Three Social Welfare students named to 2024-2025 Sigler Family Aging Scholars Program cohort

Three students in the University of Kansas School of Social Welfare will make up the 2024-2025 cohort of the Sigler Family Aging Scholars Program.

The 2024-2025 Sigler Aging Scholars are:

·        Avery Darby – BSW Senior, Lawrence campus

·        Kaylynn Bates – MSW Foundation Year, Jayhawk Global

·        Jaclyn Wilburn – MSW Advanced Standing, Edwards campus

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 KU Social Welfare students. Selected Scholars demonstrate a passion for serving older adults through multi-level gerontology practice, policy, and research.

The goal of the Sigler Family Aging Scholars Program is to not only serve, but also lead, in the field of gerontology. With the need for aging-focused social workers falling far below the projected need, the Program provides students interested in helping older adults with mentorship and learning opportunities tailored to their interests and the needs of the field.

As a part of the Program, students receive mentorship from Dr. Sarah Jen, director of the Sigler Family Aging Scholars Program, and are required to develop and implement a community-action project focused on promoting aging-related education, services, and/or advocacy aimed to support relevant and pressing community needs.