SAN MARCOS - The College of Extended Studies at California State University San Marcos was awarded a $100,000 grant to establish the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, it was announced today.

The grant was provided by the Bernard Osher Foundation, which supports programs in lifelong learning at institutions around the country.

The institute, which will be housed at the California Center for the Arts Escondido, will provide students 50 and older with non-credit courses taught by Cal State San Marcos professors and other experts from the North County.

"San Diego's North County has a growing population of educated, active, older adults, and as the region continues to attract thousands of retirees, a structured learning-in-retirement program will be essential in keeping these individuals intellectually challenged and stimulated," said Robert Stakes, dean of the College of Extended Studies.

The institute will not have examinations or grades, and will be open to all interested older adults, regardless of previous educational achievements.

Courses are scheduled to begin in September.