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.

The American Occupational Therapy Foundation (AOTF) is offering a unique scholarship program called the STRIDE (Standing for Research Inclusion, Diversity, and Equity). 

This program is special because it focuses on increasing diversity and equity in occupational therapy research by providing funding to a specific group of applicants.

What’s new this year? 

• This year (2024), AOTF renamed the STRIDE OT Research Fund (SRF) as the STRIDE Mentored Research Scholarship (SMRS). 
• AOTF has collected a database of mentors interested in assisting you on your research journey, aiming to best match awardees and mentors together based on areas of interest and expertise.  

Who is eligible? 

This scholarship is open to practicing occupational therapy clinicians, and graduates committed to broadening participation in research. However, the eligibility criteria go beyond academic qualifications. Here's what sets SMRS apart: 

• Background: The program targets applicants from under-represented backgrounds, with disabilities, and/or from under-resourced backgrounds. Please refer to the NIH link regarding information on underrepresented groups. This ensures opportunities are given to those who might otherwise face barriers to entering research. 
• Experience: You can be a post-professional Master's (OT) graduate, an entry-level or post-professional OTD graduate, or a practicing OT Clinician. This opens the door to both recent graduates and experienced clinicians who may be practicing full or part-time. 

What will you gain? 

If you're selected for the SMRS program, you'll be paired with a research mentor at an institution outside your own. This mentorship provides valuable guidance and support as you: 

• Gain hands-on experience in a research project aligned with your interests. 
• Develop critical research skills, like formulating research questions and analyzing data. 
• Build your network within the occupational therapy research community. 

Showcasing Your Work 

The program culminates with you presenting a poster on your research experience at the AOTA INSPIRE Conference. This is a fantastic opportunity to: 

• Share your findings with a wider audience. 
• Gain recognition for your work. 
• Network with other occupational therapy professionals. 

Is the STRIDE Mentored Research Scholarship right for you? 

If you are an occupational therapist who is passionate about research and comes from an under-represented background, with a disability, and/or from an under-resourced background, then this scholarship program could be a game-changer. It provides financial support, mentorship, and a platform to showcase your research.  

Building a More Diverse Research Landscape 

The STRIDE Mentored Research Scholarship has been fostering diverse and qualified occupational therapists in research for two years now, with five recipients in 2023 and three in 2022. This program's commitment to increasing equity is ongoing. 

Don't miss out! The application deadline is July 19, 2024.  

Apply now or share the news with your network so that others can apply, too! 

If you would like to serve as a STRIDE mentor for the following years, please use this Qualtrics Survey link 

FAQ link  

The American Occupational Therapy Foundation (AOTF) is thrilled to announce the opening of applications for the STRIDE Mentored Research Scholarship (SMRS)!

STRIDE stands for Supporting Research Inclusion, Diversity, and Equity. This scholarship program is dedicated to fostering a more diverse and inclusive research landscape in occupational therapy by providing financial support and mentorship to underrepresented groups. The SMRS application period is now open!

Is this YOU?

• Are you an OT graduate (post-professional master's or entry-level/post-professional OTD) or a current clinician?

• Do you identify with an under-represented background, a disability, and/or come from an under-resourced background?

• Are you passionate about conducting research in occupational therapy?

Submit your application between June 14 and July 19, 2024. 

Don't miss this incredible opportunity to elevate your research career and make a significant contribution to the field of occupational therapy!