The American Occupational Therapy Foundation proudly announces the 2024-2025  STRIDE Mentored Research Scholarship (SMRS) recipients.

This scholarship, offered by the Research Inclusion, Diversity, and Equity (STRIDE) committee, provides research funds to occupational therapy (OT) graduates and clinicians from under-represented backgrounds, with disabilities, and/or from under-resourced backgrounds.

The goal is to broaden their representation in OT research by supporting their participation in a mentored research experience at an institution other than their own.

During this time, a mentor will guide each recipient through a comprehensive research experience. Before the research begins, the mentor will collaborate with the recipient to create an individualized development plan, ensuring a tailored and impactful learning journey.

Meet the recipients of the STRIDE scholarship for the 2024-2025 period, a group of occupational therapy (OT) graduates and clinicians, and their mentors, who play a crucial role in guiding them through this transformative journey.

Congratulations to these outstanding individuals whose diverse perspectives and innovative research promise to significantly contribute to the OT community and beyond.

Are you a full-time student enrolled in an accredited occupational therapy (OT) program? Are you looking for financial support to fuel your academic journey? Look no further—the AOTF Scholarship Program is your opportunity to advance your education and career. With over 50 scholarships available this year, ranging from $150 to $5,000, the American Occupational Therapy Foundation (AOTF) is dedicated to helping students like you succeed.

Why Apply? 
The impact of AOTF scholarships speaks for itself. In just the past few years, over 700 students have received financial awards, easing their path toward becoming future leaders in occupational therapy. These scholarships are available in collaboration with partners NBCOT, OT.com, and over 25 state OT associations, making this a national effort to support our profession's growth. Whether pursuing a degree as an occupational therapist or occupational therapy assistant, this program is for you. 

• Eligibility: Full-time students enrolled in accredited or developing OT programs.

• Awards range from $150 to $5,000.

• Submit one application for all eligible scholarships you qualify for.

• Even if you’re starting your OT journey as a first-year student; you can apply!

Applications are now open, so act quickly!
Applying is simple—with just one application, you’ll automatically be considered for all eligible scholarships. Submit your applications with references by Monday, September 30, 2024. 

"Thank you so much for selecting me as a recipient of the Ohio OT Association Endowed Scholarship. It is an absolute honor, and I am beyond blessed to have the committee’s support in my journey to becoming an OT. With this scholarship, I will continue seeking out opportunities for personal & professional growth to ensure I can positively impact my clients and the field of occupational therapy." — Sydney F., 2023/2024 Recipient

What’s New? For the 2024-2025 academic year, AOTF aims to give away every scholarship dollar. That means more chances for you to secure funding for your education. With over 50 available scholarships managed, we want to ensure no eligible student is left behind. Remember, the deadline is approaching fast—don’t wait! Apply now.

For questions or support, contact us at scholarships@aotf.org or call 240-292-1077.

If you have started taking OT classes, you are eligible, started taking OT classes, you are eligible.

Improving care is a constant journey in occupational therapy (OT). At the American Occupational Therapy Foundation (AOTF), we are deeply committed to advancing this mission by fostering high-quality, scientifically backed evidence that meets the growing demands of our profession. This evidence is crucial—it empowers people of all ages and abilities to engage in the activities that bring meaning to their lives.

However, the path to groundbreaking research has its challenges. One of the most significant hurdles is more funding for early-stage research. With the necessary financial support, innovative ideas can often take root. They cannot generate the pilot data needed to build a proof of concept or scale up to more extensive studies that require larger, statistically significant sample sizes.

Recognizing this gap in the OT research landscape, AOTF took action. We created the *Intervention Research Grant (IRG) Program*—a groundbreaking initiative to provide critical seed funding for early-stage OT research. Since its inception in 2014, the program has supported 50 grantees, each contributing to advancing occupational therapy through innovative research.

Over the past decade, this program has become a cornerstone of OT research, nurturing new evidence across more than two dozen practice areas, engaging underserved populations, and elevating the visibility of occupational therapy within the broader healthcare landscape.

The impact of the IRG program extends far beyond the research itself. It has also been a catalyst for the professional growth of countless OT researchers, enabling them to pursue novel ideas and contribute to the future of our field. But this program—and the progress it fuels—relies on the generosity of a community that believes in the power of OT research.

As we look toward the future, AOTF aims to raise at least $50,000 by September 30 to fund the next round of IRGs entirely in 2025. This funding is crucial to ensuring that we can continue supporting early-stage research that builds the evidence our profession, clients, and communities need.

We invite you to join us on this journey. Your gift, no matter the size, can make a profound difference. By supporting the IRG program, you are helping to plant the seeds for a brighter OT future.

To learn more about the IRG program, explore past grants, or make a donation, go to http://www.aotf.org/Support