Founded on December 13, 1954, the Pasadena Area Liberal Arts Center (PALAC) began with a 4-year grant from the Ford Foundation’s Fund for Adult Education. Our mission has been to provide a continuing liberal arts education through discussion groups that broaden members’ experience by encouraging them to think about things in new or different ways.
PALAC is a community of intelligent, interesting and diverse people who create, lead and attend adult education programs and activities in the Pasadena area. PALAC fosters a welcoming and accepting environment in which a diversity of thought and a voicing of authentic opinions are encouraged, resulting in dynamic discussions that expand each participant’s perspective.
We offer:
- Group discussions covering nonfiction, fiction, short stories, magazine articles and movies
- Walking tours and outings to historic and unusual places
- Travel presentations to off-the-beaten-path locations
- Planning events, where members meet to propose future programs
- Social events, where members gather to enjoy each other’s company, good food and inspiring guest speakers.
PALAC has been self-supporting since its founding, operating with an all-volunteer staff.