Introduction
In the competitive scholarship landscape, the 2024 OMEGA Scholarship stands out as a distinctive opportunity for high school juniors and seniors. Sponsored by MIT AgeLab and AARP Massachusetts, this program, named Opportunities for Multigenerational Exchange, Growth and Action (OMEGA), is designed to acknowledge and bolster the initiatives of teens fostering connections between generations. It surpasses typical academic criteria, emphasizing the broader impact of intergenerational initiatives. With a $5000 college scholarship and an additional $1000 for the winning student’s initiative, OMEGA not only supports academic pursuits but also champions community-building efforts. This visionary scholarship reflects MIT AgeLab and AARP Massachusetts‘ commitment to nurturing a generation that recognizes the profound significance of fostering interconnectedness across age groups.
About Omega Scholarship
The OMEGA Scholarship, officially titled Opportunities for Multigenerational Exchange, Growth and Action, is a distinctive program designed for high school juniors and seniors. It is backed by two prominent entities committed to fostering innovation and community engagement:
Unveiling the OMEGA Scholarship
As high school juniors and seniors seek opportunities that transcend the conventional, the 2024 OMEGA Scholarship emerges as a beacon for those aspiring to make a difference. Officially known as Opportunities for Multigenerational Exchange, Growth and Action (OMEGA), this scholarship is not just about academic excellence; it’s a celebration of initiatives that bridge the generational gap.
The Driving Forces Behind OMEGA Scholarship
MIT AgeLab:
At the helm of the OMEGA Scholarship is the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) AgeLab. Established in 1999, this research program pioneers innovative solutions that enhance the quality of life for older adults. From longevity planning to caregiving and beyond, the AgeLab draws on the diverse resources of MIT, applying user-centered systems thinking to catalyze innovation in society.
AARP Massachusetts:
In collaboration with MIT AgeLab, AARP Massachusetts adds substantial support to the OMEGA Scholarship. AARP, the nation’s largest nonprofit organization for individuals aged 50 and older, is dedicated to empowering people to choose how they live as they age. With a profound presence and nearly 38 million members, AARP strengthens communities and advocates for crucial aspects like health security, financial stability, and personal fulfillment.
The OMEGA Scholarship Vision
Together, MIT AgeLab and AARP Massachusetts join forces to create a scholarship that goes beyond financial aid. The OMEGA Scholarship acknowledges the exceptional efforts of high school students who actively contribute to building bridges between different age groups. By recognizing the significance of intergenerational connections, OMEGA becomes more than a scholarship; it becomes a catalyst for societal change, encouraging the younger generation to play a vital role in fostering understanding and collaboration across generations. As the OMEGA Scholarship paves the way for these impactful initiatives, it stands as a testament to the commitment of MIT AgeLab and AARP Massachusetts to shaping a future where generations collaborate for a more interconnected and harmonious society.
Eligibility and Application Requirements
Aspiring applicants for the OMEGA Scholarship must be current high school juniors or seniors actively involved in initiatives linking students with older adults within the United States. They should be on track to complete high school in either 2024 or 2025, with a clear intention to pursue higher education. The application process offers flexibility, allowing submissions through an online form, email, or traditional mail to the MIT AgeLab. The focal point of the application is to spotlight tangible achievements by emphasizing the showcasing of completed initiatives over theoretical contributions.
Judging Criteria
The OMEGA Scholarship’s judging criteria encompass various facets to ensure a comprehensive evaluation:
– Creativity: Applications are assessed based on the innovative and engaging approach demonstrated in fostering intergenerational connections.
– Impact: Judges evaluate the extent to which the initiative addresses significant challenges or needs among both teenagers and older adults.
– Sustainability: Consideration is given to the initiative’s potential for continuity after the applicant graduates, ensuring a lasting impact.
– Quality: Scrutiny is applied to the overall quality of the application, emphasizing well-written, organized, and carefully edited content with a specific focus on proofreading.
– Recommendation: The recommender’s perspective on the applicant’s contributions, leadership, and the sustainability of their program plays a pivotal role in the evaluation process. This holistic approach ensures a thorough assessment of each applicant’s potential to create meaningful intergenerational connections.
Eligibility and Application Requirements
• Prospective candidates must currently be enrolled as high school juniors or seniors, attending a United States high school, actively engaged in initiatives that connect high school students with older adults.
• Applicants should anticipate completing their high school diploma in either 2023m4 or 2025 and have definitive plans to pursue higher education at an accredited post-secondary institution.
• In the application process, candidates are required to provide details about their intergenerational initiative and community partner. An intergenerational initiative refers to any program, project, group, organization, or club the applicant is involved in, while a community partner is an organization or place collaborating to connect students with older adults.
• To ensure consideration, a comprehensive application for the scholarship must be received. Submissions can be made through the form available on their website (agelab.mit.edu/omega), emailed as a PDF to omegamit@mit.edu, or sent by mail to The MIT AgeLab, Attn: OMEGA Scholarship Committee, 77 Massachusetts Avenue, E40-275K, Cambridge, MA 02139. Applicants planning to mail their application are encouraged to notify the committee via email (omegamit@mit.edu) or phone call (617-253-1894).
• Applications are expected to emphasize concrete achievements rather than theoretical or potential future contributions.
• Encouragement is given for the submission of photos, videos, and other digital media documenting the applicant’s program as supplemental materials.
• A complete application must include a letter from a recommender, attesting to the candidate’s contributions to multigenerational engagement. This letter should detail how the scholarship match will be utilized to further the efforts of the initiative. Recommendations from supervisors, school staff, trusted adults, or community partners are preferred. Guidelines for writing a letter are available on their website: agelab.mit.edu/omega.
• An application will be deemed incomplete and ineligible for review until a recommendation letter has been submitted.
To apply, visit their website: agelab.mit.edu/omega. For email submissions, contact omegamit@mit.edu, or reach out via phone at 617-253-1894.
Conclusion
The 2024 OMEGA Scholarship, orchestrated by MIT AgeLab and AARP Massachusetts, transcends typical academic recognition. It beckons high school juniors and seniors to showcase initiatives connecting generations. This scholarship, with its emphasis on tangible contributions, stands as a testament to fostering intergenerational connections. As applicants navigate the submission process, they embark on a journey catalyzed by MIT AgeLab and AARP Massachusetts, shaping a future where generations collaborate harmoniously. Apply today: agelab.mit.edu/omega.
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