Door County Institutions Unite to Expand Lifelong Learning Opportunities

A long-standing partnership between Northeast Wisconsin Technical College (NWTC) and Door County Learning in Retirement (DCLIR) is entering its next chapter - expanding lifelong learning opportunities for Door County residents through broader collaboration with the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay (UW-Green Bay).

For more than 20 years, NWTC and DCLIR have partnered to offer lifelong learning courses and enrichment opportunities for Door County residents of all ages. That work will continue - and now expand - as the organizations deepen coordination and welcome UW-Green Bay as an additional partner supporting lifelong learning across the region.

What This Means for the Community

DCLIR will continue to operate and offer courses through NWTC's Sturgeon Bay campus, maintaining the long-standing partnership that has served learners across the region for more than two decades. In addition to DCLIR programming, community members - including DCLIR members who wish to participate - may also register for NWTC Community Education courses offered at the Sister Bay Learning and Innovation Center and the Sturgeon Bay campus. Together, these locations provide year-round offerings in areas such as culinary arts, business development, social sciences, and other lifelong learning topics.

Starting July 1, 2026, DCLIR will begin working with UW-Green Bay Continuing Education to broaden lifelong learning opportunities for the community. Through this collaboration, UW-Green Bay will offer access to its in-person and online Lifelong Learning courses and provide additional administrative and logistical support to DCLIR.

A Shared Vision

The collaboration reflects a shared belief among the partners: Door County is strongest when institutions work together to support learning at every stage of life.

Each organization brings a distinct role to the partnership - combining community-rooted programming, higher education expertise, and a long-standing culture of lifelong learning.

"Door County has always valued curiosity, learning, and civic engagement," said Dr. Jennifer Flatt, provost and executive vice president of Academic and Student Affairs at NWTC. "When institutions coordinate their efforts, we're able to build something stronger together - an ecosystem of learning that supports residents, local businesses, and the long-term vibrancy of the community."

For Door County Learning in Retirement, the collaboration builds on a legacy of intellectual engagement and community connection.

"DCLIR has always been about bringing older adults together through learning and social experiences," said Jeff Schmeckpeper, president of the DCLIR Board. "Our partnership with NWTC has allowed that vision to grow over the past two decades. Expanding collaboration to include UW-Green Bay allows us to continue evolving while keeping the community-centered spirit that makes lifelong learning in Door County so special."

UW-Green Bay's involvement further strengthens the region's lifelong learning network by contributing expertise in continuing education and program development.

"UW-Green Bay is excited to partner with Door County Learning in Retirement in support of its vibrant community of lifelong learners. NWTC and DCLIR have built something truly special," said Jess Lambrecht, executive officer for UW-Green Bay's Division of Continuing Education and Workforce training.

"UWGB's role will be focused on providing expertise with a collaborative approach and help to expand opportunities that will help the organization grow and thrive well into the future. UWGB has a strong history of serving our aging community and looks forward to expanding that effort in partnership with DCLIR. We see tremendous opportunity to broaden reach and deepen the impact of lifelong learning across the region."

Community members interested in lifelong learning opportunities in Door County can explore upcoming programming through Door County Learning in Retirement and NWTC's community education offerings.

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About DCLIR

Door County Learning in Retirement (DCLIR) is a membership-based organization that provides older adults lifelong learning opportunities to explore new and exciting ideas and activities, spend time with peers and learn in a variety of environments. DCLIR was established in 2005 with 135 Charter Lifelong Learning enthusiasts and currently has over 400 members located in Door, Kewaunee, Manitowoc and Brown Counties. DCLIR is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization.

About NWTC

Established in 1912, Northeast Wisconsin Technical College is a two-year technical college with three campuses, five regional learning centers, and several specialty centers throughout a nine-county district. Serving over 21,000 students annually, the College offers flexible degrees, classes, and training in over 200 high demand career fields via in-person, online, and blended instruction. Ninety-two percent of NWTC graduates are employed within six months of graduation. NWTC maintains extensive transfer pathways with colleges and universities across the region and beyond, enabling alumni to continue their education. Home of the Eagles, NWTC believes everyone - no matter where they are in their personal or professional journey - can soar higher. For more information, visit www.nwtc.edu.

About UW-Green Bay

The University of Wisconsin-Green Bay is a school of resilient problem solvers who dare to reach higher with the power of education that ignites growth and answers the biggest challenges. Serving 11,519 undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral students as well as 101,000 continuing education learners annually, UW-Green Bay offers 200 academic degrees, programs, and certificates. With campus locations in Green Bay, Manitowoc, Sheboygan, and a theatre in Marinette, the University's access mission welcomes all students who want to learn, from every corner of the world. Championing bold thinking since opening its doors in 1965, it is a university on the rise - Wisconsin's fastest growing UW. For more information, visit www.uwgb.edu.