Awards & Grants

The Council of Professional Geropsychology Training Programs (CoPGTP) accepts applications for the CoPGTP awards each year. To apply, you must be a CoPGTP member or a mentored student or trainee from a CoPGTP member program. Check below for the specific application deadlines. To apply, begin the online application process by clicking the buttons below. If you would prefer to submit your application by email, please contact copgtpsec@gmail.com to request an electronic copy of the application form.

Dr. Kadija N. Williams Award in Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

Dr. Kadija N. Williams was a passionate researcher, clinician, and social justice advocate who deeply cared for expanding mental and behavioral healthcare to historically marginalized communities including older adults, persons of color, and those who experience trauma. She dedicated her life to serving those who bore the burden of systemic oppression, hate, and violence and was not afraid to speak out on the issues related to equity, diversity, and inclusion to create impactful societal changes. She was well regarded as a compassionate clinician and a generous peer to her colleagues. As the former Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Member at Large for the Council of Professional Geropsychology Training Programs (CoPGTP) and a diversity leader in the 2021 Building Bridges national geropsychology training conference, CoPGTP is dedicating one award to remember and celebrate Dr. Kadija N. William’s life and her outstanding contributions to promoting diversity in the field of Geropsychology.

The Dr. Kadija N. Williams award is given once a year to any individual (professional, early-career, or trainee/student) for demonstrating exemplary effort that manifests the ideals of equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) into practical action, especially regarding the training of geropsychologists. The recipient may demonstrate commitment to these domains across a range of different activities: student- or program-centered initiatives; multicultural programming or related initiatives; community outreach services; research targeted towards historically marginalized populations and/or issues related to health equity; and/or clinical services to underserved older adults. Examples of such activities includes:

• Developing or significantly contributing to a Diversity Committee and highlighting the needs of older adults
• Contributing to training seminars focused on historically oppressed and/or underserved older adult communities
• Advocating for greater programmatic training/services to meet the needs of LGBQIA and/or transgender older adults

The award is open to alumni and current trainees or faculty of CoPGTP member programs. Self-nominations are welcome. CoPGTP member institutions are also encouraged to nominate one or more candidates. The recipient will receive a $500 monetary award.

To nominate yourself or someone else, please submit a 500-word letter explaining how you (or the nominee) have significantly promoted EDI in your setting along with the nominee’s CV. The deadline for applications is October 1, 2024. Thank you for those you submitted this year.

Application for Award for Excellence in Geropsychology Training

This award is given once a year to a CoPGTP member program for providing exemplary training in the field. The award is given to a specific training experience, specific training project, or an entire training program. The deadline for applications is October 1, 2024. To apply for this award, click the button below to begin the application.

Application for the Research or Program Evaluation Award in Geropsychology Training

This award is a small grant to support one or more projects each year. The recipient receives up to $1,500 to support a project promoting state-of-the art education and training in professional geropsychology. Individuals from CoPGTP member programs are eligible to apply. Mentored students and trainees from CoPGTP member programs are also encouraged to apply. Student/trainee projects are not limited specifically to geropsychology training and may include investigations in the field of geropsychology more broadly. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis/no deadline. To apply for this award, click the button below to begin the application.