Program Background
Practice with older adults is a critical area for growth in the social work profession. According to the U.S. government, there are significant and unprecedented increases in the population growth of people 65 and older.
Given that Connecticut has the sixth highest population of older adults in the United States, there is a critical need to develop the workforce serving this growing population. The Scholars in Aging Program, established in 2022, prepares students with specialized classroom and practicum training to serve the growing number of adults aged 65 and older within diverse communities and institutional settings. Read more about this program, UConn Today story.
“Donor" to the Scholars in Aging Program: Judith M. Zachs ’77 (SSW) and family
Program Requirements
Student Eligibility:
- Individuals, Groups, and Families Hartford Campus students entering advanced year in Fall 2025, preferred
- Individuals, Groups, and Families online students entering advanced year in Fall 2026
- BSW students entering their senior practicum
- Maintain an overall 3.0 GPA
- Meet UConn and practicum agency requirements
- Completed application include a statement, unofficial transcript, and resume
Applications are closed for the 25-26 academic year.
Students agree to:
- Enroll in the required HBEL 5357 Social Gerontology course offered in the spring
- Complete a practicum placement in an agency serving older adults aged 65 and older
- Attend four collaborative learning seminars each semester, which count toward practicum hours
- Attend one SSW Scholars in Aging lecture
Scholarships are disbursed at the beginning of fall and spring semesters.
More Information
Contact Dr. Joy Learman at joy.learman@uconn.edu.
Webinar Series
Scholars in Aging
Webinar Series
Watch Part One: We're All Aging: What does that mean for social workers?
