The Hartford Partnership Program for Aging Education
This program offers scholarships and enriched educational opportunities for M.S.W. students wishing to develop the skills needed to work with older adults
The Master of Social Work Program of the University of Minnesota’s School of Social Work, in collaboration with the Augsburg College Department of Social Work, has received the Hartford Partnership Program for Aging Education (HPPAE) grant.
HPPAE Innovations
The HPPAE program at the University of Minnesota’s School of Social Work is based upon innovative partnerships between the School and the community agencies that provide field placements to MSW students. Using rotational field placements that are designed to meet the learning needs of each individual student, the HPPAE program provides students with wide-ranging, hands-on experience with older adult services in both direct and community practice settings. The community partners and the SSW collaborate in the development of joint learning opportunities for students, field instructors, and faculty.
Why HPPAE?
Several trends make aging an emerging critical issue in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Board on Aging (2006), the older adult population is expected to double by 2030, meaning one in every four adults will be over the age of 65. This growth will be driven by increases in the African American, American Indian, Asian American, Hispanic, and African immigrant communities. HPPAE will help to strengthen service delivery to all communities in Minnesota and nationwide. It will increase the number of trained gerontological social workers, develop their cultural competence, and prepare them for collaborative work in direct and community practice settings.
Program Requirements
HPPAE Scholars receive funding for the concentration year of study, and may be Full Program or Advanced Standing students. Recipients will complete a rotation field placement in at least two field sites or units within a larger organization. They are required to take SW5313 Social Work with Older Adults, and are strongly encouraged to register for other courses related to aging. HPPAE Scholars are required to participate in national evaluation protocols and career tracking, and are strongly encouraged to disseminate knowledge to the wider social work community.
The Scholarship
University of Minnesota HPPAE scholars receive a $1,000 scholarship which is paid out in two installments. The Application Process Applications for HPPAE are due in the Spring of each academic year, usually shortly before the Field Fair. Students must be offered a field placement at HPPAE community partner sites by going through the usual SSW field placement interview process.
Questions?
Call or e-mail Steve Maxwell, Director of Field Instruction, 612-624-4267.