About the Grace Program

What is the GRACE Program?

The Gerontology Resources and Aging Community in Education (GRACE) Program is a practicum-based learning program designed to increase students' knowledge of and experience with older adults. The GRACE program is co-directed by Professor Joan Asseff, LCSW-S, Assistant Dean for Master's Programs and Anna Finger, LCSW, Clinical Assistant Professor. The directors work closely with practicum instructors employed at community agencies in aging services in the Austin area to create impactful internships for students. The students' practicum experience is complemented by GRACE program educational enrichment events, held approximately six time each academic year. These events provide specialized knowledge in areas relevant to social work practice in gerontology.

What is a GRACE Placement?

A practicum agency earns the designation as a GRACE placement if the agency serves primarily older adults, and the practicum instructor serves on the GRACE Committee and/or supports the educational goals of the GRACE Program through working with Steve Hicks School of Social Work students.

How does a student become a GRACE Candidate?

The first step to becoming a GRACE student is expressing an interest in and commitment to working with older adults. GRACE placements are available for both first and final practicum students. First practicum students who indicate interest in this area will likely be matched a GRACE placement. Final practicum students are pre-selected to interview at GRACE internship sites. If a student is currently in a GRACE placement, or has completed a GRACE placement, they are considered a GRACE student.

How does a student become a GRACE Scholar?

A student earns a GRACE Scholar designation at commencement by:

Successfully Completing at least one internship at a GRACE placement and
Attending at least five scheduled GRACE educational event during their graduate studies.

A GRACE scholar designation identifies the graduate to potential employers as an emerging social work professional who received additional training and preparation for practice with older adults.

What are GRACE Program Educational Events?

Approximately six learning events are scheduled during the academic year, covering topics relevant to social work practice with older adults and their families. Recent topics have included substance use and aging, supporting persons living with dementia, Medicaid/Medicare 101, the LGTQIA+ community and aging, group work with older adults, and decreasing social isolation for older adults. A full day event, the Gerontology Resources Symposium, is offered each year to provide in-depth learning for students and community practitioners. Attendance at events is required for GRACE students and events re open to other students and members of the community; CEUs are frequently offered at these events.

Is fellowship funding available to GRACE Candidates?

The GRACE Program receives generous support from the St. David's Foundation. GRACE students are offered the opportunity to apply for fellowships to help defray the cost of their education. The number of fellowships awarded is contingent upon funding; the selection process is competitive.

What else does the GRACE Program offer?

Each spring, the Program Director, a GRACE practicum instructor, and a select group of students attend the annual meeting of the American Society on Aging, the country's largest gathering of professionals in the aging field. The St. David's Foundation provides funding for this unparalleled professional development experience; attendees are chosen though a competitive application process. Finally, the program provides an ongoing peer group, the GRACE Graduates Network, offering peer support, networking, and professional development to program alums.

How can my agency or I get involved?

Host a student intern at your agency. Offer to present on a topic of your interest at a GRACE Program Educational Event. Work with the program director to have a student co-facilitate a group for clients at your agency.