Local nonprofit The Chattery — which offers a wide range of adult learning opportunities through low-cost, sometimes free classes — is celebrating six years in business.

Get on your feet for The Chattery. | Gif by Giphy

🎉 So, how are they marking the occasion?

The Chattery is offering 10% off classes for the anniversary, and on March 13 from 6-8 p.m. everyone is invited to party like an undergrad at the nonprofit’s 1800 Rossville Ave. location. There will be a DJ, dancing + college-themed drinks. Wear your fav college memorabilia to the free party. There’s also a chance to win a free membership.

Founders Shawanda Mason-Moore + Jennifer Holder are also working to raise $6,000 for the year to continue keeping class costs low.

And they are organizing other upcoming events, including the third annual adult egg hunt on April 11. All the info you need about that is online.

Shawanda + Jennifer did a Q&A so you can get to know them + their work better. 👇

Founders Jennifer Holder, left, and Shawanda Mason said they are thankful for the community that has embraced them because The Chattery wouldn’t exist without the supporters. | Lindsey Lowe

🎉 For people who aren't familiar with The Chattery, give us a brief reminder of what you offer to the community.

Jennifer: The Chattery offers fun, affordable, and accessible learning experiences for adults. We offer classes and events on everything from personal and professional development, arts and crafts, health and wellness and plant care. We’re working hard to provide lifelong learning for everyone.

🎉 What makes you most excited about what you're doing with The Chattery?

Jennifer: The connections between people. We’re watching friendships blossom, and people bonding over a newfound hobby. Also the joy in learning. We’re also watching people who have “always wanted to…” finally get to do it.

Shawanda: I get really excited about the variety of all of it. Every day looks completely different based on our class schedule or events we're hosting. I'm also thrilled about the fact that we just launched memberships to give lifelong learners access to yearlong long perks!

🎉 Tell us something most people probably don't know about each of you.

Jennifer: Post-college, I moved to NYC for three years and worked in the entertainment industry. I was mainly an assistant, but I got to work on a lot of shows and meet a lot of celebs, although none of them would remember me at all!

Shawanda: I studied government + international politics with a minor in public policy and Spanish at George Mason University with the goal of being an attorney and United States Senator. Guess how that turned out.