The Bernard Osher Foundation recently awarded Temple University $100,000 in support of its lifelong learning program for older adults at the Temple University Center City campus. The program, known as the Temple Association for Retired Persons, is one of the oldest and largest lifelong learning programs in the United States.

TARP becomes the 115th member of the national lifelong learning network established by the Osher Foundation. Beginning in 2008, TARP will change its name to the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Temple University.

TARP was founded in 1976 to give retired adults a chance to continue their education at a university in an informal setting. The first year, 11 courses were offered to 85 charter members. Last year, TARP offered more than 140 courses to 723 members.

The members themselves teach TARP courses. These volunteer instructors come from a variety of backgrounds in business, law, medicine, education and nonprofit organizations. In addition to the free TARP courses, members are also eligible to “sit in” on one undergraduate Temple class each semester with the instructor’s approval.

“For 32 years, Temple University has been committed to providing access to educational opportunities for older adults. The Osher Foundation’s generous grant will help us continue Temple’s lifelong learning programs well into the future,” Temple President Ann Weaver Hart said.

The Osher Foundation grant was given to support the general operations of the program and to increase outreach into the community. “We hope to reach 800 members during 2008,” TARP President Harry Segal said. “The Osher Foundation grant will enable us to keep our annual membership fees affordable and to increase the number of scholarships to people who wish to participate in our program.”

“We are especially pleased with the recognition that this grant conveys,” said William Parshall, director of Temple University Center City. “The Osher Foundation has spent several years developing this national network. It is a testament to the hard work of the TARP instructors, the volunteers and the staff that we were able to obtain this grant.”

Other universities receiving Osher Foundation grants include Penn State University, Rutgers University, the University of Pittsburgh and Widener University.

Businessman and community leader Bernard Osher founded the Bernard Osher Foundation, headquartered in San Francisco, in 1977. The foundation seeks to improve the quality of life through its support of higher education and the arts.

For more information on TARP and the programs at Temple University Center City, contact William Parshall, director, at 215-204-1421.