Abstract:

Described is a collaborative effort among a public university, public & voluntary agencies, & a gerontological center in New York City to address the serious shortage of minority administrators in the field of aging. The program is designed to: enhance professional recruitment & retention of minorities in aging; provide career mobility for minorities through professional social work education with specialized content in aging, management & minority issues; & strengthen services to the aged. Major componenets of the program are outlined, including: selection & training; leadership/management seminars; a mentoring system; & continuity between training & employment. The program results in a replicable model for training & retaining minority managers, improved services for the elderly & a new cadre of minority professional leaders in the field of aging.