Sarah Lawrence College is pleased to announce the expansion of its lifelong learning educational offerings, introducing new extension courses and workshops as well as a unique membership program for adults aged 55 and older. The expanded program reinforces the College’s long-standing commitment to learning at every stage of life while strengthening its role as an educational resource for the broader community. These initiatives are being spearheaded by the College’s new Executive Director of Life Learning, James Stakenburg.
The Sarah Lawrence Extension program brings the College’s renowned spirit of inquiry to neighbors across Westchester County and beyond, welcoming those exploring a new passion, returning to a long-held interest, or seeking thoughtful conversation and intellectual engagement. Non-credit offerings model Sarah Lawrence College’s renowned pedagogy, and boast small lectures, dialogue-based learning, and instruction led by practicing artists and scholars. No prerequisites are required. Special rates are also available for au pairs seeking to meet educational requirements.
“For 100 years, Sarah Lawrence has empowered curious and creative lifelong learners, and has understood that learning is not confined to a single chapter of life,” said President Cristle Collins Judd. “The expansion of our lifelong learning offerings under James’ leadership builds on that tradition, opening our campus, our faculty, and our intellectual community even more fully to our neighbors and the wider region.”
Courses are intentionally designed with small lecture sizes to encourage deeper exploration, active discussion, and meaningful connections among participants. Learners engage directly with current and emeriti faculty, as well as guest experts. Offerings include short, six-week courses — meeting weekly for two-hour sessions during the day, evenings, or weekends — as well as one-off expert lectures and workshops. Many courses and lectures will take place in person on the College’s Bronxville campus, while online and on-demand options are also available to ensure maximum flexibility and accessibility.
Registration is now open for the inaugural extension courses and workshops:
- How Media Shapes Memory, Identity, and Daily Life with Jamie Krenn, PhD: Connect the media you’ve encountered to your life (Mondays 9:30 - 11:30am, March 16-April 20, 2026)
- The Human Story of Nature: Myths, Models of the Universe, and the Modern Mind with Eric Leveau, PhD: A fascinating exploration of the interaction between people and nature throughout history. (Tuesdays 7:00 - 9:00pm, March 18-April 22, 2026)
- American History on Film: Fact, Fiction, Memory with Jim Cullen, PhD: Take a trip through American history as experienced in pivotal films. (Wednesdays 7:00 - 9:00pm, March 18 – April 22, 2026)
- From Romanticism to Postmodernism: A Literary Conversation Across Centuries with Melissa Frazier, PhD: Classic texts and their bold twenty-first-century reimaginings. (Fridays 9:00 - 11:00am, March 20-April 24, 2026)
- Water Quality and Infrastructure in Westchester (Workshop) with Katie Lamboy Roman: Learn about the current health of local rivers, including the Hudson River, community science water quality monitoring efforts, and how to get involved as a volunteer. (Wednesday, April 8, from 10:00am – 1:00pm at the Center for the Urban River at Beczak)
Also new is the Signature Learning Community at Sarah Lawrence College, an exclusive membership program for adults aged 55 and older who want to keep their curiosity alive, learning alongside students and fellow participants of all ages and backgrounds, reinforcing Sarah Lawrence College’s role as a shared intellectual hub for the community.
“Today’s learners are looking for flexibility without sacrificing depth, and that’s exactly what the Signature Learning Community provides,” said James Stakenburg, Executive Director of Lifelong Learning at Sarah Lawrence College. “For adults, especially older adults, continued learning plays a critical role in keeping the brain engaged, curious, and active. Our offerings are designed to meet people where they are, whether they want to attend in person, learn online, or explore new subjects on their own schedule, all while remaining connected to a vibrant academic community.”
Since it opened its doors, Sarah Lawrence College has been committed to lifelong learning and serving as an educational resource for the wider community, from the College’s Early Childhood Center to its Writing Institute, precollege programs, and more.