About PLATO

Member Benefits

• 30+ courses each fall and spring as well a smaller selection during the winter and summer
• Lectures, socials and events
• Guest Courtesy Card from UW Libraries (a $50 value)
• Weekly email updates and member emails to stay in-the-know about courses, lectures, and events

PLATO is about more than information. It’s about interactions. Meet other people with curious minds through classes, events, field and theater trips, and member committees.

“We especially value the in-depth friendships we’ve already made, the intelligent curiosity and openness of the people we’ve met, and the wide range of classes.” ~ PLATO Member Testimonial

Join PLATO

If you enjoy self-directed, volunteer-led lifelong learning, PLATO is an ideal way to learn, contribute to others’ learning, enjoy new experiences, and meet new friends. Click here to join today!

Mission 

PLATO, the Participatory Learning And Teaching Organization, is a learning-in-retirement organization that relies on active member involvement to develop and provide participatory learning, teaching, and social opportunities for members. PLATO also financially supports educational opportunities for learners of all ages in greater Madison.

Core Value

Be an inclusive and welcoming organization to all members of the greater Madison community who wish to continue learning and/or teaching in retirement.

PLATO is a Member-Run Organization

PLATO is a 501(c)(3) organization run by its members who contribute their time and effort to carry out the administrative tasks.

PLATO members share their expertise, skills, and talents to keep the organization strong and vibrant. We are always looking for more members to help keep PLATO running. If you would like to become involved in PLATO’s administration, contact any Board Director or Committee Chair.

Spreading the Word About PLATO

Word of mouth has always been PLATO's best recruitment tool. When members share their appreciation of PLATO's many opportunities to learn, grow and connect, it is likely to inspire others to want to learn about PLATO too. Members are invited to visit the Spread the Word About PLATO webpage for ideas about how to expand PLATO's reach both inside and outside Wisconsin.

The History of PLATO

Learn about the History of PLATO

A Leisurely Walk through PLATO's History

• Remembering Norman Risjord
• What's in a Name? 
• A do-it-yourself, grass roots university for retired people
• Early 1990 PLATO Growth
• Thirty-five Years of PLATO Courses