AARP Georgia donates $6,000 to Wesleyan Academy for Lifelong Learning

Celebrating it’s 10th anniversary this year, Wesleyan Academy for Lifelong Learning (WALL) is a membership program at Wesleyan College that provides an exciting range of educational and social opportunities to mature learners in central Georgia. WALL offers more than thirty short courses from September through April for men and women who are interested in intellectual stimulation, personal growth, and networking opportunities. Members choose from a wide variety of courses designed to expose adult learners to new ideas and activities in a relaxed and congenial setting without concern for tests or grades. An average of 150 adults participate in the program each year. Prior to the coronavirus pandemic, most classes were taught in person on Wesleyan’s campus by Wesleyan faculty as well as community scholars, artists, and other experts from the community at large. 

To enable Wesleyan to expand its WALL program and continue extending courses to adults who cannot come to campus, or who remain "sheltered in place" to avoid exposure to the COVID-19 virus, AARP Georgia generously donated funds to equip faculty with five Meeting Owls for live-streaming classes. A Meeting Owl is an all-in-one audio/video 360° conferencing device that will turn any classroom into a near face-to-face experience for those unable to attend in person. The Owl automatically shifts the camera to focus on whomever is speaking, bringing the intimacy of the Wesleyan classroom to those who must participate remotely. 

Roughly 15 percent of America’s population is sixty-five and older and entering retirement years. The US Census Bureau estimates that approximately 77 percent of people in this age range completed high school or higher education, and 20 percent earned a bachelor’s degree or higher. Regardless of prior educational experience, WALL has something for everyone with natural curiosity and a willingness to learn.

Wesleyan College is forever grateful to AARP Georgia for their assistance in assuring WALL members have access to classes this year.