ISU Continuing Education Supports Local and Regional Adult Learning Groups

Idaho State University (ISU) is proud to continue its support of local Road Scholar chapters dedicated to enriching the lives of those aged 50 and older. Through partnerships with New Knowledge Adventures (NKA) and Friends for Learning (FFL), ISU helps deliver engaging, and affordable learning experiences for residents in this age group, opening doors to knowledge, skills, and community.

Formed as local affiliates of the national non-profit Road Scholar (formerly Elderhostel), NKA and FFL connect lifelong learners with classes taught by volunteer instructors in a wide range of subjects—from crafts and art to lectures on global, current, and historical events. Beyond local courses, these organizations offer immersive travel opportunities to parks and historical sites throughout the region, giving members the chance to explore and learn together.

When these local chapters began, Road Scholar required that each affiliate partner with an educational institution to provide essential services, such as registration systems, membership dues processing, and lend support as needed. ISU’s Continuing Education and Workforce Training (CEWT), part of the ISU College of Technology, stepped in to provide this support. CEWT manages registration and membership platforms for the Pocatello NKA and Idaho Falls FFL chapters, and provides ongoing consultation for the Treasure Valley NKA chapter. CEWT further supports the Pocatello NKA and Idaho Falls FFL organizations by offering customer service during registration periods, ensuring members have a smooth experience from sign-up to session.

Supporting this effort are ISU Continuing Education and Workforce Training (CEWT) team members Shirley Hockett and Aaron Hillier, who play vital roles in the partnership. Aaron Hillier supports NKA and FFL by managing technical assistance and web support. This fall, Aaron implemented IT system improvements that streamlined the registration process, making it easier for members to access these valuable programs. NKA President Teresa Westfall and other NKA members expressed appreciation and praise for the success of these upgrades to the registration system.

Shirley serves as a CEWT delegate for both NKA and FFL, handling registration, customer service, and general oversight. “Assisting with NKA and FFL has been a wonderful experience for me,” Shirley shares. “I have witnessed the impact these organizations make in our local retiree community. Each creates an environment that enriches the lives and minds of the members, and I’ve seen tight-knit relationships grow within the organization. The members are truly family.”

“Lifelong learning enriches lives and equips individuals with the tools to thrive and find meaning regardless of age or stage” says RaeLyn Price, CEWT Interim Director.  “We feel honored to be able to support our community through these partnerships”.

ISU’s Continuing Education Department, and the greater College of Technology, are proud to serve as the educational partner to our local and regional Road Scholar chapters.  For more information about NKA and FFL, including membership dues and organization course offerings, please visit cetrain.isu.edu or call us at 208-282-3372.