John & Betty Pope Scholarship Program

About the Program

The John and Betty Pope Scholarship opportunity is dedicated to providing financial assistance to an individual desiring to enroll in the online Caregiving Issues and Management Certificate Program at Georgia Southwestern State University. 

The Caregiving Issues and Management Certificate Program is an interdisciplinary program designed to foster understanding of the caregiving field through the exploration of the journey of a caregiver, evidenced-based caregiver support programs, vulnerable populations needing caregivers, and culturally appropriate approaches to caregiving.

Estimates have consistently projected that the need for caregiving will escalate significantly in the coming decades. This increase in demand can be attributed to several key trends, including an aging demographic, increased longevity, and the growing burden of chronic illnesses. This certificate program is designed to inform both professionals in caregiving (i.e. business, health care, education, social services, public health, and psychology) and family caregivers about available resources, support programs, and research findings for caregivers of individuals across the lifespan.

This Certificate (Caregiving Issues and Management Certificate) is the only one of its kind and represents a unique commitment of Georgia Southwestern State University to prepare leaders in the field of Caregiving. The certificate program helps students:
• Analyze a caregiver’s circumstances, needs, strengths, goals and cognitive abilities, cultural and spiritual situation.
• Translate information across healthcare systems and healthcare providers.
• Assist family caregivers in identifying and accessing community and regional services in healthcare settings.
• Participate in an interdisciplinary team approach utilizing multiple health care and social service systems.
• Integrate knowledge and values of caregiving in an individual’s career field, including, but not limited to business, health care, education, social work, social services, psychology, and public health.
• Apply knowledge of evidenced-based caregiver programs to support diverse individuals, families, and communities across the lifespan.

The Caregiving Issues and Management Certificate program includes 18 credits – three courses (3 hour credits each- total 9 credit hours) are lower division (1000-2000) and three courses (3 hour credits each- total 9 credit hours) are upper division (3000-4000).

Scholarships are awarded for a single year, but scholars in good standing (maintaining a 3.0 GPA) are encouraged to apply for renewal each year, for up to two years of support.

Admission Requirements
For new students, a baccalaureate degree and acceptance to GSW is required.
For currently enrolled GSW students, you must be pursuing a baccalaureate degree.

Applicants should submit the following by March 15, 2012:

• Scholarship application form.
• If applicable, work history and experience, including most recent performance appraisal or letter of support from direct supervisor.
• Education history, including (if applicable) official grade transcripts.
• Resume
• A statement describing your vision of how the knowledge gained in the certificate program will be of benefit to you.
• One letter of recommendation from individuals familiar with the applicant academically, professionally, or within the community.

Contact information for inquiries regarding this scholarship opportunity: 229-928-1234 (Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregiving).