Occupational Therapy Scholarship Opportunities

American Occupational Therapy Foundation (AOTF)

AOTF Scholarship: Over 50 scholarships are available from the American Occupational Therapy Foundation and state occupational therapy associations. Applicants complete only one online form to apply for all qualifying scholarships.  See How to Apply for eligibility requirements.

For more information, please visit: https://www.aotf.org/Scholarships/Available-Scholarships

Questions?  View FAQ's or contact scholarships@aotf.org or 240-292-1125.

NYS AHEC Scholars Program

The NYS AHEC Scholars Program is a two-year, interdisciplinary program with a defined set of clinical, didactic, and community-based training activities. All experiential or clinical training will be conducted in rural and/or medically disadvantaged settings throughout New York State. Utilizing a hybrid model of in-person experiences and online modules participants will gain in-depth training on topics designed to augment patient care, such as cultural competency, social determinants of health, practice transformation, behavioral health integration, and interprofessional care coordination. The overarching goal of the AHEC Scholars Program is for students to gain a valuable understanding about the numerous social and cultural factors that influence an individual’s overall health and their ability to access quality care. By exposing students to social, financial, and cultural issues of care, this program aims to support the development of future healthcare professionals who are able to provide high-quality, patient-centric care to all members of their community.

Eligibility:

Individuals interested in participating in the NYS AHEC Scholars Program must:
  • Be currently matriculated into an accredited allied health or health professional degree/certificate program;
  • Be able to devote a minimum of 2 hours per week throughout the duration of the two-year program;
  • Be interested in improving health quality for all individuals, regardless of background

AHEC Scholars Program Requirements:

  • Each AHEC Scholar will be a part of an interprofessional team of students. Participants will be expected to will work with a core group of patients to identify issues associated with social determinants of health, and propose potential solutions that will ultimately reduce the number of avoidable hospitalizations and emergency room visits. Each AHEC Scholar will be required to complete 40 hours of community-based experiential training per year.

  • Additionally, each AHEC Scholar will be required to complete an online curriculum that address topics designed to augment patient care, including cultural competency, practice transformation, behavioral health integration, and interprofessional care coordination. Each AHEC Scholar will be required to complete 40 hours of didactic education per year.

To apply:  https://nysahec.org/our-programs/new-nys-ahec-scholars-program/

 

HIE Help Center—Scholarship for Physical and Occupational Therapy Students

Each year, the HIE Help Center awards $1,000 to a student pursuing a career in physical or occupational therapy. This is open to graduate-level students and can be awarded to someone currently in a PT program or planning to enroll in one. Applicants must submit an essay detailing what drew them to the field.

View details and apply for the HIE Help Center scholarship

AMBUCS—Scholarship Program for Therapists

This award is open to physical and occupational therapy students pursuing a doctoral degree. FAFSA information and a personal statement are required to apply. You do not have to be affiliated with an AMBUCS chapter to qualify for this scholarship. Award amounts range from $500-$3,000.

View details and apply to the AMBUCS Scholarship Program for Therapists

Exxat Student Scholarship

The Exxat team is proud to support all aspects of health sciences education, including the students who are the future of healthcare. This year, we are awarding a scholarship in the amount of $1000 to four (4) students who exemplify excellence in Scholarly Productivity, Diversity and Inclusion, Leadership, and Care for Underserved Communities. Applications will be available in March.
https://exxat.com/company/our-outreach/student-scholarship/

Edmund J. McTernan Scholarship

This award is named in memory of the founding dean of the school, the late Edmund J. McTernan Sr., and awarded by the Dean's Office of the School of Health Professions. The purpose of the award is to further the educational mission of the School of Health Professions, and it is open to both graduate and undergraduate students in health sciences education. Award amounts vary and are based on both highest overall grade point average and financial need.

Arthur W. Pense Scholarship

The Arthur W. Pense Scholarship is presented annually to physical or occupational therapy degree program students. The scholarship is paid in installments of $1,500.00 per semester for any year the student is enrolled in college. To apply: https://www.petersons.com/scholarship/arthur-w-pense-scholarship-111_21…

Delores B. Chandler Scholarship

Delores Barksdale Chandler, MA, OTR was a founding member of the New York State Black Occupational Therapy Caucus and served as its first Chairperson from 1975 through 1983.  She received a Bachelor of Science degree in occupational Therapy in 1961 and a Master of Arts in 1966 from New York University.  Ms. Chandler was very active in the field of mental health.  She held the title of Chief Occupational Therapist at Harlem Hospital Center from 1980 through 1982.  Ms. Chandler served as a role model for many Black Therapist and Students in the field of Occupational Therapy.  She was active in community outreach programs for Occupational Therapists and Occupational Therapy Assistants.  The Delores B. Chandler Scholarship was established to commemorate her commitment to the profession and the community. 
 
The Delores B. Chandler Scholarship is awarded annually to deserving Black Occupational Therapy students at the annual Kwanzaa Celebration. To be eligible, the Occupational Therapy student and the Occupational Therapy Assistant student must have completed 2 semesters of Occupational Therapy or Occupational Therapy Assistant program with a minimum GPA of 3.0 and have demonstrated community service. Please click the links below for additional eligibility requirements and an application form or contact the NYSBOTC for further information