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 exams!
There are 124 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 offerings, a subscription to our monthly e-newsletter, Osher News, and significantly discounted access to The Great Courses Plus.
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 early August, and registration for the spring semester opens in early 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.
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 closed to the public until further notice. Visits to the Yanke building and Osher Institute office may be made on an appointment-only basis. Guests are required to sign in for contact tracing and wear a facial covering while in the building.
To request an appointment, please contact the Osher office at
(208) 426-6554 or osher@boisestate.edu.
The Bernard Osher Foundation
Boise State University is among a cadre of 124 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 Sponsors
The Osher Institute gratefully acknowledges our community partners for their support of our mission of lifelong learning.