OASIS is a national educational organization that offers programs and classes to adults age 50 and older. OASIS offers programs in the arts, humanities, health, technology and volunteer service. The OASIS Institute in St. Louis is the national headquarters. The organization offers programs in 27 U.S. cities through OASIS education centers and community partners.
Created in 1982 by Marylen Mann and a group of volunteers and educators, the organization was originally funded for two years by the U.S. Administration on Aging. The original four centers were in St. Louis, Baltimore, Los Angeles, and Cleveland. The May Department Stores Company provided space for OASIS classes in its stores. Marcia Kerz is the current president of the organization.
OASIS is sponsored by Macy's Foundation, BJC HealthCare and the AT&T Foundation.