The College of Southern Maryland launched Thrive 60+ in fall 2025, providing free or low-cost continuing education courses to residents aged 60 and older in Calvert, Charles and St. Mary’s counties. The initiative, spearheaded by the college’s Community Education office and funded by the CSM Foundation, offers classes at campuses in La Plata, Prince Frederick and Leonardtown to promote personal enrichment, skill development and social connections.
“The CSM Foundation is the heartbeat of access. Many seniors live on fixed incomes, and without the Foundation’s support, opportunities like these could feel out of reach,” said Dr. Anthony Warrick, CSM’s Director of Community Enrichment. “By investing in Thrive 60+, the Foundation helps remove financial barriers and replaces them with open doors. Their partnership ensures that cost will never stand in the way of someone pursuing joy, creativity, and community through education and enrichment.”
Courses span categories such as art, music and photography; business, technology and finance; food and drink; home and garden; language and writing; recreation and wellness; and travel, history and culture. The program emphasizes daytime sessions in supportive environments, allowing participants to explore hobbies or refine skills while fostering relationships.
“We created Thrive 60+ to reflect the same vibrancy and diversity found in the people it serves. That’s why the program offers everything from art and photography to cooking, cultural exploration, and languages,” said Dr. Warrick. “Each class was chosen with care — shaped by the voices of our community, guided by national best practices, and inspired by the creativity of our instructors and amazing staff. The result is a program designed to nourish both the mind and the body, while celebrating the joy of lifelong learning.”
Early enrollment has shown steady growth across the region, with participants expressing enthusiasm for both learning and social aspects. “We’ve seen steady enrollment and growing excitement throughout Southern Maryland. Seniors tell us how much they look forward to the courses, not only for what they learn but for the relationships they build,” Dr. Warrick added.
Participants like Karen and William “Rick” Young have embraced cooking classes as a shared activity. “My husband and I have taken just about every Italian cooking class there is, and multiple times. We love the classes, and the instructor is so educated in her country and the food,” said Karen. “We call it our date night.”
The Youngs highlighted instructor Simonetta Baldassari’s expertise. “She is so knowledgeable about the history of her country. We love to try new food and learn about Italy from her. We’ve also taken a Thai class and a Spanish class with her, and they were great too,” Karen said.
“I would definitely encourage anyone to take a course. It’s like you’re sitting at a friend’s dining room table. Lots of good food, laughs and stories. You can’t get any better than that,” she added.
Another student, Simon Baker, who relocated from the United Kingdom six years ago, attended a cooking class to expand his skills. “It’s nice to learn new things or learn new ways to do something you always do,” he said.
“What inspired Thrive 60+ was a simple but powerful belief: learning is ageless. At CSM, we don’t just prepare students for a season of life, we serve the whole community for a lifetime,” said Dr. Warrick. “Thrive 60+ fits right into our mission of lifelong learning by reminding us that curiosity doesn’t retire, and passion doesn’t have an expiration date. We created this program so that our seniors could continue to grow, connect, and flourish.”
Baldassari, a longtime CSM instructor, has taught Italian language and culture courses, including culinary sessions that incorporate historical context. Her classes, such as “Italy by Regions: A Culinary Journey,” explore regional flavors from Liguria to Tuscany, blending recipes with cultural insights.
Eligibility requires participants to be 60 or older, with classes available at no cost or reduced fees thanks to foundation support. The CSM Foundation, established as the college’s fundraising entity, focuses on enhancing access through donor contributions and partnerships. It hosts events like the annual golf classic to sustain initiatives.
Thrive 60+ aligns with broader Maryland efforts in lifelong learning for older adults. Programs like Learning is ForEver (L.I.F.E.) in St. Mary’s County provide educational opportunities for those 50 and older, emphasizing enrichment. Statewide, initiatives such as the Golden ID Program at the University of Maryland allow seniors to audit classes tuition-free if retired or working limited hours. Community colleges like Montgomery College offer over 140 courses in art, history and fitness for lifelong learners.
In the tri-county area, seniors represent a growing demographic. In Charles County, 14 percent of residents are 65 or older. St. Mary’s County has 13.74 percent in that age group, with a total population of 114,000 and median age of 37. Calvert County’s senior share stands at 15.9 percent. Maryland overall has 1.82 million residents 55 and older, comprising 30 percent of the population.
Continuing education yields multiple benefits for this group. It supports cognitive health by stimulating the brain and potentially reducing decline. Socially, classes foster connections, combating isolation and enhancing emotional resilience. Physically, engagement correlates with healthier behaviors and longevity. Research indicates lifelong learners experience improved mood, adaptability and overall well-being.
CSM’s Southern Maryland Studies Center, reopened in September 2025, preserves regional history through archives, complementing enrichment efforts. For registration and details, visit Thrive 60+.
