Osher Lifelong Learning InstituteThe UniversityEstablished in 1887 as a California Normal School for Teachers, it is the second oldest California State University. In 1924 it became a four-year State College, and in 1972, it was awarded university status. Now part of the twenty three-campus State University system, Chico serves a twelve county region of 33,000 square miles, equivalent in size to the state of Ohio. The geography varies from the central valley just a few hundred feet above sea level to mountains above 10,000 feet. The population is statistically older than the rest of the state. As an anchor institution in this rural region, CSU, Chico has a long tradition of reaching out to our varied populace to expand cultural, economic, and educational opportunities. Commonly referred to as "Chico State," the University serves over 16,200 students and has an average age of 24. A residential campus located in a true college town, it attracts students from all parts of California. In its yearly ranking of "America's Best Colleges," U. S. News and World Report ranks Chico number three among master's-level public universities in the Western United States. It is accredited by the Western Association of Colleges and Schools, as well as by 19 professional associations. It has 7 colleges, 6 schools, and 14 centers covering over 100 majors and options. Total faculty is 1,014 and staff is 1,179. The CommunityButte County, home of the CSU, Chico campus, is the most populous county in the region with 210,400 residents. The City of Chico is home to the largest number of people in the county with 68,600 residents. Since 1988, the city has grown more than 60 percent, and the population of the "Greater Chico Urban Area" now exceeds 100,000. While the rate of population growth in Butte County has matched that of the state, the number of seniors as a percentage of the total population has consistently been higher and continues to rise. In 2003, seniors aged 60 to 80+ comprised 23.4% of Butte's population; those aged 50 to 80+ accounted for 36% of the population. This preponderance of seniors in the local community and the region is reflected in the demand for learning in retirement activities. The local recreation district (CARD) offers free or inexpensive recreational programs for 20,000 seniors per year. Osher Lifelong Learning InstitutionThe Bernard Osher Foundation was established in 1977 by Bernard Osher, a San Francisco businessman and community leader, who perceived that the needs of mature students were not well served by traditional continuing education programs since many still focused on tests and grades. The Foundation supports the strengthening of existing lifelong learning programs, as well as the creation of new ones, at colleges and universities across the country. The Foundation began its support of such programs in 2001 with grants to Sonoma State University in California and the University of Southern Maine at Portland. In 2005, CSU, Chico joined the network of Osher Lifelong Learning Institutes and our existing learning-in-retirement program became known as the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at California State University, Chico. Quick Facts
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