Residents in Door and Kewaunee counties will soon see expanded access to lifelong learning opportunities through a strengthened partnership between Northeast Wisconsin Technical College (NWTC), Door County Learning in Retirement (DCLIR) and University of Wisconsin–Green Bay.
Beginning July 1, UW–Green Bay will officially join the long-standing collaboration between NWTC and DCLIR, which for more than two decades has provided enrichment courses for adult learners across the region. The addition of UW–Green Bay will bring new in-person and online continuing education offerings, along with expanded administrative support.
“As a university, we have an extensive history of serving older adults,” said Jess Lambrect, executive officer of UW–Green Bay’s Division of Continuing Education and Workforce Training. “To be in collaboration with NWTC and DCLIR further recognizes the aging population of the peninsula.”
Courses will continue to be offered at NWTC’s Sturgeon Bay campus, while additional classes will be available at the Sister Bay Learning and Innovation Center. Programming will include subjects such as culinary arts, business development and social sciences, with options designed to appeal to learners of all ages.
The partnership expansion comes as both counties experience notable demographic changes. According to recent U.S. Census data, nearly 30% of Door County residents and about 28% of Kewaunee County residents are age 60 or older, underscoring the increasing demand for accessible and engaging lifelong learning opportunities.
Lambrect said the collaboration is designed not only to expand course offerings, but also to strengthen community connections.
“We can collectively work together and ensure that our Door County residents can be engaged and active in the programs and outside of it,” she said.
Lambrect says the partnership will help create more flexible pathways for retirees, working adults and others seeking continued education, while also fostering social interaction and community involvement.
Programs will continue year-round, with registration for upcoming courses in Door and Kewaunee counties opening later this summer.
For more information, please visit the organizations websites.
