SIGLER FAMILY AGING SCHOLARS

The Sigler Family Aging Scholars Program aims to develop the next generation of leaders in the field of gerontological social work by offering an innovative, individualized, and community-engaged learning opportunity to Bachelors and Master’s students in the University of Kansas School of Social Welfare who demonstrate a passion for serving older adults through multi-level gerontology practice, policy, and research.

Scholarships will be offered to three students who can be BSW or MSW level. Eligibility includes all campus/partnership sites, program types (part-/full-time), and levels. Applicants must be in good academic standing. Scholars will be selected based on their: 1) demonstrated passion for practice with older adults (including those who have and have not yet had extensive aging practice experience), 2) commitment to serving older adults in micro, messo, and/or macro practice settings through their future practice, and 3) ability to think critically about aging as a social justice issue. Preference will be given to those who will be in an aging-focused practicum placement during the next academic year. Scholars will:
• Receive a $4,000 scholarship to offset school expenses
• Participate in four scholars’ meetings over the course of the academic year
• Engage in professional mentoring with the Aging Scholars Program Director (Dr. Sarah Jen)
• Develop and implement a community-action project (can be an individual or collaborative effort) focused on promoting aging-related education, services, and/or advocacy aimed to support relevant and pressing community needs

Applicants must complete an application form and submit a 2-page, double-spaced personal essay describing the applicant’s:
• Interest in, passion for, and commitment to aging-related practice, research, and/or policy issues including attention to aging as a social justice issue;
• Past experiences working with older adults, if applicable. If not applicable, discuss prior practice experience and its potential relevance to aging-related services;
• Anticipated practicum site for the academic year (if your practicum placement is not yet assigned, describe your preferences for your site);
• Professional goals (must be aging-related).

Questions? Feel free to contact Dr. Sarah Jen – srjen@ku.edu.