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Lifelong Learning Institute

Opportunities for 50+ Learners at Montgomery College
Lifelong Learners visit NIST
Lifelong Learners visit NIST (National Institute of Standards)

Lifelong Learning Institute is committed to creating and fostering a variety of intellectually stimulating educational opportunities for Montgomery County residents age 50 and over. However, adults of any age may register for these classes. Students age 60+ pay fee only for courses. 


Important Information:

Registration Information

You can register via mail (WDCE Registrations, 51 Mannakee Street, CC220, Rockville, MD 20850), fax 240-683-6945 or in person at the Rockville Campus, Germantown Campus, the Takoma Park/Silver Spring Campus and Gaithersburg Business Training Center. WDCE Customer Service locations & hoursnew window.  

You can also register via online. Please note: If you are aged 60+ and your class is eligible for tuition waiver, you have to register via fax, in-person or mail to receive tuition waiver for the first time. After the initial registration, you can register online. If you have questions or need assistance with online registration, please contact our Customer Service at 240-567-5188.     

COVID-19.new window Vaccination is no longer required, but still encouraged. Masks are optional. 

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Lifelong Learning Institute

There are  more than 140 classes held in-person or structured remote throughout the county, either on a campus or at other facilities such as county libraries or high schools. Check the Lifelong Learning Brochure (PDF, Get Adobe Acrobat PDF Reader - Link opens in new window) or the Schedule of Lifelong Learning classesnew window to see which classes are offered this semester. Classes vary every semester. Want to learn more about classes and special events? Join the Lifelong Learning Mailing listnew window and we will send you quarterly updates. Lifelong Learning Course Evaluation Form

Lifelong Learning at Montgomery College

American Presidents: From the White House to the Battlefield 

author David Fisher, Presidential Chronicles (PDF, Get Adobe Acrobat PDF Reader - Link opens in new window)

America's Presidents are tested in war unlike any other aspect of the job. For many American Presidents, those tests first take place on the field of battle long before they reach the White House. This course will peer into the nation's first five major military conflicts as seen through the lives and experiences of America's Presidents from George Washington to Theodore Roosevelt. These conflicts include: Revolutionary War, War of 1812, Mexican War, Civil War, and Spanish-American War. From privates to officers to commanding generals to commanders-in-chief, wars have been proving grounds that test the mettle of the men who ultimately occupy the Oval Office. Many thrived, some stumbled, all making for great stories that provide color and insight to American history. Recommended material: the Presidential Chronicles series of books and YouTube videos.   Instructor: David FIsher (bio) (PDF, Get Adobe Acrobat PDF Reader - Link opens in new window)

St. Michels on the Chesapeake Bay

Highlights of new  Classes

  • A Taste of History: Most Beloved American Regional Culinary Treasures
  • American Presidents: From the White House to the Battlefield
  • War Crimes: Case Studies in Definition, Apprehension and Punishment
  • What Goes Around, Comes Around: Cycles in American History and Economy
  • Empress Maria Theresa: The Empire that Shaped Modern Europe
  • Connecting with Our Chesapeake Bay
  • Exploring Local History and Nature
  • Mysteries in Time: From The Name of the Rose to the Dante Club
  • How to Write and Self-Publish Your Children's Book
  • Short Stories of the Early 20th Century
  • Writing the Short Story: An Introduction to Creative Writing
  • From Grand to Comic: A History and Appreciation of Opera
Share Your Expertise with Lifelong Learners

The Lifelong Learning Institute is seeking talented presenters and enthusiastic instructors to teach online and face-to-face: Archaeology, Astronomy, Biology, Botany, World Cultures, Philosophy, Journalism, Food/Wine History, Human Physiology and others. If interested, please contact Natasha Sacks, Program Director, at Natasha.Sacks@montgomerycollege.edu

Literary Cafe

The Literary Cafe will be held remotely during COVID. Zoom still allows for lively discussions.  This term, readings vary each term. Visit the Literary Cafe for the complete Literary Cafe Reading List (PDF, Get Adobe Acrobat PDF Reader - Link opens in new window) .