• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content

MarionMade

People, Places, Products, Programs

Visit Us On FacebookVisit Us On TwitterVisit Us On YoutubeCheck Our FeedVisit Us On Instagram
We Are Generous!We Are Having Fun!We Are Presidential!
  • Get Involved
  • About
  • Events
    • MarionMade! 5k Sign Up
  • People
  • Places
  • Products
  • Programs
  • Links
  • Contact

LEI Lifelong Learning

By MarionMade! on January 15, 2018

The Learning Enrichment Institute (LEI) provides an opportunity for individuals 50 and older to broaden their experiences through a schedule of short, non-credit courses that promote creativity, free thinking, and personal growth and development. The program is a partnership between The Ohio State University at Marion and Marion Technical College and was established in 2006.

Over the past 11 years, LEI has provided over 500 unique courses to more than 600 community participants. It offers two terms (autumn and spring, each lasting approximately 5-6 weeks) of programming each year that meet the diverse needs and interests of adults 50 and older.

Faculty and staff from both campus institutions make up a large number of our instructors. However, many of the instructors for these specialized courses come from the Marion community. Presenters from local establishments including the Marion Public Library, Marion County Park District, Carousels and Carvings have willingly donated their time to share their knowledge with our participants.

Although most of our LEI participants come from Marion County, we are starting to pull more from outside of our area, bringing more people to our community to experience something positive. Instructors from across Ohio also participate, bringing in speakers and specialists from many disciplines and backgrounds.

LEI is a community service/outreach effort modeled after more than 600 successful “elderhostel” programs across the country. It belongs to the official Road Scholar Institute Network. It is living proof that learning never stops and the Marion community is lucky to have such a gem.

#MarionMade #WeAreLearning #WeAreTheOhioStateatMarion #WeAreMarionTechnicalCollege

Recent MarionMade! Stories

  • Marion’s Manufacturing is Booming

    For generations, Marion workers have helped manufacture products used by millions of people in their homes, on the roads and at their workplaces.  A quarter of Marion’s workforce is in manufacturing, according to the Ohio Department of Job Office of Workforce Development’s 2021 Economic Profile. That is the largest industry in the county, according to […]Read More »
  • TJ Downey: Walking Stick Initiative with the Marion County Park District

    The Marion County Park District is currently recruiting volunteers for their partner organization, Friends of Prairie Parks. Members of this organization help the park district by developing and maintaining the park by providing trail maintenance, mowing grass, organizing weekly walking and biking outings, and presenting programs to the public. Their efforts play an important role […]Read More »
  • Naturalist Encourages Community to Enjoy Local Beauty

    James Anderson is a naturalist with the Marion County Parks District, but he doesn’t solely promote the county parks. “We promote all of our green spaces. I want people to get out and enjoy the outdoors and the wildlife,” Anderson said. “We are really lucky to have dozens of parks and green spaces and so […]Read More »
  • Local Scouting Troop Conquers 135 miles on foot at Philmont

    Nine teen and adult Scouts from BSA Troop 6046 of Marion challenged themselves to hike 135 miles across mountains of Philmont Scout Ranch in Cimarron, New Mexico. The six youths and three advisors persevered despite summer heat, freezing temperatures and hail. They scaled peaks of nearly 12,000 feet and put their endurance and their wilderness […]Read More »

Share Your MarionMade! Story

Click Here to share your story about MarionMade! people, places, products, and programs!
  • Get Involved
  • About
  • Events
  • People
  • Places
  • Products
  • Programs
  • Links
  • Contact

Marion Area Convention & Visitors Bureau Downtown Marion Love INC Marion Public Library Marion Area Chamber of Commerce Marion CANDO! Marion Community Foundation United Way of Marion County Marion Technical College

© 2026 · MarionMade! is a community initiative led by Marion Technical College · Website is powered by Neighborhood Image