About the Institute
Endowed by The Bernard Osher Foundation, the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Boise State University is a membership-based lifelong learning program. We offer a wide variety of college-level, non-credit programs for intellectually curious adults age 50 and over. The best part? No homework!
There are 125 Osher Lifelong Learning Institutes located in colleges and universities across the country. We are the only one in Idaho.
Membership-Based Lifelong Learning
Member and community support of the Osher Excellence Fund helps keep membership and course fees low. Membership costs $70 and is valid for one academic year.
Membership is a prerequisite to participate in Osher Institute activities.
Membership includes access to register for livestream and recorded programs, a subscription to our monthly e-newsletter, Osher News, and significantly discounted access to The Great Courses Plus/Wondrium.
While early registration is strongly encouraged, you can become a member and register for programs throughout the semester.
Registration for the fall semester opens in July, and registration for the spring semester opens in December. Online is the preferred method of registration.
The Osher Excellence Fund supports our efforts to attract and retain expert faculty and presenters, offer high-quality programming, provide well-appointed classroom space, and keep membership and course fees low.
Member and community support of the Excellence Fund is instrumental to our ongoing success.
The Bernard Osher Foundation
Boise State University is among a cadre of 125 universities and colleges throughout the country that are endowed by The Bernard Osher Foundation.
Thanks to philanthropist Bernard Osher, lifelong learners in the Treasure Valley can benefit from his vision and generosity.
Community Sponsor and Partners
The Osher Institute gratefully acknowledges our community sponsor and partners for their support of our mission of lifelong learning.
Member-Driven Curriculum
Five curriculum committees, led and served by Osher members, assist the Director in identifying and exploring potential subjects derived from committee and member suggestions. Members are encouraged to suggest presenters and topics by completing evaluation surveys, dropping a card in our suggestion box, or contacting the Institute directly.
Browse CurriculumPresented by Faculty and Community Experts
The Osher Institute seeks out highly skilled faculty and community experts to help fulfill our mission of offering high-quality, college-level programming.
Accessible Classrooms
The Osher Institute is committed to providing an accessible experience for all members. Our building entrances, classrooms, and restrooms meet ADA requirements. During class, our presenters wear a microphone and hearing assistance devices are available for members in need.
Members may request an accommodation by contacting the Osher office.
Minutes from the Main Campus
Ron & Linda Yanke Family Research Park
220 E. Parkcenter Blvd.
Boise, ID 83706
The Yanke building is open to the public. The Osher office and classrooms are housed in this building. Facial coverings must be worn in indoor public spaces owned or controlled by Boise State University, as well as in crowded outdoor spaces, regardless of vaccination status. Although ongoing research confirms that COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective, it is possible for fully vaccinated individuals to unknowingly spread the virus to unvaccinated individuals. For more information, refer to Boise State’s COVID response health guidelines.
To request an appointment, please contact the Osher office at
(208) 426-6554 or osher@boisestate.edu.
If you have an appointment, please display your parking permit inside the lower left side of your windshield. Visitors who do not have a parking permit must park in the visitor’s section on the east side of the parking lot.
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