Ohio Scholars in Aging Program

Scholars in Aging

The Ohio Scholars in Aging Program provides students of all academic backgrounds with the opportunity to learn about aging-related policymaking, establish professional contacts, and gain career knowledge and skills in the field of aging.

Since 2013, over 150 students, representing about 20 Ohio colleges and universities with over 30 different majors, have participated in Ohio Scholars in Aging.

Information about the 2026 Scholars Program will be released in the fall.

Eligibility

The Ohio Scholars in Aging Program is for undergraduate and graduate students who are enrolled in an accredited educational institution in Ohio. We seek a diverse group of emerging professionals in a variety of careers. This can include students studying nutrition, allied health services, city and regional planning, product development, gerontology, social work, nursing, research or other relevant areas. We will also consider those in an administrator-in-training program or those who have experience in a community-based organization that serves older adults.

Requirements

Students selected to participate in Ohio Scholars in Aging are required to complete and present an aging-related project. The project requires an investment of 45 hours and may be a scholastic internship, practicum, or a project done in conjunction with a community-based organization serving older adults and/or caregivers. The project must have an actual, or potential impact on the quality of life of older Ohioans or their caregivers. Students will be assigned a mentor to guide them through this process.

Students are also required to:

• Attend two full day in person and two partial day virtual  learning sessions of the Scholars in Aging.  Sessions will cover Government and policy, aging resources, aging in Ohio, poster presentation preparation and professional development.  
• Visit an Area Agency on Aging (AAA) for a full-day, in-person introductory experience.
• Attend the Ohio Association of Gerontology and Education (OAGE) Conference 2025 at Bowling Green State University on March 20-21, 2025, and participate in a poster presentation session.

Participants are expected to fully participate in all sessions and required activities (see schedule below).

2025 Session Schedule

Dates and format are subject to change.

Session 1

January 22, 2025

Full day

In-person, Columbus

Session 2

February 5. 2025

Partial day

Virtual

Session 3

February 20, 2025

Full day

In-person, Columbus

Session 4

March 5, 2025

Partial day

Virtual

Area Agency on Aging (AAA) Experience Day

Date TBD

Full day

In-person, Local AAA (near Scholar’s listed address)

OAGE Conference

March 20-21, 2025

Bowling Green State University

In-person, Bowling Green

The Ohio Department of Aging is located at 30 E Broad St, 22nd Floor, Columbus, OH 43215-3414.

There are 12 area agencies on aging in Ohio. Find the agency serving your community.

Other Information

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 $2,000 stipend. In addition, scholars will receive paid admission to the OAGE Conference where they will be recognized and will deliver a project poster presentation. Scholars invited to participate in Ohio Scholars in Aging are expected to attend all program sessions, AAA experience day, poster session preparation webinar, and the OAGE Conference to achieve program completion. The sessions are only offered once so there are no make-up opportunities. Stipends will be provided upon completion at the OAGE Conference.

During the program, all travel, meals, parking, lodging and other personal expenses are the responsibility of the participant.

Testimonials

Scholars from the 2024 class provided strong feedback about the program and the value it provided as they navigate their careers:

• “I was excited to learn more about the role ODA plays in policy. This made me realize I want to pursue policy potentially at the state level.”
• “It was enlightening to see what is offered to older adults in our state and what careers are available.”
• “[Scholars in Aging] was very well-run, and I was exposed to a lot that I would not have been exposed to otherwise.”

Sponsoring Partners

Ohio Scholars in Aging is a partnership between the Ohio Department of 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.

The Scholars in Aging program is contingent upon continued funding.