Georgia Gerontology Society
SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
Recognizing our commitment toward the promotion of leadership in gerontology, GGS sponsors an annual gerontology scholarship award program. Applicants must be members of the Georgia Gerontology Society. The student membership rate is $25/year. If the membership fee creates a financial hardship for you, please email administrator@georgiagerontologysociety.org to discuss your options.
The Robert P. Wray Scholarship
Award Amount: $2,000 Level: Undergraduate Student
Robert P. Wray was an active GGS member, a founder of numerous service programs in Pennsylvania and Georgia, and was the first Director of the University of Georgia Gerontology Center. He was first posthumously honored in 1989 by designation of the Wray Legislative Award. However, Society members quickly realized that this educator’s memory would be best honored through naming of the annual gerontology scholarship award
The Virginia Smyth Scholarship
Award Amount: $3,000 Level: Graduate Student
The Virginia Smyth Scholarship is presented annually to offer financial support to persons seeking to advance their careers in aging. The fund, established in 1998, provides scholarships for graduate study in gerontology and promotes leadership development in the field of aging to include a broad knowledge base, strong organizational skills and a vision for the future. The Scholarship was first awarded in 2004 and named for Virginia Smyth, a founding member of GGS and the spirit behind the establishment and endowment of the GGS Scholarship Fund. Click the links below for more information.
2024 STUDENT SCHOLARSHIP ANNOUNCEMENT
2024 STUDENT SCHOLARSHIP INSTRUCTIONS AND APPLICATIONS
Lois Ricci Scholarship for Older Adults
As a network that educates, serves and advocates for older adults and their families, GGS sponsors an annual gerontology scholarship award program for older adults. This program provides a scholarship opportunity to attend the GGS Annual Conference for older adults in Georgia. It was first awarded in 2018 and was renamed in 2023 to honor the memory of Lois Ricci, a past president and lifelong advocate for older adults. By sponsoring this award, we aim to promote continued interest and involvement in aging-related issues across the lifespan. Click the links below for more information.
2024 SCHOLARSHIP FOR OLDER ADULTS ANNOUNCEMENT
2024 SCHOLARSHIP FOR OLDER ADULTS INSTRUCTIONS AND APPLICATION
All applications and supporting documents due by April 8, 2024.
Applicants notified of committee’s decision by May 13, 2024.
2024 SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS
The Robert P. Wray Scholarship Winner
Caleb Snead
College of Public Health | Department of Health Promotion and Behavior
Cognitive Aging Research and Education (CARE) Center | Graduate Research Assistant
UGA Archway Partnership | Graduate Assistant
Caleb Snead is a public health student at the University of Georgia. He serves as a research assistant for the University’s Cognitive Aging Research and Education (CARE) Center where he assists in the development and implementation of education tailored for rural Georgians on dementia risk reduction and health promotion.
The Virginia Smyth Scholarship Winner
Reilly McClain
M.S.Ed., M.Phil.Ed.
Doctoral Student | Counselor Education and Practice at Georgia State University
Department of Counseling & Psychological Services
Reilly is a student at Georgia State University currently in her second year of both a Ph.D. program in counselor education and practice and a gerontology master’s certificate. Her research and career aspirations lie at the intersection of gerontology and mental health counseling, with a focus on re-centering older adults in society and the counseling field.
Lois Ricci Scholarship for Older Adults Winner
Carole Helms
Carole’s 50-year work career has been filled with experience in several states where she focused on promotion, education, and community service. The last 20 years of her work career, she served as the program director for the American Diabetes Association in Atlanta. In retirement, Carole continues fulfilling her life purpose by volunteering and working Georgia election polls.