You’re invited to join the hundreds of interested – and interesting – people who will take collaborative learning courses with LLC. Just give us your name and email address (never to be shared) and we’ll send you our catalog.
Got questions? Here are answers to the ones we get most often:
What is the Lifelong Learning Collaborative (LLC)?
LLC is an independent, not-for-profit, continuing education organization serving adults in Rhode Island and Massachusetts -- and anywhere else on Zoom. Our model is collaborative learning. Volunteer coordinators develop the syllabus and facilitate class sessions, and class participants deliver the content, fostering a sense of community.
Painting, Art History, literature, current affairs, history, sciences, films, editing your phone photos – are just a few examples of recent and upcoming LLC courses. The catalog will show you exactly what’s being offered.
When and where are LLC classes held?
LLC classes meet either on Zoom or in person at the Shriners Center in the Edgewood/Pawtuxet Village section of Cranston (with plenty of free parking) or other locations as noted in the catalog. Each course listing in the catalog specifies whether it is in person, online or hybrid. Most courses run for two hours with a ten-minute break.
How much does it cost?
Course fees range from $20 to $55 for sessions running from four to ten weeks. Estimates are given for any required or recommended additional purchases. If you are not already an LLC member, you can pay the required $40 annual dues as part of your course registration (see below).
What are LLC classes like?
Before your course begins, the coordinator will send out a syllabus showing the topics to be covered in each week’s class and inviting participants (that’s you) to select a topic that you’d like to lead for 50 minutes. Leading a topic is very much encouraged, but not required. It can include giving a 20-30 minute presentation (often with slides), showing a video, arranging for a guest speaker, or posing a series of questions for the group to discuss.
How do I register for a course at LLC?
You’ll receive complete registration instructions along with your catalog. It’s a good idea to decide on your first and second choices in advance and register as soon as possible after registration opens, because many courses limit the number of participants and they often fill up quickly.
Why should I take courses at LLC?
You’ll learn interesting facts, ideas and/or skills. You’ll meet interesting people. You’ll have fun!
Here's what members are saying about why they enjoy LLC:
"I like most of all that it gave me a purpose and a focus, having moved here with no friends, no family. What I love about LLC is that it really does indulge my lifelong learning interests and creativity. And I love the social aspect of it. This is my fourth time with the Cell Phone Camera Club. I’ve also done four times now with the Memoir Writing Club which is absolutely wonderful.” – Susan Baugh, Providence
“LLC made our transition when we moved to Providence from NY so much easier – gave us things to do and was a way of meeting others.... I enjoy the friendships, the expansion of my horizons and exposure to things I might not otherwise have participated in.” – Bobbie Cohen, Providence
“As recent transplants, it’s been a great way to meet people in Rhode Island. My wife and I started out doing the Theater Conversations course together. We’ve probably been in six sessions of that; it’s a great class, we love it and we’ve become friends with a number of people in the class. The Cell Phone Photography Club is my favorite; we have a great time here. My wife does all the art classes, everything she can get into. She loves the camaraderie and the help she gets from other people in improving her art. She likes the criticism, she likes the sharing – it’s really great.” – Eric Cohen, Providence
“I started when it was at Brown University, then we came here and it has been a terrific venue for me to learn, to meet people. The quality and level of the courses are really phenomenal.” – Liliana Fijman, Pawtucket
“I joined for the company during the pandemic and stayed for the people and the awesome format of having the participants create the class. I am younger than everyone but I am always made to feel welcome and feel treated like my contributions are valuable.” – Sam Grabelle, Warwick
“LLC is a group of bright and interesting people who come together to teach each other; all the courses are based on collaboration. I joined after retiring – I needed to feel a purpose in my days and encouragement to keep learning. I love the collaboration and the people I meet.” – Chuck Nickles, North Kingstown
“I really like the way this is done, how it’s taught, how it’s learned. I’m astounded at how much I’ve learned in the Cell Phone Camera Club. For me, it’s also been social, getting to know people.” – Elizabeth Siftar, Foxboro, MA
"LLC is greatly inexpensive and has a wonderful variety of courses. I enjoy being exposed to and stimulated by subjects about which I previously only had limited knowledge.” – Susan Van Horne, Swansea, MA
“As a retiree, I was looking for some new intellectual stimulation... LLC has a nice diversity of course offerings.” – Will Van Horne, Swansea, MA
“LLC has become my ‘community’ where I have friends from across the state… a variety of courses to choose from at a very reasonable price.” – Kathy Webster, Smithfield
“I really enjoy the courses and, of course, the people!” – Ancelin Wolfe, Medway, MA
"LLC opens doors. My life has been so enriched by LLC." – Sally Zierler, Providence