Applications are now open for the 2024-25 Ohio Scholars in Aging program are now open, and the Ohio Department of Aging (ODA), in conjunction with the Ohio Association of Gerontology and Education (OAGE), encourages interested students to sign up for this unique opportunity.
For more than a decade, ODA and OAGE have teamed up to offer the Ohio Scholars in Aging program for undergraduate and graduate students who are enrolled in an accredited Ohio educational institution. Participants will learn about aging-related policymaking, establish professional contacts, and gain career knowledge and skills in the field of aging by completing an internship or a community project, attending ODA and OAGE events, and making a presentation for state leaders on aging.
Participating students who complete all program requirements will each earn a stipend of $2,000, and there is no direct cost to students for participating.
“The Scholars in Aging program is a tremendous way to open a pathway for the next generation of problem-solvers in the field of aging,” said ODA Director Ursel J. McElroy. “Ohio’s population of older adults continues to grow at a faster rate than any other age group, and the state will need tomorrow’s leaders and policymakers to have a passion for meaningful work in aging. Ohioans everywhere will benefit from fresh ideas they will bring forward in the future.”
Ten students will be selected for this year’s program, which is free and open to emerging professionals in a variety of careers. These can include students of nutrition and allied health sciences, city and regional planning, gerontology, social work, or other relevant focus areas.
Applications are due by Friday, Nov. 8, 2024.
Apply now!
“We are excited to welcome this year’s cohort of Scholars,” said Jennifer M. Kinney, PhD., OAGE president and professor of sociology and gerontology at Miami University. “While in the program, they will learn about Ohio’s rich aging network. After the program, we hope they will stay in Ohio and join other alumni Scholars working with and on behalf of Ohio’s aging population.”
Of the students who participated in the Scholars in Aging program in 2024, 90% said the program influenced their career decision to pursue working with older adults in some way. All of last year’s cohort are continuing to further their education in fields that relate to aging or are now employed in the aging network. Additionally, all participants reported they were “very satisfied” with their experience and would recommend the program to others.
Each participant must invest a time commitment of at least 45 hours to their project. In addition, participants must attend two full days of in-person learning sessions, two partial days of virtual learning sessions, attend an all-day experience at their local Area Agency on Aging (AAA), and participate in a poster presentation session at the OAGE Conference in March 2025 at Bowling Green State University.
For more information, including the scheduled dates for the 2025 sessions, visit www.aging.ohio.gov/scholarsinaging.
