The Oasis Institute

Oasis is committed to strengthening the St. Louis community by helping older adults live connected, healthy and meaningful lives. From our beginnings in St. Louis over 40 years ago, our network now stretches from coast to coast, serving 44 states. We provide over 5,500 lifelong learning classes, 3,560 health and wellness classes, and more than 6,000 older adults volunteer with Oasis every year. The value of our mission is supported by study after study that shows: If we want society to age successfully, we must nurture our mind and body, and be part of something bigger than ourselves.

Through our variety of classes, we help older adults explore their passions, learn new skills, and improve their mental and physical health. Our lifelong learning and health programs are offered at low or no cost, and are both in-person and online for utmost accessibility. 

Our award-winning Intergenerational Tutoring Program offers retired adults a chance to meaningfully give back to their local community. We train older adult volunteers to become one-on-one reading tutors, pairing them with struggling K-3 students throughout the St. Louis region. Feedback from tutors and administration, as well as student test scores, have reinforced the efficacy of this program. Especially post-pandemic, our tutors are needed now more than ever. 

Lastly, Oasis provides technology literacy classes to help older adults keep up with the ever-changing online world. Our curriculum covers online safety, social media platforms, trusted health resources, and even using financial tools. We are also building resources for older adults who want to continue to work, but lack the skills necessary for the current market. Oasis partners with community providers such as libraries and senior centers to extend our reach.