Brewster School District Launches Community Learning Center

BREWSTER, NY — A new venture in continuing education for the community, the Brewster Community Learning Center will kick off this year with four courses. Its purpose is to provide 12-month learning and exploration opportunities for adults and children in the school district.

The Brewster Board of Education gave these reasons for developing the program:

• Community education programs have been around since the 1960s to serve the evolving needs of residents. Our district didn’t have one.
• The average age of a resident in Brewster is approximately 41.1. This group is active and interested in ongoing learning. Rather than going to another location, they need a place close to home.
• According to the Center for Disease Control, the life expectancy for females is 83.6 and for males 78.8. Over the last decade, this number has steadily increased. This group of adults is looking for interesting ways to spend their time.
• As people live longer, they want to pursue personal and professional interests well after retirement. The BCLC can fill this vacuum.
• According to the most recent census data, about 60 percent of our homeowners either no longer have children who attend our schools or their children attend private schools. We want these community members to come to the schools and be a part of the program.

The goal is to become self-sufficient thus minimally impacting the general budget.

Courses will be offered in one or several of the school buildings. Residents will be able to register for courses in a number of areas of interest ranging from fitness and wellness classes to digital learning. Course takers may register in person at the District administrative building, online and by using a paper form that can be mailed or dropped off at the district office.

Adults 60 or over will receive a 30 percent discount. To get that, see the District Clerk for a Silver Bears discount card.

Employees of the district will receive a 10 percent discount for courses. There is no discount on courses and programs for children.

To come: information about the collection of courses that will start the first week in July.