CLE offers something for everyone from June through September. Art, Music, Highlands History, Current Events, Computer Classes, Literature, Cooking, Gardening, Photography, and many more topics will keep you intellectually challenged. Contact us is you would like to receive a brochure of our class listings. "Our mission is to enrich the lives of adults who have a mutual interest in intellectual stimulation and cultural enhancement."

CLE took root in the summer of 1989, in a beauty shop in Highlands , NC. Two women, in a chance meeting under hair dryers, began discussing the lack of options for summer activities that would be educational, creative, and entertaining. Nell Martin and Nelda Toothman, along with husbands Bill and Rex began socializing and discovering their mutual interests in the joy of constantly learning something new. By the end of 1990 the idea took form with a mission statement, focus group meetings and a timeline for development. 1991 was a year of planning. 1992 was a year of promoting, and in 1993, 10 courses were presented. Topics were: “Maintaining a Stimulating Lifestyle”, “Knowing the Local Area”, “Folk Art in the Mountains”, Investing for Success”, “Writing and Remembering Creatively”, “Antiques and Collectibles”, “Computer Literacy”, “Staying Healthy”, “International Cooking”, and “Music Appreciation”. These subjects have continued to be popular throughout the years. The membership in 1993 was 145 and the year ended with a positive bank balance of $641. In 2011 CLE has almost 400 members, 65 courses scheduled, and is solid financially.