Lern

Learning Resources Network (LERN)

The Learning Resources Network #LERN# is a North American association in lifelong learning and continuing education. It is the largest continuing education association in the world.

With its slogan “Information That Works,” LERN specializes in advanced, practical how-to information on running continuing education and lifelong learning programs, including marketing, programming, management, course trends, budgeting, pricing, staffing, needs assessment and other business related aspects of administering programs.

The association has around 1,200 Organizational Members, and serves 5,000 individuals in those organizations. Any organization can join LERN, but its largest constituencies are community colleges, universities and four year colleges, associations, public schools, and parks and recreation departments.

The organization was founded in 1974 as the Free University Network and was an association of free universities, student and community based lifelong learning programs running on the philosophy that “anybody can teach and anybody can learn,” a premise largely accepted today but regarded as educational heresy at the time. Among the co-founders are Greg Marsello and William A. Draves, two of the current senior management team members still managing the association.

The organization’s name was changed to the Learning Resources Network #LERN# in 1981, and the organization began serving continuing education and lifelong learning programs in other institutional settings.

Its educational philosophy is based on self-directed learning and andragogy, a term created by Malcolm S. Knowles, who served on LERN’s first advisory board.

In 1998 LERN became virtual, downgrading its national headquarters office and allowing staff to live anywhere they wish. Today staff and consultants live in 8 U.S. states, Canada, and India. Small offices are maintained in River Falls, WI, and Manhattan, KS.

A nonprofit 501.c.3 tax exempt education organization, LERN is run by a Board of Directors, headed by a Chair who is elected annually. A staff driven association, the Senior Management Team consists of Draves, Marsello, and Julie Coates, who served on the LERN Board of Directors from 1982 to 1986 and joined the staff in 1987.

The organization offers a complimentary book, subject to shipping charges, to anyone interested in the field of continuing education. Called “Continuing Education: The Essentials,” it is available by contacting LERN.

External Links Learning Resources Network #LERN# [www.lern.org]

Abbreviation LERN

Formation 1974

Type Non-profit organization

Purpose/focus To be the leading provider of consulting and information for providers of lifelong learning and continuing education programs

Membership 5,000 individuals in 1,200 Organizations

President/CEO William A. Draves

Budget $2,750,000

Website http://www.lern.org