There’s a growing recognition that occupational therapy research must better reflect the people and communities it serves. But recognition alone isn’t enough. We need to create purposeful pathways that eliminate obstacles and provide genuine support.

Many occupational therapy (OT) scholars, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds, those with disabilities, and/or those working in under-resourced settings, encounter systemic challenges when attempting to engage in research. These challenges may include a lack of mentorship, limited access to institutional resources, and funding gaps that hinder their ability to participate fully in the scientific conversation.

The Standing for Research Inclusion, Diversity, and Equity (STRIDE) Mentored Research Scholarship exists to change that.

The scholarship, funded by the American Occupational Therapy Foundation (AOTF) and guided by the STRIDE committee, offers scholars valuable research experience with a dedicated mentor, either online or in person. This opportunity fosters skill development, professional growth, and engagement in national research networks.

In 2024, STRIDE awardees focused on various research topics, including maternal health, hospital readmissions, and neurodiverse youth. Their work, along with previous recipients, contributes to the advancement of occupational therapy (OT) through personal experiences, professional commitment, and mentorship.

Mentored. Funded. Empowered.
That’s what STRIDE offers: funded support for tomorrow’s OT leaders.

Apply by July 7 to take the next step in your research journey.

On Sunday, July 9^th, 2023, the Occupational Therapy profession lost a genuinely wonderful person and significant member of our community, Lands Banks. Lands served as the Manager of Administration and Facilities for AOTA for over 25 years. Lands was an integral part of AOTA, a man with a magnetic and uplifting personality who was always there to help friends, colleagues, and family members. His passing leaves a large hole in the hearts of all those who knew him and those impacted by his work.

AOTF, AOTA, and its donors have created the Lands Banks Memorial Scholarship in Occupational Therapy to honor his memory and further his legacy. Thanks to the generosity of friends, family, colleagues, and dozens of occupational therapists, the Lands Banks Memorial Scholarship is now endowed! AOTF is highly grateful to all the donors who have helped secure this scholarship forever and keep Lands’ spirit alive by helping future generations of occupational therapy students. 

Congratulations to our inaugural recipient, Katerina Garbis, University of Illinois-Chicago!

"I was introduced to the OT field by one of my childhood friends. I was feeling stuck and unsure of what I wanted to do during college, confused about how to incorporate all of my interests into my future career. She recommended I shadow some OTs, and I ended up loving it! I was drawn by the community care aspect of OT and how we encourage working with empathy at the forefront and by considering all aspects of a person. I also saw that as occupational therapists, we help people who may feel like they are at the lowest point in their life, where being unable to complete a part of a routine may feel dehumanizing and frustrating. I realized I would be a comforting figure in people's lives as an occupational therapist, and someone my patients found approachable in such a vulnerable time."

• Read more from AOTA

The Lands Banks Memorial Scholarship in Occupational Therapy will provide financial aid to support a student in pursuing their degree. Eligible candidates must be pursuing an entry-level degree, i.e., OTA, MOT, MSOT, or OTD, at an AOTA-accredited US institution, enrolled as a full-time student, and have completed at least one year of coursework.

In addition, candidates for this scholarship must demonstrate their involvement in community service and/or service leadership.

Preference for this scholarship will be given to students from historically underrepresented minorities in occupational therapy.

The annual scholarship award will be $2,000.

Support the Lands Banks Memorial Scholarship and the memory of Lands Banks with AOTA's I GOT YOU shirts, tumblers, and bags.