About Ohio Scholars in Aging

The Ohio Department of Aging (ODA) is designated as the state unit on aging under authority of the federal Older Americans Act. The department is a cabinet-level state agency with a director appointed by the governor, and receives and administers funding from a variety of state and federal sources. ODA’s mission is to keep Ohio on the leading edge of innovation andbe responsive to the growing and changing aging population.

The Ohio Association of Gerontology and Education (OAGE) is a membership organization of educators, researchers, practitioners and students.OAGE promotes gerontological education, supports Ohio's aging network as a resource for research and practice, and provides professional development for students, faculty and professionals.OAGE is committed to maintaining close working relationships with ODA,Ohio’sarea agencies on aging, the state’s post-secondary institutions, professional organizations and individuals that comprise the aging network.OAGE serves as the official technical advisory body of ODA on issues of education, training and research in aging.

ODA has partnered with OAGE to create the Ohio Scholars in Aging program.The program is for students who areenrolled in an internship or practicum (including clinicals,practicals and administrator in training program) that involves older adults or their caregivers. The program linksstudents’ hands-on experience to aging-related policy at the state level. The program providesscholars of all academic backgrounds with the opportunity to learn about and contribute to aging-related policy-making, establish career-long professional contacts and gain valuable career knowledge and skills in the field of aging.

Scholars are encouraged to focus on internships and practicums that support ODA’s State Plan on Aging ( stateplanonaging.aspx). Funds are available to assist students with transportation and project-related costs, but scholars are not financially compensated for their time.

Requirements

Applicants must be studying for a baccalaureate, graduate specialization, masters, doctoral or other advanced degree at an accredited educational institution in Ohio.

Scholars are expected to: 1) join the Ohio Scholars in Aging LinkedIn group and post weeklyupdates about their internship or practicumexperiences;2) attendthreerequired meetings (see timeline below);and 3) create and give a final presentation to ODA leadership and OAGE board members that highlights major experiences or a specific project derived from their internship or practicum.

The required meetings provide scholars with opportunities to meet with ODA staff and leadership(including Director Bonnie K. Burman, Sc.D.). Scholars will connect their field experiences to policy development,as well asnetwork with state-level officials and other scholars. In addition, scholars are encouraged to attend, participate in and be recognized at the OAGE conferencein Spring of 2017.

Successful candidates will have strong interpersonal communication skills and be able to work in an environment where team building is a requirement for success.Candidates must be innovative and able to work independently.Participation in the program is limited to one time per student.

Application Process

To apply for the Ohio Scholars in Aging Program, complete the attached application and send it, along with a resume and letter of recommendation from your faculty supervisor to Jennifer Kinney at y Friday, May6, 2016. Questions about the Ohio Scholars in Aging Program can also be directed to Jennifer by email or phone (513-529-2915).

Students will be notified of their acceptance into the Ohio Scholars in Aging Program byFriday, May27,2016.

Ohio Scholars in Aging Timeline

Ohio Scholars in Aging Summer 2016 Application

Applicant Information

First Name: ______MiddleInit.:______Last Name: ______

Telephone Number: ______Email Address: ______

Current Address

Street Address: ______

City: ______State: ______Zip: ______

Permanent Address (if different from current address)

Street Address: ______

City: ______State: ______Zip: ______

Post-High School Educational History (Please list the educational institutions you have attended, starting with the most recent):

Institution (City, State) / Dates Attended / GPA / Degree Earned

What is/are your current major/field(s) of study?

Please list the gerontology/aging-related courses you have taken and your aging-related experiences and interests:

Where do you plan on completing your internship or practicumexperience?

Approximate Dates of Internship or Practicum:

Start: ______End: ______Est. hours per week:______

Course Instructor/Faculty Supervisor/Department: ______

Instructor/Supervisor contact (email or phone): ______

Briefly describe your goals for the Ohio Scholars in Aging program:

By signing, I attest that the above information is accurate and complete to the best of my abilities.

______

Signature Date

Please submit this completed application by email to:Jennifer Kinney, Ph.D.

Professor of Gerontology and Scripps Gerontology Center

Fellow, Miami University

Your application will be reviewed by OAGE’s scholarscommittee, and you will be notified of their decision by email by Friday, May 27, 2016.