It's back-to-school time for the kids, but we all benefit from being lifelong learners. Learning keeps us current, teaches us new skills, offers us an environment to exchange ideas and expand our horizons, and keeps us active as we meet interesting people and make new connections.

As the grandkids get ready to return to the classroom, consider starting your own adventure in learning with these opportunities in the Kansas City area.

Adventures in Learning, through Shepherd's Center of Kansas City Central, is a volunteer-driven program with a curriculum focusing on local resources, health enrichment, travel, and subjects of interest to those 50 or older. Classes are held from 8:30 a.m. to noon on 40 Fridays. The learning experience continues at noon during Noon Forum lunches that feature guest lecturers and entertainment. A complete list of presentations and programs is available online and in newsletters.

The Brown & Gold Club is available to any Johnson County resident who is at least 55 years old, has lived in Johnson County for at least six months, and pays the annual nonrefundable membership fee of $10. Member benefits include free tuition for most credit classes on a space-available basis, including lifetime fitness; reduced fees for most noncredit classes; free social programs, discounts on trips and tours, Carlsen Center events, and bookstore merchandise; free Gold-Quest presentations on health, art, community, world religions, and more; free admittance to all home JCCC athletic events; and a newsletter on events and volunteer opportunities.

Johnson County Adult Education, sponsored by Johnson County Community College and the Johnson County Library, provides classes and individualized instruction to help under-educated adults improve their academic skills. Classes provide basic-skills instruction in reading, writing, math, and everyday survival skills as well as GED test preparation to learners 16 and older. Volunteers provide one-on-one tutoring. Classes in English as a Second Language are also available.

SPARK is an organization for persons 55 and older who seek the joy of continued learning. Classes in humanities, history, literature, art, and computers are offered four times a year. Classes are usually two hours a day, one day a week, for four or six weeks. Instructors are often professional people, teachers, or college professors, or they may be SPARK members who have an interest in a particular subject. Most classes are held at the UMKC annex building at 301 E. 51st St. SPARK also offers social events and three book clubs, a "Book to Movies" group that meets monthly, and "Let's Eat Out," a dining group that meets for lunch every Friday.

The fall semester begins Sept. 27. Annual membership is $40. New members who join for the fall semester may join for $20 for the remainder of the year. A full year's membership for the year 2011 is due Jan. 1. Humanities classes are $30 each. Computer classes are $38. There may be a textbook fee for some classes.

Prospective members may attend one class or an outing when accompanied by a SPARK member to get acquainted with the programs and other learners.

Communiversity, which turns 40 this year, is an adult education program sponsored by UMKC's Student Life Office. Courses cover areas such as arts and crafts, dance, music, reading and writing, photography, practical skills, home and garden, history and culture, food and exotic cuisines, health, inner paths, trips and tours, and social concerns. About 8,000 people take Communiversity classes each year. Since 1970, each issue of the Communiversity catalog has introduced people to a world of classes, seminars, events, services, and articles unique to Kansas City.

The KU Osher Lifelong Learning Institute is a part of KU Continuing Education, offering accessible and innovative learning environments with a focus on participants 50 and older. Lifelong learners enroll in courses covering art, history, geography, social justice, culture, world religions, music, and poetry. Classes usually are offered for two hours once a week over three weeks. Johnson County locations include Olathe, Overland Park, and Prairie Village. Costs are $35 for one course, $55 for two courses, $70 for three courses, and $10 each for every additional course. Enrollment in the institute offers additional benefits including free special events and online technology workshops.

These partial listings are intended to give you an idea of the many opportunities not far from you. For more information, see listings in the Yellow Pages under "Schools" or check listings for educational events and trainings in your local newspaper and in The Best Times.