The Gloria Cavanaugh Award for Excellence in Training and Education is presented to an individual or organization demonstrating continued excellence in training and education in the field of aging. Nominees must be current ASA members. Nominees should have made significant and long-term contributions to the field, and create visibility for exemplary training and educational efforts.

To be considered, training, education or staff development must be accurate, current, culturally appropriate and comprehensive, applicants must have a reputation as a spokesperson on an aging issue, use creativity and innovation in training methods, as well as technology. Methods must be evaluated to ensure efficacy, and applicants must have reached out to the underserved. Winners will receive a profile in the AiA conference program and complimentary conference registration.

Click here to learn more about the 2013 Award Presentations at the Aging in America Conference in Chicago.

2013 Gloria Cavanaugh Award for Excellence in Training and Education Winner

OASIS Institute

Since 1982, OASIS has pioneered a three-fold approach to successful aging through lifelong learning, healthy lifestyles and social engagement. Providing programs through hundreds of community partners, OASIS creates opportunities for adults age 50+ in over 40 cities to pursue vibrant, healthy, productive and meaningful lives. Programs range from the arts, humanities and technology to wellness and volunteer opportunities. The OASIS Institute, the national headquarters in St. Louis, promotes the use of evidence-based programs through its education centers and community partners. OASIS is recognized by the Social Impact Exchange’s S&I 100 index as a top performing non-profit that delivers results.

The Intergenerational Tutoring Program engages more than 6,000 adults annually to help high-need children in grades K-4 build the skills they need to read at grade level. Tutors complete 12 hours of training using a research-based curriculum. Says tutor Karen Priest, “When I walked in to my first training session I was not sure what if anything I could learn, and was utterly blown away! Working with these children who so desperately need reading help is what needs to be done.”

The OASIS Connections technology training curriculum enables older adults and displaced workers to join the digital world. Volunteer instructors are trained and certified in adult learning principles. “Many of my students felt left behind in technology,” says instructor Jewel Harris. “But the curriculum accommodates their learning styles and the students’ fears generally subside by the second session.” More than 65,000 adults have enrolled through libraries, senior centers and workforce training programs. Research shows the program is effective in increasing the knowledge, skills and use of computers by older adults.

CATCH Healthy Habits combats obesity among adults and children. Teams of volunteers work with children in after-school and summer programs, sharing a nutrition lesson, a healthy snack and 30 minutes of physical activity in each session. Evaluations show the children and adults are being more active, eating more fruits and vegetables and decreasing screen time. The program was named as a Generations United Program of Distinction in 2012.

Evidence-based health programs include Active Living Every Day, ExerStart, Active Start and Chronic Disease Self-Management. OASIS is collaborating with the National Council on Aging and Stanford University on a study evaluating health care cost reduction through the Diabetes Self-Management Program.

Moving forward, the Institute has partnered with the Friedman Center on Aging at Washington University in St. Louis to expand evidence-based work through research, evaluation, and dissemination. To learn more, visit www.oasisnet.org.