The Manning Certificate Program
The Frank J. Manning Certificate Program was established in 1979 with support from an Administration on Aging grant for developing and expanding services to the elderly citizens of Massachusetts. The program—named after Frank J. Manning, a labor leader and enthusiastic advocate of senior rights—was to respond to the increased demand for trained professionals to meet the health and social service needs of the state’s elderly population.
From the outset, the program has sought to involve older people themselves in the study of aging, and to provide both older and younger people with skills and resources for planning for an aging society. The program, aimed at people both currently working in or new to the field of gerontology, has brought together many students of different ages, backgrounds, education, and experience. All share a common bond: They want to learn about the aging process and to work or volunteer, through advocacy, research, and direct service or social policy, to benefit the network of age-related programs and services.
To earn the certificate a student must complete 18 credits (six courses) drawn from among the major-specific courses required for the BA in gerontology; these credits may be applied to gerontology BA requirements.
