Sigler Family Aging Scholars Program

We all have a stake in what aging futures look like. Let’s shape that future with intention.

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.

Purpose

Currently, the number of aging-focused and -competent social workers falls far below the projected need. As we observe unprecedented growth in the size and diversity of the older adult population in the U.S. and globally, it is imperative that the we educate social workers who are well-prepared, not only to serve, but also to lead, in the field of gerontology. The Sigler Family Aging Scholars Program aims to identify BSW and MSW students with a passion for and commitment to serving older adults in their communities in order to create learning opportunities tailored to their interests and the needs of the field. This annual program will be offered to three students who can be BSW and/or MSW students. Benefits include:

• A scholarship of $4,000 
• 1:1 faculty mentoring
• Leadership development and community networking opportunities
• Specialized training and education opportunities

Program Goals

• Expose students to significant shortfalls in the gerontology-specific workforce and diverse needs and strengths of the older adult population
• Create a space for students to gain awareness, knowledge, and experience around aging-related policy issues and innovative practice approaches
• Foster a community of learners to engage and support one another and to join the larger network of interdisciplinary aging service providers
• Center the professional goals and individual strengths of students to encourage them to become leaders in the School of Social Welfare and in their own communities

Prior Community Action Projects

In 2021-2022, scholars Tobi Barta, Olivia Sabal and Kamri Wolverton hosted the Untold Stories live art exhibition as well as creating a digital archive of the collected artwork. The exhibition was hosted in the KU Commons in April 2022 and was attended by over 130 community members and featured the work of 30 artists.

In 2022-2023, scholars Kristin Nichols, Sam Gibson and Lindsay Huddlestun interviewed professionals in gerontology to create a video promoting aging practice. You can view the short version of the video below. View the long version of the video on YouTube.