Our Story

The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at Berkshire Community College was established in 2007 following a grant from the Bernard Osher Foundation of San Francisco to the Berkshire Institute for Lifetime Learning (BILL).

Founded in 1994 as a volunteer-run organization, BILL fostered lifelong learning opportunities for mature adults in the culture-rich Berkshire area.  Building on this tradition, OLLI at BCC continues the classes, trips, special events and lectures that members value.  As part of the nationwide OLLI network, members can enjoy educational resources, ideas, and advanced technologies that offer an even wider range of learning.

In addition to Berkshire Community College, OLLI is also a partner in education with an impressive array of intellectual centers - Williams College, Bard College at Simon's Rock , and Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts - as well as having access to the Clark Art Institute, a world- class museum.  These institutions give generously of their faculty and facilities to OLLI members.

Four to six week college level courses enable OLLI members to indulge their interest in art, history, literature, music, politics, science and other subjects.  Distinguished speakers and University Days stimulate and inform, leading to thoughtful questions and lively debate.  OLLI members enjoy music, dance, theatre performances and travel together, as well as meeting up in Shared Interest Groups to explore shared topics and activities of interest together.

Being a volunteer-powered program, OLLI offers opportunities to participate in its day-to-day running, to develop a wide variety of programs, and to guide it to even greater success in enriching the lifetime learning of its members.