Transitions abound during the middle adult years. Whether you’re ready to shift the focus of your career, explore a meaningful retirement, deepen your relationships, or discover new purpose and fulfillment, The Midlife Academy at the University of Minnesota is a place to explore what’s next.
The Midlife Academy offers a place to gain clarity, reset priorities, renew purpose, and consider a myriad of possibilities for what’s next. We are building a community for those at midlife and beyond to renew, transform, and chart a course for the future.
The Midlife Academy is designed for those who are:
- Exploring a life or career that offers more meaning and purpose
- Adjusting to shifts in relationships (e.g., empty nest, caregiving)
- Seeking an encore to their careers
- Longing for a renewed sense of direction and inspiration
- Wanting to align their life with their values, strengths and passions
- Yearning to make a difference in their communities
- Exploring alternatives to traditional retirement
- Seeking connection with and learning from a community of peers
If you recognize yourself in any of these, The Midlife Academy is for you!
A Learning Community
Change can be challenging at any stage of life. It’s difficult to know where to begin, and it's easy to get stuck. Learning in a community makes a difference. By connecting with others who are in similar situations and working toward unique but comparable goals, you'll find kindred spirits.
As a community, you can share insights, contribute to collective wisdom, offer support and encouragement, and expand your network as you move forward. This is your time to learn, grow, and flourish—let’s do it together!
Cultivating Purpose:
An Information Session
You’ve spent years building a career, supporting others and meeting responsibilities. What do you want the next chapter to be about?
Join us for a free virtual information session to learn how our flagship course "Cultivating Purpose" helps adults clarify priorities, rethink long-held assumptions and move toward a more intentional future.
Wednesday, May 13, 2026
5–6 p.m. Central Time
Online via Zoom (link provided upon registration)
This session will be recorded and shared with all who register.
During this session, you'll:
- meet course facilitator Megan Voorhees and learn about her approach to guiding the experience.
- hear from past participants about what the course meant to them.
- explore what purpose can look like at midlife and beyond.
- preview the themes and activities included in the course.
- learn how a guided group experience supports reflection and change.
- ask questions about what to expect and whether the timing feels right for you.
Courses
The Academy is designed specifically for those at midlife. Our short courses provide the tools to unlock the many opportunities that midlife brings. As you explore, you’ll forge meaningful connections with your learning community.
Good news! We now offer an option to pay for courses in two installments. See details.
Learn More About The Midlife Academy
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The Team
Contact Us
Have questions? Need assistance? The Midlife Academy Team is here to help! Send us a message or give us a call at 612-625-2900 and we'll get back to you promptly.