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 158 students, representing 19 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 early September 2025.

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, including administrator-in-training programs.

Program 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  learning sessions and one partial day of virtual learning. Sessions will cover Government and policy, aging resources, aging in Ohio, poster presentation, 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 2026 at The Ohio State University on April 16-17, 2026, and participate in a poster presentation session.

Participants are expected to fully participate in all sessions and required activities See Session Schedule tab for details.

2026 Session Schedule

Session dates and format are subject to change.

Session 1

January 20, 2026 | Full day

In-person, Cleveland

Session 2

February 11,. 2026 | Partial day

Virtual

Session 3

March 18, 2026 | Full day

In-person, Columbus

Area Agency on Aging (AAA) Experience Day

Date TBD | Full day

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

OAGE Conference

April 16-17, 2026

The Ohio State University

In-person, Columbus

The Ohio Department of Aging (AGE) 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. A portion of the stipend will be provided at the first session; the remainder of the stipend will be provided upon completion of the program 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 2025 class provided strong feedback about the program and the value it provided as they navigate their careers:

• “Thank you so much for the experience!!!! I am a better person because of it.”
• “The AAA visit was most important since there were many things that were quite new and unknown to me, and they provided resources that were helpful to everyone.”
• “As a result of this program, I applied for a job with the Ohio government! I am passionate about advocacy for older adults and individuals with disabilities.”

Sponsoring Partners

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