SCHOLARSHIPS & SERVICE AWARDS

Overview

AGS works to improve the health, independence, and quality of life of older Arkansans. This includes bridging research and practice in the field of aging, with an emphasis on developing and supporting tomorrow’s leaders. We help accomplish this by awarding academic scholarships and awards for outstanding service.

AGS Academic Scholarships

AGS offers financial assistance scholarships for full-time or part-time students who live or work in Arkansas and are: seeking gerontology-related careers or are currently working in the field of aging and would like to increase their skills through an undergraduate, graduate, or a certificate program. Program examples include RN, LPN, CNA, therapy services, social work, counseling, nursing administration, health educators, and other gerontology-related fields.

DEADLINE FOR 2024 APPLICATIONS

MARCH 25, 2024, 5 P.M.

Applications must be submitted within the designated timeline and include the following documents: 

  • A completed application form (click here)

  • A comprehensive essay (defined in the application form)

  • Proof of enrollment or acceptance at an accredited university or certificate program (prior to the release of funds)

  • Two letters of recommendation, including one academic and one personal letter of recommendation. (Note: If this is the first educational program to be entered after a substantial time period, a letter of recommendation from an employer will be accepted in lieu of the academic reference.)
    Finalists will be interviewed by the scholarship committee prior to the selection of the receipt(s) of the scholarship. Scholarships range from $500 to $2000 and will be made directly to the Registrar's Office of the university, college or certificate program. 

  • The scholarship committee chair will present the scholarship award at the 2023 AGS Spring Forum. The recipient will be required to attend the Forum held to accept their scholarship.

Scholarships to Attend AGS Conferences and Forums

Funding is also available to students and others who might not otherwise be able to pay registration fees for AGS conferences. For more information, contact AGS.

Student Poster Award 

AGS encourages submissions and offers cash awards for 1st and 2nd place for the best poster presentation by a student who is the primary author. Applications must include an academic letter of recommendation. For more information, contact AGS.

AGS Volunteer Service Awards

AGS offers several recognition awards to individual volunteers and groups who help make Arkansas a better place for those who are aging. These awards are determined by the AGS Scholarship and Award Committee and are presented at the AGS Spring Forum.

To nominate recipients for any of these six awards, complete the Award Nomination Form and submit it to AGS before March 25, 2024, at 5 p.m. 

  • AGS Sister Pierre Vorster Award. Recipients, age 18 or older, demonstrate outstanding volunteer services to individuals who are 65 or older. This award will be presented to a selected individual along with a $200.00 contribution to the recipient’s favorite charity that serves persons who are aging or which will help the award winner continue his or her important work.  

  • AGS Elder Volunteer Award. Recipients must be 75 years or older and actively involved in providing volunteer services to individuals who are 65 + or a youth organization.

  • AGS Freshman Volunteer Award. Recipients are age 18 or younger and are actively involved in providing volunteer services to individuals who are 65 or older. 

  • AGS Innovative Volunteer Group Award. Recipients must be 18 years of age or older and actively provide unique or new volunteer services to individuals who are 65 or older. 

  • AGS Intergenerational Volunteer or Group Award. Recipients, who may include all ages, exemplify the interdependence of different generations by actively providing volunteer services to individuals who are 65 or older.  

  • Media Award. AGS offers this award to recognize an outstanding media contribution to further the understanding of aging in Arkansas and/or the mission of AGS. 

  • Fellow Award. This award recognizes a professional who has been nominated by his or her peers for outstanding leadership, research, or service.