Frequently Asked Questions

Change Makers is designed for people in midlife and beyond who are asking some version of “What’s next?”

Fellows come from a wide range of starting points. Some are working and considering how they want that to evolve, others are retired (or approaching retirement) and thinking about how they want to spend their time and energy in this next stage of life, and many are simply looking for space to step back, reflect, and think more intentionally about what matters most.

What they tend to have in common is a willingness to engage, reflect, and learn alongside others doing the same.

The program is best suited for people who are open to reflection and group discussion, and who are ready to spend time thinking about their next chapter.

Change Makers meet two evenings a week for a total of 3-4 hours per week, in a combination of in-person and remote sessions.

On Tuesdays, generally 90-minute remote sessions, guest speakers (national and local experts and practitioners) typically kick off the week's topic.

Wednesdays are our 2-hour in-person sessions, where our expert instructor leads discussions and exercises. All sessions begin at 6:00 p.m.

To accommodate busy lives, the amount of reading and writing in between these weekly sessions is relatively light, with options for deeper dives in topics of interest.

In addition, fellows may audit up to two CU Denver courses, which require varying amounts of work to be done outside the classroom.

Beyond these structured activities, fellows may wish to take advantage of university events including art openings, faculty lectures, and wellness programming.

Yes. Over the years, Change Makers faculty, speakers, and fellows have shared books, articles, and other resources that have shaped our thinking about transition, purpose, work, and aging well. We’ve gathered a selection of those resources here.

Explore useful books and resources

Change Makers is a semester-long blended (in person and online) program that meets two evenings per week:

• Tuesdays (remote): 6:00 – 7:30 p.m.
• Wednesdays (in person): 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.

The program follows a semester schedule:

• Spring: late January through early May
• Fall: mid-August through the week before Thanksgiving

Specific dates for each cohort are listed on the program page. 

The Fall 2026 semester will run from August 11 - November 18, 2026, with a break the week of September 28 - October 2. 

We understand that life includes travel, family commitments, and the occasional illness. That said, Change Makers is designed as a cohort experience, and being present, especially on Wednesdays, is an important part of what makes it meaningful.

Many fellows miss a session or two over the course of the semester, and that’s generally manageable. If you anticipate missing more than that, it’s worth considering whether a future semester might be a better fit.

The content delivery portions of Tuesday (remote) sessions are recorded and shared when possible. Discussion portions are not recorded, in order to prioritize creating a space where people feel comfortable sharing openly. Wednesday sessions are never recorded.

The program is intentionally designed as a blended experience: Tuesdays are online, and Wednesdays are in person.

We don’t offer a fully remote option or ad hoc switching for Wednesday sessions, and we’re not able to accommodate alternative schedules within a semester. The in-person component is central to the depth of connection and conversation that develops over the course of the program.

We are exploring the possibility of a fully virtual option in the future, though there are no specific plans or timeline at this point.

Change Maker fellows will be selected based on how the program will shape their future life journeys, as well as their potential to contribute to the success of their classmates in the program and to the broader community. See the admissions page for more details.

We're now accepting applications for the Spring 2026 semester, which runs January 27- May 6. We encourage applying early.

Applications will be reviewed in the order received and admissions decisions will be made starting in August 2025.

Acceptances will be issued on a rolling basis, and the cohort is size is limited. If you are admitted and the cohort is already filled, you will receive priority admission in a subsequent semester.

In-person sessions are currently held in the CU Denver building, on the corner of 14th and Lawrence Streets (one block from Larimer Square). 

Change Maker fellows have the option to park in the lot under the building, at a reduced rate. 

No. Change Makers is not a degree-granting program. As a nondegree program, Change Makers provides participants with opportunities to learn, grow, and study areas of interest without the requirement of taking tests or writing papers.

If you are interested in formally enrolling in a class, our staff can help you find classes and navigate the enrollment process.

A limited number of reduced-fee spots may be available for applicants with demonstrated financial need. These are typically modest, partial reductions rather than full scholarships.

Financial assistance is generally prioritized for individuals whose participation would add to the diversity of the cohort in its many forms, as well as those who have spent significant portions of their careers in lower-paying roles, including in the social sector.

If cost is a barrier, we encourage you to apply first, and then reach out by email to inquire about financial assistance.

Read more about how your support can make a difference on our Give page.

The best way to find out more about Change Makers is to send us an email or join our mailing list.