The overarching goal of the Older Americans Independence Center funded by the National Institute on Aging at NIH and the UConn Pepper Center (P30 AG067988) is to increase scientific knowledge leading to better strategies for maintaining or restoring independence in older persons. Our Research Education Component (REC) seeks to train the next generation of leaders in aging research by supporting Pepper Scholars through a multilevel training program including career development activities, education and training opportunities, and support for pilot research.