YSU’s Scholars in Aging Program: Prepping Ohio’s future leaders in aging

Dan Van Dussen, Graduate Studies professor in Health and Rehabilitation Science at YSU, gave testimony before the Ohio House Children and Human Services Committee, emphasizing the urgent need for a well-trained workforce to support Ohio’s growing aging population. His testimony highlighted the success of the Ohio Scholars in Aging Program, a collaborative effort between the Ohio Department of Aging and the Ohio Association of Gerontology and Education.

The program prepares students from diverse academic backgrounds for careers in aging-related fields, offering hands-on experience, professional development and policy engagement. Van Dussen underscored the program’s role in retaining talent within Ohio, ensuring that graduates remain in the state to contribute to its aging network. His advocacy aimed to secure continued funding and support for initiatives that build a strong, dedicated workforce capable of meeting the needs of older Ohioans.

Van Dussen’s testimony coincided with OAGE/ODA Scholars in Aging Day, which took place at the Senate Tower. As part of the event, participating students, including Jenna Wagner, had the opportunity to learn about aging-related policymaking, meet state representatives and observe committee hearings.

For Wagner, a senior in the 4+1 Dietetics and Master of Health and Human Services program, the experience was eye-opening. “Listening to the testimony, hearing both the support and the questions from representatives, was incredibly valuable,” she said. “It helped me understand how policy affects the field of aging and healthcare.”

Before attending the hearing, Wagner and other students participated in a Medicare and Medicaid 101 session, a critical learning opportunity for future healthcare professionals.

Wagner’s journey into the field of aging was not always a clear path. Initially a forensic science major, she later shifted to dietetics and discovered her passion for working with older adults, particularly those with Alzheimer’s and dementia. “I wasn’t sure if I wanted to work in long-term care, hospitals, or private practice, but this program helped me narrow it down,” she explained. “My ultimate goal is to become an administrator of a care home and make a real difference in the lives of older adults in Ohio.”

Since its inception 13 years ago, the Ohio Scholars in Aging Program has successfully bridged the gap between students and aging services. The program has grown to include students from various disciplines, including nursing, social work and healthcare administration. Many of its alumni now mentor new scholars, fostering a strong professional network dedicated to aging services.

With an acceptance rate of only 33% this year, the program continues to attract top-tier students. Scholars not only gain valuable experience but also present their projects at the annual OAGE conference, an event attended by key figures in Ohio’s aging sector, including the Director of the Ohio Department of Aging.

Van Dussen emphasized the program’s continued growth and future goals: “We want to engage even more partners, visit more community organizations, and expose students to the full range of services available to older adults in Ohio.” Plans for future programming include site visits to organizations such as the Benjamin Rose Institute on Aging and senior centers in Cleveland.

Wagner’s advice for students considering the program is simple: “Apply. Get involved. The connections you make are invaluable.” She sees the field of aging as a growing and essential industry, with limitless career opportunities. “No matter what your major is—engineering, business, healthcare—there’s a way to connect it to aging,” she said.