Door County Learning in Retirement (DCLIR) is looking to grow both its classrooms and its roster of instructors as demand for lifelong learning opportunities continues to rise across the Door Peninsula.

Founded more than two decades ago, the volunteer-driven organization has partnered with Northeast Wisconsin Technical College (NWTC) to offer enrichment courses for adults of all ages. Beginning July 1, University of Wisconsin–Green Bay will join the collaboration, expanding access to both in-person and online programming.

Courses, currently numbering around 125 each session, cover a wide range of topics, from arts and humanities to business and science, and are held at NWTC’s Sturgeon Bay campus and other locations throughout the county, and as of July 1, include UW-Green Bay.

Leaders say the need for programming continues to grow alongside the area’s aging population.

“When you look at the census for the peninsula in 2020, 34% of residents are over the age of 65, the third oldest county in Wisconsin,” said Joe Kopec, a DCLIR member at large.

To meet that demand, the organization is encouraging more community members not only to enroll, but also to share their expertise.

“We decided, at the board level, to do more than the 125 classes already offered,” Kopec said. “That means, if we engage more residents, we need more instructors.”

Jennifer Flatt, provost and executive vice president of academic affairs at NWTC, praised the program’s impact.

“DCLIR is an absolutely amazing nonprofit,” Flatt said. “To be offering 125 classes at a time, and now adding more for our residents, it’s terrific.”

More sessions will open later this year, with opportunities available for both participants and prospective instructors.  For information on classes available or to become an instructor, please visit the NWTC registration page.