Administrator-in-Training Grant

LeadingAge PA has partnered with the Saunders House Foundation to offer the 2027 Administrator-in-Training (AIT) Grant to communities in the Philadelphia region.

LeadingAge PA is committed to fostering the next generation of leaders in aging services through grants and scholarships. Through this biannual grant program, a member community is awarded $60,000 to support the hosting of an Administrator-in-Training (AIT). AITs participate in supervised, hands-on internships designed to prepare them for careers as licensed nursing home administrators. During their training, AITs work under the guidance of a preceptor, a licensed administrator who meets the qualifications established by the Pennsylvania State Board of Examiners of Nursing Home Administrators.

The AIT grant program aims to enhance the professional development of future administrators in the long-term care sector, equipping them with the tools and knowledge necessary to succeed.

Eligibility

The 2027 LeadingAge PA AIT Grant is available to LeadingAge PA provider members who:

• Agree to communicate with a selected group of LeadingAge PA representatives as to the status and progress of their program during the award period
• Community must be located in Philadelphia, Montgomery, or Delaware Counties
• Have not received a LeadingAge PA AIT Grant Award within the past 24 months

Evaluation Criteria

Applications are evaluated on:

• Meeting the defined eligibility requirements

• Demonstrating a commitment to the sector of aging services

• Creating an enriching environment and using opportunities to enhance the AIT candidate’s professional experiences

• Demonstrating a competent culture of talent management and development that engages and empowers team members, resulting in high performance, innovation, and increased satisfaction

Application Components

Applications include:

1. Completed Application Form

2. Letter of Intent from a Member Organization Representative: Outlining how the organization will benefit from the grant and create an enriching environment for the AIT candidate. This letter also addresses leadership development, talent management, and fostering a high-performing, person-centered organization.

3. Statement of Commitment from the Mentor of AIT: From the licensed nursing home administrator mentoring the AIT candidate, defining the mentor’s commitment and how the program enhances the candidate’s professional development.

Submission Deadline

Please submit the completed application form and letter of intent to LeadingAge PA by Monday, August 3, 2026. Incomplete applications and those that fail to meet the eligibility criteria will not be considered. Notifications of acceptance and non-acceptance will be sent by Fall 2026, and award funds will be sent once the AIT has been selected.

The recipient for 2026 was announced in October. Read the announcement here.