YSU student selected for 2026 Scholars in Aging program

A Youngstown State University student has been selected to participate in the 2026 Scholars in Aging program, a competitive statewide initiative led by the Ohio Department of Aging in partnership with the Ohio Association of Gerontology Education.

Frederick Veauthier, a doctoral student in health sciences at Youngstown State University, was named one of 10 students from colleges and universities across Ohio selected for the 2026 cohort. The Scholars in Aging program brings together students from diverse academic backgrounds to explore aging-related policy, research and practice.

“We are delighted to welcome another group of passionate Ohio students to the 2026 Scholars in Aging program,” Ohio Department of Aging Director Ursel J. McElroy said in a statewide announcement. “This new cohort shares a commitment to shaping a future where we empower Ohioans to live longer, healthier lives with dignity and autonomy.”

The Scholars in Aging program provides students of all academic backgrounds with the opportunity to learn about aging-related policymaking, establish professional contacts and gain career knowledge and skills in the field of aging.

The program’s first event will take place Jan. 20 in Cleveland, where scholars will hear from Ohio Department of Aging leaders and partners from the Benjamin Rose Institute on Aging.

Scholars will continue to participate in program activities throughout the spring, including a visit to the Ohio Statehouse, meetings with members of the Ohio General Assembly and a full-day, in-person visit to a regional area agency on aging.

As part of the four-month program, scholars will complete an aging-related project, which they will present at the Ohio Association of Gerontology Education conference at The Ohio State University in April. Participants who complete all program requirements will receive a $2,500 stipend.

For more information about the Scholars in Aging program, visit Ohio Scholars in Aging.