Gerontology School Scholarships
Gerontology is a growing specialty in the field of health care. As our population grows older the need for specialists in this area also increases. This in turn has caused an increase in the amount of specialized scholarships for the field of gerontology. Scholarships from college and university departments, endowments, and national scholarships are available to those willing to apply. The application process is typically intensive and requires some ground work to be considered.
To find a scholarship in gerontology, first meet with the department of the college or university that handles scholarships, usually the financial aid department. The individuals in charge of the department will know if any scholarships exist from the school for gerontology or gerontology organizations. Universities like the University of Nevada-Reno offer scholarships in association with the Sanford Center for Aging close to $10,000 for qualified students. The application process involves writing essays, interviewing, and an approval process. Academics are the cornerstone to any scholarship program and are held with the highest degree of consideration.
Educational fraternal organizations at the local level offer varying scholarships to any number of fields of study to deserving students, more often at the local or regional level. Organizations like the American Legion or the VFW have programs in some areas to support scholarships. An application process is required and the scholarships are typically given out on a yearly basis. All of these scholarships have continuing requirements such as a specific GPA, or class rank to keep receiving the scholarship money for school. These organizations have a large aging membership and are more likely to have programs for gerontology, but it is entirely dependent upon the program and organization. These scholarships are usually not enough to cover all of the educational costs of college and training, but can help to alleviate the need for loans.
National scholarships are offered by a number of professional associations and gerontology organizations across the country. The Association for Gerontology in Higher Education provides scholarships and aid top students and professionals in the gerontology field. They are one of the few societies dedicated to the advancement of education in gerontology. Scholarships are awarded on merit and happen throughout the year. The organization has assistance for students seeking a teaching position in gerontology as well.
Fellowships are often coupled with scholarship programs for gerontology and other medical fields. They operate much the same way as traditional scholarships with the exception of the fellowship. A fellowship is an advanced continuing education program meant to allow the gerontologist to specialize or gain new techniques in the science of aging. These are far more intensive and the process is typically much longer than an average scholarship program. Fellowship programs are awarded on a need basis, that is when the fellowship is open the organization will fill it. Fellowships can last from three to five years and involves working in a gerontology department, attending classes, and maintaining the requirements for the scholarship. Fellowships can be applied for by post residency doctors; they are not typically open for gerontology nurse, but new programs are introduced every year.
Searching for a scholarship in gerontology is as simple as contacting the educational institution the student is attending. Local and regional scholarships, although usually smaller in comparison, can be found through local organizations for a variety of fields and careers. As the aging population grows so will the need for gerontology students; this has already increased the amount of gerontology scholarships and will continue to do so.
