Ohio Scholars in Aging
The Ohio Scholars in Aging Program provides scholars of all academic backgrounds with the opportunity to learn about aging-related policy-making, establish professional contacts, and gain career knowledge and skills in the field of aging. Since 2013, 119 Scholars, representing 18 Ohio colleges and universities, have participated in Ohio Scholars in Aging.
The application period for the Winter/Spring 2022 session has ended. Please check back for the next application period later in 2022.
Eligibility
The Ohio Scholars in Aging Program is for undergraduate and graduate students who are enrolled in an accredited educational institution in Ohio. The program is 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.
Requirements
Participants must complete an internship or project with a community organization. The internship or project must be at least 45 hours. Projects are expected to positively impact older adults.
In addition, scholars must attend three meetings with the Ohio Department of Aging, attend an all-day experience at their local area agency on aging, and prepare a poster presentation for display at the annual Ohio Association of Gerontology Education Conference at Youngstown State University, April 7-8, 2022.
Participants are expected to participate in all sessions (see schedule below).
2022 Session Schedule
| Date and Location | Activities |
| January 25, 2022: Policy & Advocacy Ohio Department of Aging, 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m |
Scholars Program Overview Working lunch and Aging 101 Legislative panel discussion Ohio Statehouse tour |
| February 9, 2022: Networking & Elder Justice Ohio Department of Aging, 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m |
Networking session with multiple ODA staff Adult Protective Services Attorney General’s Office Long-Term Care Ombudsman |
| March 23, 2022: Aging Well in Ohio Ohio Department of Aging, 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m |
Aging Sensitivity and Ageism Aging in Ohio (Summary Assessment of Older Ohioans) Ohio’s Strategic Action Plan on Aging (SAPA) to Promote Healthy Living |
| March, 2022, Area Agency on Aging Experience Area Agency on Aging, 8:30 a.m to 4:30 p.m. |
Participants to schedule with local AAA Schedule will be provided in advance |
| April 7-8, 2022, OAGE Conference Youngstown State University |
Pre-conference intensive Scholars Recognition Poster Presentations |
The Ohio Department of Aging is located at 246 N. High St., Columbus, OH 43215.
There are 12 area agencies on aging in Ohio. Find the agency serving your community.
Depending on COVID-19 activity some or all of these meetings may be held virtually.
Cost and Benefits
There is no direct cost to participate in the Ohio Scholars in Aging program. Participants who complete all requirements of the program will receive a $1000 stipend. In addition, production of your posters and your registration to the OAGE conference will be paid.
During the course of the program, all travel, meals, parking, and other personal expenses are the responsibility of the participant.
Sponsoring Partners
Ohio Scholars in Aging is a partnership between the Ohio Department on Aging and the Ohio Association of Gerontology and Education (OAGE). OAGE is an organization of educators, researchers, practitioners and students that promotes gerontological education. It supports Ohio's aging network as a resource for research and practice. It also provides professional development for students, faculty and professionals. OAGE serves as the official technical advisory body of the Ohio Department on Aging on issues of education, training and research in aging.