Hartford Partnership Program in Aging Education Application

Overview

The Hartford Partnership Program in Aging Education (HPPAE) is a unique and exciting opportunity that is designed to enhance students’ direct practice and leadership skills in gerontology. Previously funded by the John A. Hartford Foundation Social Work Leadership Institute and the Health Foundation of Western and Central New York, the program equips social workers with the knowledge, skills, and competencies to improve care and well-being of older adults and their families. The UBSSW is one of 88 schools nationwide that have created training opportunities in competency-based gerontological social work.

Program components

  • Aging-Specific Field Experience: Interns are placed in partner agencies and experience an aging-specific field experience within the placement organization, enhancing exposure to the services offered to older adults and their families.
  • Specialized Education and Training:
    • Seminars:  Held online monthly, 90-minute seminars build on internship experiences and coursework, and engage students in discussions on specialized content relative to aging that can enhance the development of social work practice with older adults. Guest speakers address a range of topic areas that help expand the breadth and depth of students’ knowledge.  
    • Coursework:  HPPAE students are strongly encouraged to take before graduation:
      • Aging Populations and their Families (SW706) – Online and seated Advanced Topic Analysis course, Fall (seated) and Spring (online) semesters
      • Aging Policies and Programs: SW721 – Online Elective, Spring semester
  • Professional Development Opportunities:
    • Cohort Experience:  Students in the cohort share both a mutual interest in working with older adults and their experiences in field to enhance learning.
    • Collaboration and Networking:  Seminars are conducted via distance learning and introduce students to diverse populations and contemporary concerns.
    • Potential to earn Excellence in Aging Microcredential: See here.

Application process

Students interested in applying should submit the following to Mary Milnamow: 

  1. A 300-word abstract which identifies your area of practice choice and why, answers the question, “I am applying for the HPPAE internship because…” and describes your interest in social work practice with older adults and your long-term career goal as it is now.
  2. A current resume which includes work and field education experiences in social work.

Please note: Students should let their Field Placement coordinator know of their application to the HPPAE. 

Please submit your applications to Mary Milnamow, HPPAE Program Coordinator, by email (marymiln@buffalo.edu) after you submit your field form. 

Following an application screening process, selected HPPAE candidates will be invited to participate in a brief interview with Mary Milnamow, Katie Mcclain-Meeder, and/or Margie Quartley.

Download/print the Hartford Partnership in Aging Education Application instructions