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The Challenge began in September 2013 when honor society students from St. Catherine University learned the importance of using effective treatment methods that are supported by research evidence. These students were seeking to increase awareness of occupational therapy research that guides practice. They challenged OT students at universities across the United States to a take on the challenge, create their own fundraisers, engage their communities, and join together in a friendly competition in support of AOTF's mission.
AOTF awards Intervention Research Grants (IRGs) to provide early-stage research funding to OT investigators that enable them to collect pilot data and build proof of concept for new and novel ideas. This one-year research grant of $50,000 is essential first-round funding necessary to collect and analyze data, publish findings, apply for larger grants, and conduct future studies. IRGs are the first step to improving the delivery of quality care. It is the goal of this year’s Challenge to fully fund 1 IRG in 2024 with funds raised by students.
Steps for Success & Sample Toolkit: (2025 is here!)
- Pledge to Participate: Apply online for 2025 Challenge
- Attend #AOTFSCC Kick-Off Rally early October (presentation slides available and recording will be available on demand)
- Set a fundraising goal ($1,000 minimum suggested) and set-up your donation page on our official Challenge campaign site via Just Giving, personalize it, access real-time totals and rankings, plus share directly to social media and email.
- Spread the word to students, faculty, friends and family:
- Share your success with AOTF so we can show your committment to evidence-based OT practice
- Have Fun!!!
Some of the new enhancements starting in the 2024 Challenge include:
- New "Fundraising Training Call"
- New leaderboard
- October 1st start date
- December 31st "un-official" end date
- Team Calls/Meetings With AOTF Board Members and Grant Winners
- And more!
Challenge Awards
1st Place - President’s Award
- 4 Tickets to AOTF’s Breakfast with a Scholar and picture with the BWS speaker
- 2 Tickets to AOTF VIP Reception
- Plaque for the school
2nd Place - Award of Excellence
- 4 tickets to AOTF’s Breakfast with a Scholar and picture with the BWS speaker
- 2 tickets to State of the Science Symposium
- Plaque for the school
3rd Place - Award of Merit
- 2 tickets to AOTF’s Breakfast with a Scholar and picture with the BWS speaker
- 2 tickets to the SOS Symposium
MVP- Recognizes a school that went above and beyond in this year’s Challenge. A top factor will be the school that uses the #AOTFSCC the most.
- Plaque for the school and picture with the BWS speaker
Rush to the Top- Recognizes the most successful first-time participating school
- Plaque for the school and picture with the BWS speaker
In addition to the overall Challenge winners, AOTF recognizes school’s successes during the Challenge:
- Mid-Challenge Top 5
- 100% Faculty Participation
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We love that we have the opportunity to support OT research through the St. Catherine Challenge this year and are excited to be working alongside other OT programs across the country to reach our national fundraising goal.
- San Jose State University, 2020 St. Catherine Challenge Grand Winner (Left, with Misericordia University and Mary Baldwin University)
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Contact
StCatherineChallenge@aotf.org
240-292-1077
AOTF/St. Catherine Challenge
12300 Twinbrook Pkwy., Suite 520
Rockville, MD 20852
Past Challenge Award Winners:
2024
1st Place- University of Southern California
2nd Place- Marquette University (1st-time participating!)
3rd Place- St. Catherine University
MVP- Temple University
Rush to the Top- Marquette University
2023
1st Place- St. Catherine University
2nd Place- University of Pittsburgh
3rd Place- University of Southern California
MVP- Missouri State University
Rush to the Top- Yeshiva University and University of Wisconsin-Madison
2022
1st Place- St. Catherine University
2nd Place- University of Pittsburgh
3rd Place- University of Southern California
MVP- Brenau University
Rush to the Top- Alvernia University
2021
1st Place- University of Pittsburgh
2nd Place- Washington University in St. Louis
3rd Place- NYU Steinhardt
MVP- MGH Health Institution of Health Professions
Rush to the Top- University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
2020
1st Place- San Jose State University
2nd Place- University of Pittsburgh
3rd Place- Columbia University
MVP- University of Southern California
Rush to the Top- University of Illinois- Chicago
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