With students across the country preparing for another year of hitting the books, the back-to-school feeling is palpable. And while full-time school may not be an option for everyone, the option to take an educational class for fun is an option, regardless of your life stage.
In fact, it’s an option that many Americans explore–50% have taken an educational class just for fun, outside of grade school or college. Given that older adults have had more time to pursue this option, it may not come as a surprise that the largest percentage of just-for-fun students are aged 55+.
That said, those who take an educational class outside of their school careers demonstrate unique characteristics outside of the classroom in how they navigate politics, social concerns, finances, and much more.
Adult learners are nerds. Those who have taken a class just for fun are more likely to have a higher degree than those who have not taken an educational class. They’re also more than twice as likely to go to the library a few times a week, perhaps as a result of their lifelong love of learning.
Politics is a part of life. Adult class-takers are nearly 30 percentage points more likely to have volunteered for a political candidate or party and nearly 3x as likely to say they follow politics ‘very closely.’ This trend suggests that those interested in learning continue to engage with the world outside of the classroom, as well.
The environment is top of mind. While two-thirds of those who buy locally grown food ‘fairly often’ have taken a class just for fun, 64% of those who adjust their lifestyle to help the environment, ‘every chance I get’ say the same. Since education often sheds light on issues facing society, environmental concerns may be one topic that adult learners feel equipped to face.
Reading is in. Despite the fact that those who have taken an educational class just for fun are 20 percentage points more likely to own an e-reader, this group is also three times as likely to only read the print version of a newspaper, suggesting that adult learners straddle the line between cherishing tradition and embracing the new.
Money mindset. Those who have taken an educational class for fun are the most likely to say they manage their money well. They’re also nearly 30 percentage points more likely to sell their home in the next six months–providing another opportunity to put their money management to the test.
The decision to take an educational course for fun isn’t just an interesting way to fill time; it’s a choice that sheds light on the broader interests and behaviors of those curious about life and eager to learn. Those who take a class just for fun tend to be intellectually and socially engaged, actively experimenting with how they move through the world–be it through political volunteering, or using an e-reader. Those who opt out, by contrast, are more likely to lead a life within their comfort zone.
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This article’s data comes solely from CivicScience’s database, which contains nearly 700,000 poll questions and 5 billion consumer insights.