NEWS

RCI Accepting Applications for 2008/09 Pope Fellowships

The Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregiving at Georgia Southwestern State University (GSW) in Americus has announced that it is accepting applications for the 2008-09 Pope Fellowships.

The Pope Fellowship/Scholarship Program was established in 1996 through an endowment from John and Betty Pope of Americus, to promote a better understanding of the importance of professional and family caregiving. The Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregiving screens applicants, then grants and administers these fellowships and scholarships. Since 1996, 165 students have been awarded more than $600,000 in support. Pope Fellows may receive up to $5000 per academic year in 2008-2009.

The Pope Fellowships provide financial support for outstanding individuals enrolled in the newly-created Caregiver Specialist Certificate Program at GSW. The goal of the Pope Fellowship program is to cultivate leaders in the caregiving field. According the Dr. Leisa Easom, Mix Eminent Scholar and Director of the Pope Fellowship/Scholarship Program “We hope to increase awareness and alter the lens by which these students view caregivers and their needs. These students need to understand about the challenges, stresses, and rewards of caregivers. Hopefully, they will also, share this knowledge with others.”

GSW’s certificate program is the only one of its kind in the state and represents a unique commitment of Georgia Southwestern State University to prepare leaders in the field of caregiving. The Caregiving Specialist Program includes 18 credits taken while pursuing a bachelor’s degree. Past recipients of the Pope Fellowships have earned degrees in a variety of fields, including nursing, special education, psychology, sociology and business.

Get application instructions and eligibility details here. Contact Dr. Easom with questions at leasom@canes.gsw.edu or 229-931-2077 or 229-931-2286.