$2 Million Hearst Foundations Award Set to Expand UAlbany’s ‘Internships in Aging Project’

Four smiling people pose for a group portrait. They are standing in front of a bookshelf in a warmly lit room with a window behind them.

From left: Internships in Aging Project Director Linda Mertz, IAP intern Kaitlyn Wooley, IAP Hearst Fellow Gabbie Gorman O’Barry, IAP alum and Director of the Albany Neighborhood Naturally Occurring Retirement Community Kyra Alte. (Photo: Patrick Dodson)

By Erin Frick

ALBANY, N.Y. (March 16, 2026) — University at Albany’s “Internships in Aging Project” (IAP) is expanding thanks to a new $2 million Hearst Foundations grant, which will support 30 additional interns over the next five years and, for the first time, open the program to Master of Public Health students.

Housed in the School of Social Welfare at the College of Integrated Health Sciences, the nationally recognized Internships in Aging Project combines rigorous academic training with hands-on experience at approximately 15 community-based agencies serving the Capital Region’s aging population. Established in 2000, the program was created to address the growing demand for skilled professionals supporting older adults and their caregivers, especially those in historically underserved groups.

“By 2030, it is estimated that 20% of all Americans will be 65 or older,” said Victoria Rizzo, senior vice dean of the College of Integrated Health Sciences and director of UAlbany’s Center for Healthy Aging. “This percentage is expected to be even higher in the Capital Region, yet aging remains an underrepresented area of focus in social work education. With the Internships in Aging Project, we are working to help change that. By giving students opportunities to explore a range of career paths within this field, together with in-depth experience working with an organization for an extended period, our students can discover just how fulfilling and rewarding working with the aging population can be.”

"The Hearst Foundations are proud to support this innovative program that strengthens communities while preparing students to meet the growing needs of adults across the aging spectrum,” said Donna Kalajian Lagani, co-executive director of the Hearst Foundations. “The Internships in Aging Project provides opportunities for UAlbany graduate students to gain the skills needed to help older adults live safely and independently in their homes, navigate a complex healthcare system, and maintain their wellbeing. With a blend of social work and public health training, the program offers the comprehensive, people-centered approach our aging population deserves.”

The IAP program emphasizes interdisciplinary learning and community engagement. Students typically spend three full days per week at their internship site (740 hours per student annually) and receive a stipend for their work.

“The stipend plays a critical role in both supporting the additional time commitment required by these internships and encouraging students to explore aging as a professional focus,” said Rizzo, who also directs the School of Social Welfare. “Recognizing the importance and regional impact of IAP, the Hearst Foundations stepped in to support the program by funding student stipends in 2002. Since then, Hearst has remained a valued and committed partner, helping to sustain and strengthen this vital workforce initiative, which has benefitted an estimated 13,000 older adults and their families to date.”

Composite image of two individual portraits. At left, a woman with short hair and a purple blazer poses for an outdoor portrait on UAlbany’s academic podium. At right, a women with short hair and glasses and a white blouse smiles at a desk in an office. — At left: Professor Erin Bell, dean of UAlbany's College of Integrated Health Sciences. At right: Professor Victoria Rizzo, senior vice dean of the College of Integrated Health Sciences, director of the School of Social Welfare, and director of the Center for Healthy Aging. (Photos by Patrick Dodson)

"The Internships in Aging Project speaks directly to the values of the College of Integrated Health Sciences,” said Dean Erin Bell. “These include education in service of the public good, strong community partnerships and learning through experience. By connecting students with hands-on opportunities in aging-related research and practice, the program supports UAlbany’s commitment to healthy aging while preparing the next generation of professionals to make a meaningful difference in the communities they serve.”

Since the first graduating class, many IAP alumni have remained connected to the program, returning as internship supervisors, advisory committee members and guest lecturers.

“Over time, IAP has grown into a strong, collaborative community of providers committed to high-quality aging services,” said Linda Mertz, who directs the Internships in Aging Project. “This funding will allow us to expand the program’s geographic reach, including into rural communities, and extend new support to local grassroots organizations. We are also excited to include students from UAlbany’s Master’s in Public Health program. In today’s complex service environment, professionals must understand the strengths of other disciplines and work collaboratively.”

Learn more: Meet the IAP students

Composite image consisting of three individual portraits of young people smiling while posing indoors. — Hear from current IAP students and a program alum in this story (also linked above). Featuring, from left: Internships in Aging Project (IAP) intern Kaitlyn Wooley, IAP alum and Director of the Albany Neighborhood Naturally Occurring Retirement Community Kyra Alte, and IAP intern and Hearst Fellow Gabbie Gorman O’Barry. (Photo by Patrick Dodson)