How CVEC Works – A Quick Explanation
- CVEC offers fascinating courses for lifelong learners, typically aged 50+.
- Courses are grouped into Fall, Winter, and Spring terms.
- Classes meet weekly, from a few weeks to eight weeks long.
- Course topics include the humanities, arts, sciences, mathematics, and social sciences.
- CVEC recruits highly-qualified instructors from Northfield and the surrounding area, and also nationally.
- Tuition is affordable, and scholarships are available upon request.
- Most classes meet in person, mostly in Northfield locations.
- Online courses extend CVEC’s reach to wherever CVEC learners are.
- Persons less than 50 years old may register if space is available.
- Go to the Courses and Registration page of this website for more information.
A Little History
CVEC was founded in 1997 in Northfield, Minnesota. CVEC draws expertise from two outstanding colleges (St. Olaf College and Carleton College), from independent scholars, and from community experts to teach for CVEC. CVEC’s leaders have always believed that older people want to learn in a structured setting with their peers – and to learn in depth for more than just a week or a weekend.
Community is part of CVEC’s DNA: classes meet in community settings, like senior residences, churches, libraries, and community centers. CVEC students meet and connect with other seniors in class. Couples and friends often sign up for courses together.
CVEC (pronounced SEE-veck) is possibly the first organization of its kind. Elder education programs are usually conducted through colleges and universities, rather than through independent community organizations like CVEC. CVEC’s unique concept captured attention! When newly-founded, CVEC was featured in the New York Times, Washington Post, Chicago Tribune, Boston Globe, Chronicle for Higher Education, Good Housekeeping magazine, a German newspaper, and in Minnesota media.
Excellence & Access, Dollars and Cents
Initial financial support came from the City of Northfield, the Minnesota Humanities Commission, and others. However, It didn’t take long for CVEC to find its own financial footing.
CVEC is volunteer-driven. With no facility of its own, CVEC pays no rent or mortgage. CVEC budgets conservatively. Instructors receive modest honorariums, as do key staff members. Income comes from course tuition fees and donations. Generous donors have allowed CVEC to create an endowment, and earnings from that endowment contribute to CVEC’s financial stability.
What people are saying about CVEC
From Participants:
- It lights a spark when you get into that classroom situation again.
- This is the senior academy I’ve always dreamed of!
- CVEC keeps my brain alive!
- It’s really exciting to add a new dimension to life, no matter how late you do it.
- Age is not a part of these classes.
From Instructors:
- What I like about teaching older students is that they have so much to contribute.