ILEAD is a continuing education program based on the campus of Dartmouth College in Hanover, NH. ILEAD (pronounced like Homer's "Iliad") is an acronym of Institute for Lifelong Education at Dartmouth. Our program encourages participants to actively take part in courses of study suggested by the membership.
We offer year-round opportunities to study timely and provocative subjects by participating in courses, attending lectures, interacting at social events, taking part in group journeys, and much more!
The program was founded in November, 1990 by 38 residents of the Upper Valley intrigued with the "idea of continued learning." ILEAD founders relished the challenge of establishing a self-administered and peer-taught discussion program. By 2010, the 20th anniversary of ILEAD, over 25,700 people had participated in the institute's programs, and ILEAD currently has over 1600 members.
Membership is open to anyone who is interested in learning, and simply requires payment of an annual fee. The calendar year runs from July to June. In addition to the annual membership fee, members pay a modest fee for each course they take, and can take as many courses as they wish each term.
Between forty-five and eighty courses are offered in each of three terms: fall, winter, and spring. Majority of classes meet one day per week for two hours each. Full-length courses are five to eight weeks and mini courses are two to four weeks. Classes vary in size from eight to twenty-five participants. Lecture-style and movie classes vary in size from thirty to eighty participants.
Placement in a course is based on a lottery system, utilized when enrollment exceeds the maximum number of spots for a particular course. Group discussions allow participating class members to explore new subjects, nurture new interests, and make new friends. Members can also become Study Leaders in courses of their own design.
When you take classes at ILEAD, you gain opportunities to do so much...
Explore new subjects
Meet new people
Enjoy diverse class styles that incorporate lecture, discussion, hands-on activity, and film presentations
Access to Dartmouth's renowned library system (effective with enrollment in a course)
Membership in ILEAD involves more than our engaging selection of courses - there are numerous opportunities throughout the year to participate in special trips and events, and to attend a wide variety of intriguing lectures. Visit our Events & Lectures page for the latest schedule!
ILEAD members have had opportunities to see productions at Boston's Wang Theater, travel to Switzerland and Egypt, and sit in the audience as speakers from around the globe have discussed topics as diverse as Somalian pirates, art as a form of therapy, and the ants of New England. A new opportunity for personal growth, experience, and adventure is always on its way when you're a member of ILEAD!
Each summer's lecture series is based on a stimulating and provocative main theme that changes from year to year. Lectures take place once a week during July and August at Spaulding Auditorium in the Hopkins Center, on the Dartmouth College campus. Visit our Summer Lectures Series page for more information!
ILEAD's offices are located in the D.O.C. House, at the edge of Occom Pond, on the Dartmouth College campus. Many of our classes take place in the D.O.C. House, with several courses each semester meeting at other local sites, including Kendal at Hanover, Lebanon College, and Hanover Senior and Community Center.
With so many exciting opportunities for learning, for adventure, and for friendship, why would you wait? Contact the ILEAD office today and become a member!
