The
intent of the Aging Research & Professional Development Support
program is to prepare students of all majors for the challenges
of living in an aging society by promoting their interest in/learning
about older adults, gerontology, and related careers.
One of the most formidable challenges of the 21st century will involve
finding ways to accommodate an aging population that has been increasing
significantly and is expected to peak within the next 30 years.
While changes in lifestyles, health care, and medical technology
continue to contribute to a lengthening life expectancy, deep concerns
have risen over the quality of elder life and the extent to which
our social structure is equipped to support a burgeoning aging population.
Providing for a steadily expanding older population will be one
of the most serious public policy debates in the coming years. This
program is designed to encourage Wartburg College students to consider
the many and varied ways that their “lives of leadership and
service” might include the interests of older adults.
Parameters
Program
funds may be used for costs incurred in any course-related or faculty-endorsed
research projects, research presentations, relevant internships,
approved service projects, professional conferences, meetings, or
workshops. This program does not, however, provide funding for stipends
or wages.
Individual
awards may not exceed $1,500. Applications may be submitted at any
time and will be considered according to the following criteria:
- Extent
to which the project will enhance the student's understanding
of aging or aging-related issues.
- Evidence
of support from faculty, advisors, etc.
- Willingness
to share research findings or professional learning with other
members of the campus community.
Sponsors
This
program has been created by the Wartburg College Social Work Program
with funds made available through a contractual arrangement with
the Hawkeye Valley Area Agency on Aging in Waterloo, Iowa. HVAAA,
which originated through the auspices of the Older Americans Act
(1965), coordinates services for person age 60 and over in a 10-county
region of Iowa and advocates on their behalf. Information about
HVAAA, its mission, and programs can be found at www.hvaaa.org.
More Information:
Lynn
Peters, MSW
Associate Professor of Social Work
Old Main #203-E
352-8472
lynn.peters@wartburg.edu
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