A project of the Collaboration for Healthy Aging and Workforce Development (CHAWD)
Now accepting applications for Spring 2012
Award Amount: $500 for one semester or $1,000 for one year (depending on department requirements)
Application Deadline: November 14, 2011 – Applications received after the deadline will be considered for any remaining scholarships that may be available.
Background
The West Scholars Program, made possible by the Gary and Mary West Foundation, provides a unique opportunity for undergraduate and graduate students in the College of Health and Human Services to gain education and experience in the geriatric field. West Scholars will complete an internship or independent study project at Senior Community Centers, an innovative nonprofit organization serving a diverse, low-income senior population. Students will also learn principles of working with seniors in interdisciplinary teams and practice these skills throughout each semester. Field experiences will depend on students’ majors and will be tailored to the interests and backgrounds of the students, as well as the needs of the Senior Community Centers.
Examples of projects that West Scholars may complete during their internships include:
- conducting research related to aging and/or Senior Community Center programs
- attending conferences to disseminate research
- developing and implementing educational programming for seniors
- conducting complete health assessments or screening for particular conditions
- developing and implementing interventions and health promotion activities
- participating in the coordination of the Senior Civic Engagement program or any other program at Senior Community Centers
Learn more about Senior Community Centers.
Applicant Requirements
- Have not been a West Scholar for more than one semester in the past (there is a participation limit of two semesters)
- Have declared a major in the College of Health and Human Services (CHHS)
- Be in good academic standing with a minimum 3.0 GPA
- Have provisional approval from appropriate the CHHS department to complete field training at a Senior Community Centers facility
- Be available for an interview in August or early September
- Have met additional eligibility requirements specific to the student’s department, if applicable
- Submit completed application below
West Scholar Requirements and Commitments
If selected, the student will be required to:
- Complete all screenings and orientations for interns at Senior Community Centers
- Sign and comply with confidentiality and ethical behavior agreement
- Attend two seminars per semester and complete a Geriatric Interdisciplinary Team Training series online
- Complete intern hours and successfully complete projects as agreed upon by the student and the CHAWD Director and/or Field Supervisor
- Maintain good academic standing with a GPA > 3.0
- Complete program evaluation materials (surveys, quizzes, etc.) as requested by CHAWD Director
- Submit letter of thanks to the Gary and Mary West Foundation via the CHAWD Director
Upon successful completion of all requirements, students will receive scholarship funds at the end of the scholarship term (semester or school year, depending on award).
Application Form
