Younger college students reading Kurt Vonnegut's "Slaughterhouse Five" can only imagine life in the 1940s when the novel was set - or in the 1960s when it was released.

But for those in class with John Jones, 77, they can hear first-hand what it was like to be a teenager during World War II.

"He just has a lot more experience. He's actually participated in things we've only read about," said Joe Vermilyea, 33.

Jones, a resident of Sun City Hilton Head, is auditing a class at the University of South Carolina Beaufort on "The American Novel Since 1914."

"It's been refreshing," Jones told The (Hilton Head) Island Packet. "It really gives me a boost. It's very stimulating. It's been the opposite of intimidating."

He is one of more than 300 people older than 60 taking classes at eight USC campuses across the state.

The Technical College of the Lowcountry began an initiative a few months ago to reach out to residents 50 and older - especially as those older residents look to re-enter the work force.

Barbara Schmidt, 67, went back to the Technical College in 2005 to start a new career. The former interior designer completed a three-month Certified Nursing Assistant program and now works full-time for Hospice Care of the Lowcountry.

"Emotionally, I just wasn't ready to retire," she said. "Everybody needs to work with what Social Security is."

Seniors also can find work at the Technical College .

Charles Meyers, 68, is a part-time librarian at the school's New River Campus in Bluffton. "I have a chance to give back," he said. "As you get older, you're able to use your skills and knowledge."

David Carter, associate vice president at the school, said the college is partnering with Food Lion to host a job fair April 2.