A new intellectual home for lifelong learners in Bronxville-Eastchester

When longtime Westchester residents reach retirement or a new chapter of life, many are looking for ways to stay mentally active, socially connected, and engaged with the world around them — without commuting into New York City or enrolling in a full degree program.

This spring, Sarah Lawrence College is expanding its role as a local educational hub with the launch of new extension courses and workshops, along with a new Signature Learning Community for adults ages 55 and older. The initiatives aim to bring college-level learning, discussion, and community to adult learners across Westchester County and beyond.

The expanded offerings come as Westchester’s population continues to age, with many residents seeking meaningful ways to stay intellectually and socially active. Sarah Lawrence’s new programs are designed to meet that demand by offering flexible, non-credit learning opportunities rooted in the College’s long-standing academic culture.

The programs are being led by James Stakenburg, the College’s newly appointed Executive Director of Lifelong Learning, and build on Sarah Lawrence’s century-long commitment to education at every stage of life.

“For 100 years, Sarah Lawrence has understood that learning is not confined to a single chapter of life,” said Sarah Lawrence College President Cristle Collins Judd. “These new offerings open our campus, faculty, and intellectual community even more fully to our neighbors and the wider region.”

The Sarah Lawrence Extension program offers non-credit courses open to the public, welcoming adults who are exploring new interests, returning to long-held passions, or seeking thoughtful conversation and intellectual engagement. Courses reflect the College’s signature pedagogy, emphasizing small class sizes, dialogue-based learning, and instruction by practicing artists, scholars, and current and emeriti faculty members. No prerequisites are required, and special rates are available for au pairs seeking to meet educational requirements.

Courses are offered in a variety of formats, including six-week classes meeting weekly for two-hour sessions during the day, evenings, or weekends, as well as one-time lectures and workshops. Many courses take place in person on the College’s Bronxville campus, with online and on-demand options available to increase accessibility and flexibility.

Registration is now open for the inaugural slate of extension courses beginning in mid-March. Topics include media and identity, American history through film, literary conversations across centuries, environmental history, and a hands-on workshop examining water quality and infrastructure in Westchester, including the Hudson River.

Also launching this spring is the Signature Learning Community at Sarah Lawrence College (SLC@SLC), a membership-based program for adults age 55 and older. Members receive discounted tuition for extension courses, access to select campus facilities, and opportunities to build connections with fellow learners, positioning the College as a shared intellectual space for the broader community.

“Many adults want the depth and rigor of higher education, but with flexibility that fits their lives,” Stakenburg said. “Especially for older adults, continued learning plays a critical role in staying curious, engaged, and connected. Our goal is to meet people where they are while offering real intellectual substance.”

Since its founding in 1926, Sarah Lawrence College has emphasized lifelong learning, offering programs ranging from early childhood education to postgraduate study and community-based initiatives.

More information about the membership program and course registration details is available at the Sarah Lawrence College website.