York College of Pennsylvania Announces New, Lifelong Learning Program for Local Senior Population

New community-focused program expands access to education and engagement for older adults.

YORK, Pa. — York College of Pennsylvania is proud to announce the launch of a new program designed to enrich the lives of local seniors through accessible educational, cultural, intergenerational, and social opportunities. The new lifelong learning initiative will officially launch on January 5, 2026, with membership and course registration opening in May 2026. 

Housed under the York College Center for Community Engagement, the new intergenerational learning initiative reflects the College’s commitment to serving as the educational anchor for York County, supporting learning at every stage of life, and responding to a growing community need for meaningful, accessible lifelong learning opportunities. 

The initiative is made possible in part through support and partnership from the York County Community Foundation (YCCF) as part of its Embracing Aging Initiative, which supports programs that promote vitality, connection, and purpose for older adults across York County. 

“York College is intensely focused on being York's educational choice and to meeting learners where they are throughout their journey,” said York College President Thomas Burns, Ph.D. “Our goal is to continue to support a vibrant, multi-generational learning community that capitalizes on the strengths of a York College education while serving the needs of York County.” 

Designed as a member-driven, noncredit program, the initiative will offer a year-round schedule of courses and experiences. Through membership and course fees, participants can gain access to educational programs, cultural experiences, travel, and volunteer engagement. The lifelong learning program aligns closely with York College’s mission of community engagement by building bridges between the College and the region.

“This initiative is about connection. It’s about connecting people to ideas, to one another, and to York College,” said Carly Legg Wood, Executive Director of the York College Center for Community Engagement. “We see a clear and growing need in our community for lifelong learning opportunities that are accessible, welcoming, and enriching. The intergenerational program allows us to meet that need while creating mutually beneficial partnerships that enhance lives across generations.” 

The launch of this initiative also aligns with and helps advance YCCF’s Embracing Aging priorities by promoting lifelong growth, social engagement and inclusion, and a focus on quality of life for older adults. 

“This new lifelong learning initiative at York College exemplifies what Embracing Aging is all about—supporting collective curiosity, intergenerational connection, and purpose throughout life,” Natalee C. Gunderson, President & CEO, York County Community Foundation, said. “We’re delighted to support the College in bringing this important program to our community. As one of the fastest growing demographics across our County, we understand the incredible value they have for York County, and we want to support their ability to thrive, right here in York.” 

Through the lifelong learning initiative, York College will provide older adults with opportunities to remain intellectually curious, socially connected, and actively engaged, while reinforcing the College’s role as a hub for learning, service, and partnership in York County. Additional details, including membership information and program offerings, will be shared as the January 2026 launch approaches.