environment” with “social events” and “social engagement.” These activities are crucial for promoting mental health and well-being, especially for older adults, by fostering social connections and preventing isolation, which contributes to ensuring healthy lives for all ages.
• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities: By creating a “welcoming environment, open to all community members aged 50 or better,” OLLI contributes to making communities more inclusive. The program is described as a “hidden gem within our community,” and its expansion to Harrisburg shows an effort to build inclusive social infrastructure in different urban areas.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

Based on the activities described, the following specific SDG targets can be identified:

1. Target 4.3: Ensure equal access for all women and men to affordable and quality technical, vocational and tertiary education, including university.
   • Explanation: OLLI provides accessible, non-credit courses and educational experiences that fall under the umbrella of tertiary and lifelong learning. The program specifically targets “adults aged 50 and better,” ensuring this demographic has continued access to quality learning opportunities. The free open house events are designed to lower the barrier to entry.
2. Target 3.4: Reduce by one third premature mortality from non-communicable diseases through prevention and treatment and promote mental health and well-being.
   • Explanation: The article emphasizes the social and engagement aspects of OLLI, such as “social opportunities,” “Special Interest Groups,” “travel adventures,” and “volunteer opportunities.” These activities directly combat social isolation and promote mental well-being, which are key preventative measures for health issues in older populations.
3. Target 11.7: Provide universal access to safe, inclusive and accessible, green and public spaces, in particular for women and children, older persons and persons with disabilities.
   • Explanation: OLLI creates inclusive social spaces and events specifically for older persons. The article describes a “welcoming environment” and free community events like the “open house” and “semester kickoff,” which serve as accessible public gatherings designed to foster community engagement for this demographic.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

Yes, the article contains several explicit and implicit indicators that can be used to measure progress:

• For Target 4.3 (Lifelong Learning Access):
  • Indicator: The number and variety of educational offerings. The article mentions “upcoming engaging and interactive fall courses.”
  • Indicator: Program expansion and reach. The article notes that OLLI has been active for “more than 25 years” and recently “expanded last summer with the launch of OLLI Harrisburg,” indicating growth in providing access to new communities.
  • Indicator: Participation and recruitment rates. The open house events are designed to attract new members, and attendees who purchase a new membership receive a “free single-session course,” which can be tracked.
• For Target 3.4 (Well-being):
  • Indicator: The number and type of social engagement opportunities. The article explicitly lists “social events,” “Special Interest Groups,” “travel adventures,” and “volunteer opportunities” as part of the program.
  • Indicator: Membership numbers and event attendance. The article provides RSVP links for two major events, allowing for the tracking of community engagement levels.
• For Target 11.7 (Inclusive Spaces):
  • Indicator: The number of inclusive community events organized. The article details two specific free events: the “OLLI University Park open house” and the “OLLI Harrisburg semester kickoff event.”
  • Indicator: The accessibility of programs. The events are explicitly “free” and “open to all community members aged 50 or better,” indicating a focus on inclusivity and accessibility.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: psu.edu