Leadership Asheville Seniors

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Leadership Asheville Seniors—a learning and civic engagement program planned and led by its graduates and community members—provides a multi-faceted view of Asheville and Buncombe County. Through discussions with community leaders in distinctive venues, newcomers and longtime residents alike can gain new perspectives and consider ways to contribute their diverse experiences and talents for the good of the community.

Our Leadership Asheville Seniors program, started as one of the Center’s first programs in 1986, sets us apart from most lifelong learning institutions. Held once a year in the fall with ten weekly sessions, OLLI members learn about our community’s most pressing needs and ways they can get involved to address those needs.

Here’s what some LAS graduates have said:

  • “One of the most enjoyable things I have been a part of since moving here six years ago.” Bette Walburgh
  • “LAS has given me added respect and admiration for this community and its people.” Mimi Warren
  • “This program opened doors for me that I didn’t know existed. It will take time for me to process the extent of the experience. My friends in other cities are envious as a result of my sharing the experience of LAS.” Liz Pritchard
  • “Now I feel I have truly become a part of our community.” David Kwo
  • “LAS increased my knowledge of options for involvement in the community.” Katherine Armitage
  • “Getting to know my classmates was a high point for me.” Jack Jones

Leadership Asheville Seniors 40 (Fall 2026)

Registration

Registration for LAS 40 will open in Spring 2026. Join the interest list for LAS 40 (fall 2026) If you join the interest list, you will be notified first when registration opens.

Before registering, please review the program values and expectations for LAS participants.

Schedule

The program will run September-November 2026. Exact dates to be released prior to registration opening. Program days occur weekly 9 a.m.-4 p.m. unless otherwise specified.

Program Fee

The program fee includes materials, lunches, OLLI membership and administration. Transportation and parking are not included; participants are expected to provide their own transportation to program sites around Buncombe County.

Registration is open to OLLI members whose membership is current during the 2026-2027 membership year (August 1, 2026-July 31, 2027). OLLI membership is included in the program fee.

Scholarships are available up to 75%; see below for details.

The 2026 program fee will be announced soon (includes annual OLLI membership).

LAS Frequently Asked Questions

Who participates in Leadership Asheville Seniors?

Those who want to learn more about the community and how they can make a difference should participate. We have no age requirements, but since we meet one day per week for nine weeks, participants are usually partially or fully retired. New area residents might participate to jumpstart their understanding of the community and to meet others. Some longtime residents participate to see the community through new eyes, meet new people and uncover new possibilities for themselves.

Do I have to be an OLLI member to participate?

You must be a current OLLI member during the membership year in which the program takes place. Membership is included in the program fee.

What are the benefits?

Participants enjoy many benefits including:

  • understanding issues of vital concern to Asheville and Buncombe County
  • meeting new people, including those that make the community work
  • discovering ways to get engaged in community issues
  • learning together with new friends

Where are LAS sessions held?

Historically, the LAS orientation and first day take place on UNC Asheville’s campus, whereas subsequent sessions are held in locations throughout the community. The location always connects with the topic of the day; a session on education might be at a local school, while a session on the justice system might take place in a jail or courthouse.

Can I participate if I have some physical limitations?

Physical limitations will not prevent anyone from participating. We try to accommodate individual differences within the constraints of a group activity. Some locations have stairs or steps. We tour some facilities. To discuss individual requirements, email us or call 828.251.6140.

Does the program fee increase?

The program fee is subject to increases as costs increase. We try very hard to make LAS as affordable as possible while covering program costs. Financial assistance is available.

What is the refund policy?

The LAS program fee is refundable less a $50/person administrative fee for full-paying enrollees for cancellations made by 5 p.m. at least 10 days prior to the program start date. For cancellations made fewer than 10 days prior to the program start date, no refund is possible. To cancel, email us.

Is financial assistance available?

We keep the cost affordable for everyone. We have limited scholarship funds available on request to cover up to the cost of the program fee. Visit our Forms page to complete and submit an LAS scholarship form.

Who plans the program?

Graduates of the program work as a leadership team together with the LAS Program Manager to plan the program for each topic/day.

Why do former participants recommend LAS so highly?

Because LAS has made a difference in their lives, and LAS graduates hope others can share a similar experience.

Other questions about Leadership Asheville Seniors?

Email Catherine Frank.