CSM Launches Thrive 60+ Lifelong Learning Program for Adults Age 60 and Up

Free and low-cost continuing education opportunities expand access, foster community, and enrich the lives of Southern Maryland residents age 60 and up. 

For residents of Calvert, Charles, and St. Mary’s Counties age 60 and over, the opportunity to explore a variety of continuing education and personal enrichment courses for little-or-no cost is now available at CSM campuses in La Plata, Prince Frederick, and Leonardtown.   

Thrive 60+, a new initiative launched in Fall 2025 by the Community Education office at the College of Southern Maryland (CSM) and made possible by the generosity of the CSM Foundation, offers free or low-cost classes for community members age 60 and over in a welcoming and supportive environment. 

“The CSM Foundation is the heartbeat of access. Many seniors live on fixed incomes, and without the Foundation's support, opportunities like these could feel out of reach,” said Dr. Anthony Warrick, CSM’s Director of Community Enrichment. “By investing in Thrive 60+, the Foundation helps remove financial barriers and replaces them with open doors. Their partnership ensures that cost will never stand in the way of someone pursuing joy, creativity, and community through education and enrichment.” 

Courses offered as part of Thrive 60+ support personal improvement across all areas of life. Students can explore new hobbies or refine existing skills while creating meaningful connections with like-minded students.  

“We created Thrive 60+ to reflect the same vibrancy and diversity found in the people it serves. That’s why the program offers everything from art and photography to cooking, cultural exploration, and languages,” said Dr. Warrick. “Each class was chosen with care — shaped by the voices of our community, guided by national best practices, and inspired by the creativity of our instructors and amazing staff. The result is a program designed to nourish both the mind and the body, while celebrating the joy of lifelong learning.”  

The program has already seen strong early engagement. “We’ve seen steady enrollment and growing excitement throughout Southern Maryland. Seniors tell us how much they look forward to the courses, not only for what they learn but for the relationships they build,” Dr. Warrick added. 

For Thrive 60+ students Karen and William “Rick” Young, the classes have allowed them to explore their shared passion for cooking. “My husband and I have taken just about every Italian cooking class there is, and multiple times. We love the classes, and the instructor is so educated in her country and the food,” said Karen. “We call it our date night.” 

 The couple especially enjoys learning from instructor Simonetta Baldassari. “She is so knowledgeable about the history of her country. We love to try new food and learn about Italy from her. We’ve also taken a Thai class and a Spanish class with her, and they were great too,” Karen said. 

 “I would definitely encourage anyone to take a course. It's like you're sitting at a friend's dining room table. Lots of good food, laughs and stories. You can't get any better than that,” she added.  

Simon Baker, another Thrive 60+ student, recently attended his first class. Simon is originally from the UK and moved to the area about six years ago. He loves to cook, so he signed up for one of instructor Baldassari’s classes. He said “It’s nice to learn new things or learn new ways to do something you always do.”  

“What inspired Thrive 60+ was a simple but powerful belief: learning is ageless. At CSM, we don't just prepare students for a season of life, we serve the whole community for a lifetime,” said Dr. Warrick. “Thrive 60+ fits right into our mission of lifelong learning by reminding us that curiosity doesn't retire, and passion doesn't have an expiration date. We created this program so that our seniors could continue to grow, connect, and flourish.” 

For more information on learning opportunities through Thrive 60+, please visit https://csmd.augusoft.net/index.cfm?method=templates.CustomTemplatePreview&ContentID=286