Mission Statement
We strive to provide affordable, high-quality, non-credit educational programs and experiences for the large and growing 50+ population in the Coachella Valley while enabling participants to enjoy learning and share cultural and social activities in an interactive and friendly environment.
Our History
The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at California State University, San Bernardino was created at the Palm Desert Campus in 2003. Our OLLI program provides intellectually stimulating programming for the large and growing 50+ population in the Coachella Valley, both full-time residents and seasonal visitors.
Meet the Staff
Angela Allen, Program Director
Angela has served OLLI at CSUSB, Palm Desert for the past two years.
Jodi Adams, Engagement Coordinator
Jodi joined the OLLI team in July 2022.
Lydia Petrie, Program Coordinator
Lydia joined the OLLI team in November 2022.
Bernard Osher Foundation
The Bernard Osher Foundation was established in 1977 to support a wide range of educational and cultural activities. The Foundation seeks to improve quality of life through support for higher education and the arts, and provides funding to Osher Lifelong Learning Institutes at over 100 universities in all 50 states. Each Osher program provides a distinctive array of non-credit courses and activities specifically developed for seasoned adults aged 50 and older who are interested in learning for the pure joy of it. The Foundation also provides support to the National Resource Center for the Osher Lifelong Learning Institutes at Northwestern University.
In Conversation: The Voices of OLLI
Did you know that we have a podcast? Well now you do!
"In Conversation: The Voices of OLLI" explores fun conversations with OLLI members, instructors, staff, and university partners. We discuss a variety of topics - each about 20 minutes long. Special thanks to Lou Gorfain (producer) and Arlette Poland (narrator) for their hard work and dedication to provide this resource for our community.
Community Partners
Our community partners play a vital role in helping to rebuild our program. We thank each and every one of them for their unwavering support and commitment to OLLI at CSUSB. Each one helps to create a lasting impact on our community, and we are truly thankful to have them by our side.
Let's Go Travel! LLC
Kathy Day, owner of Let’s Go Travel! LLC, has been in the travel and tourism industry for over 25 years. She has organized and escorted hundreds of tours and cruises locally and worldwide, and prides herself on attention to detail and customer service. Kathy has partnered with OLLI to provide educational day trips. Sign up for our OLLI Adventures emails to learn more about your next adventure!
World Affairs Council of the Desert
The World Affairs Council of the Desert, a non-partisan and non-profit organization, provides a unique opportunity for the discussion of national and international topics. Founded in the early seventies as the “Desert Forum," it served initially as a branch of the Los Angeles Council. By 1975, the organization had changed its name to World Affairs Council of the Desert, began to increase its membership, and established itself as a separate non-profit corporation. Its primary missions are education outreach, promoting and providing interesting and affordable programs in a social setting, and covering a wide range of global topics.