2019 Annual Conference

Workforce Development, Continuing Education, and Professional Development

Shared Concurrent Session (Approx. 12 or 20 minutes)

Presenters will share initial results of a qualitative study involving graduates of encore fellowship programs. The purpose of our study is to describe the essence of the encore fellowship experience and what it means from the participants’ point of view to be an “encore fellow.”

This session will appeal to a range of attendees. Those involved in designing or facilitating lifelong learning programs, or those studying gerontology, transitions, retirement, or the life course might have particular interest. It could also appeal to attendees nearing retirement and/or attendees who have interest in studying older adult learners.

After attending this session, participants will be able to:
• Recall significant statements used by encore fellows to
describe their experiences
• Explain how the immersive learning environment impacts
learning outcomes for encore fellows
• Describe what the encore fellowship experience means to
participants
• Describe the impact that collaboration or encounters with
peers, students, faculty, or others had on the fellows’
learning experience

Many people experience anxiety about retiring from rewarding jobs that engage their minds and provide opportunities for purposeful social connection. The concept of an encore career has emerged as an appealing alternative to the retirement-as-leisure mindset. Several innovative U.S. universities have responded with programs that help people plan and launch their “encores," or, “next acts." These programs help talented professionals consider how best to redirect their skills in service to their communities. Programs competitively admit a designated number of “fellows” each year, requiring participants to be present on campus for several months during program completion.  

No study to date has explored the meaning of these fellowship experiences from the participants’ points of view. The purpose of our study is to describe the essence of the encore fellowship experience and what it means from the participants’ point of view to be an “encore fellow.” Presenters will share initial results of a qualitative study involving graduates of encore fellowship programs.

Presenters will begin by sharing a brief description of the research problem and questions that are guiding our study. We will provide an overview of the general types of articles published about encore careers to date, and describe the purpose and goals of encore fellowship programs as stated on program websites. We will share the research questions guiding our study as well as some significant statements and themes that have emerged. If we have reached that point in our study, we will share the essential elements of the encore fellowship experience shared by all study participants.