SE4A Scholarships

Scholarship Sponsored by Southeastern Association of AAAs

Overview
**Description**
The SE4A Scholarship supports students pursuing careers in gerontology or geriatrics by providing targeted financial assistance. It is intended to encourage academic and professional development in aging-related fields within the Southeastern United States. The program is administered by the Southeastern Association of Area Agencies on Aging (SE4A) and complements other SE4A initiatives to strengthen the regional aging network.

Key takeaways:
- Supports careers in gerontology and geriatrics.
- Focused on students in the Southeastern U.S.
- Administered by SE4A to strengthen the aging workforce.

Eligibility
**Who can apply**
Applicants must be currently enrolled as a junior, senior, or graduate student at an accredited university located within one of nine southeastern states: Alabama, Georgia, Florida, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, or Virginia. Eligibility is limited to students attending institutions physically located in those states; residency alone does not substitute for enrollment at a qualifying university. Applicants should verify their institution’s accreditation and SE4A’s current eligibility rules before applying.

Key takeaways:
- Open to juniors, seniors, and graduate students.
- Must be enrolled at an accredited university within the nine specified states.
- Confirm accreditation and current eligibility requirements with SE4A.

Award Value
**Amount and number of scholarships**
SE4A awards two scholarships annually, each valued at $2,500. These funds are designed to offset educational expenses for recipients pursuing aging-related studies. The award is a direct financial contribution and recipients should plan how the funds will be used in accordance with their institution’s policies.

Key takeaways:
- Two scholarships awarded.
- Each scholarship is $2,500.
- Intended to offset educational expenses in gerontology/geriatrics.

Selection Criteria
**How recipients are chosen**
Recipients are selected on a combination of factors that reflect academic and professional promise, community involvement, and financial need. SE4A evaluates applications for financial need, writing skills, academic record (education and GPA), volunteer work with older adults, and any connection to the Southeastern Area Agencies on Aging network. Selection balances objective measures (GPA, service) with subjective assessments (writing quality and demonstrated need).

Key takeaways:
- Evaluation includes financial need and writing ability.
- Academic performance (education and GPA) is considered.
- Volunteer work with older adults and ties to the SE Area Agencies on Aging network are weighted.

Application & Timeline
**How to apply and deadlines**
Application details and deadlines are set annually by SE4A and posted on their official website and communications. Prospective applicants should consult the SE4A website for the current application form, required documentation, submission instructions, and exact deadline. Typical supporting materials may include proof of enrollment, academic records, and statements addressing financial need and career goals—confirm requirements with SE4A before submitting.

Key takeaways:
- Check the SE4A website for current application details and deadlines.
- Prepare documentation such as enrollment verification and academic records.
- Confirm required materials and submission process before applying.

Memorial Conference Scholarship (for Area Agencies on Aging)
**Purpose and application limit**
The Memorial Conference Scholarship is a separate SE4A-sponsored award intended to sponsor an attendee from an Area Agency on Aging (AAA) to participate in the annual SE4A Conference. This scholarship honors the service and leadership of past SE4A Board members by promoting professional development through conference attendance. Each AAA may submit only one application for this scholarship.

Key takeaways:
- Designed to sponsor an AAA attendee to the annual SE4A Conference.
- Honors past SE4A Board members through professional development support.
- One application accepted per AAA.

History of the Memorial Scholarship
**Origin and intent**
The Memorial Conference Scholarship was established to recognize SE4A Board members who provided leadership, vision, and a commitment to learning within the aging network. The award commemorates their contributions by enabling others to attend the SE4A annual conference and continue that tradition of professional growth. Its creation reflects SE4A’s emphasis on mentorship, knowledge-sharing, and sustaining leadership across the region.

Key takeaways:
- Created to honor former SE4A Board members’ contributions.
- Supports continued professional development through conference attendance.
- Emphasizes mentorship, vision, and learning in the aging network.