Jackson State University’s College of Education and Human Development/School of Lifelong Learning is on a mission to enrich the lives of Jackson-area residents 55 years and older through its Seniors College Program.
Participants enhance their knowledge by receiving a positive educational experience from stimulating activities such as social interaction and building new friendships.
JSU has made great strides in working with the older adult population in the metro area. With the hiring of a seniors college coordinator and student services specialist in 2014, the program continues to grow. The coordinator, along with the student services specialist, has worked diligently to ensure objectives are met.
The Professional Interdisciplinary Studies Degree Program is the degree-completion program for seniors college participants. Several participants are actively working toward earning their baccalaureate degree. Course offerings include computer literacy, money matters and health and wellness issues.
The Seniors College Program Learning Annex is housed in the School of Lifelong Learning, 3825 Ridgewood Road in Jackson. The School of Lifelong Learning has a professional development center, computer lab, student commons area, library, and classrooms. As well, it is equipped with large meeting rooms where many of the seniors college activities are conducted.
Also, participants in the Seniors College Program have visited the Walter Payton Center and lunched in the Student Center as part of their enrichment activities. In addition, participants were guests of state Sen. Hillman Frazier in the Mississippi Senate, allowing them to learn more about the legislative process. Through recruitment efforts and programs, the Seniors College program has grown to 185 participants since its inception.
Previously, seniors college participants have assisted with JSU commencement exercises and the annual Health Disparity Health Fair at the Jackson Convention Center.
The program favorably impacts JSU and its participants, who have established a $25,000 endowed scholarship through the JSU Office of Development to demonstrate their dedication to JSU.