2026

  • Dr. A. Jean Ayres Doctoral Candidate Research Scholarship

    Dr. A. Jean Ayres Doctoral Candidate Research Scholarship Applications Open: 01/05/2026 Application Deadline: 02/20/2026 Overview The Dr. A. Jean Ayres Doctoral Candidate Research Scholarship supports occupational therapy doctoral candidates conducting research in sensory integration and sensory processing. As the demand for evidence-based sensory interventions grows across pediatric and adult populations, this scholarship ensures the next…

  • Nedra Gillette Endowed Research Fellowship

    The Nedra Gillette Endowed Research Fellowship honors occupational therapy leaders who have advanced the profession’s scientific foundation. This prestigious fellowship provides critical foundational support for postdoctoral researchers conducting groundbreaking occupational therapy research, advancing scientific inquiry into the human condition, while building a more diverse and inclusive research workforce by supporting individuals from groups that have been underrepresented in biomedical, behavioral, clinical, and social sciences.

  • Nancy Talbot Postdoctoral Research Fellowship

    Nancy Talbot Postdoctoral Research Fellowship Applications Open: 01/05/2026 Application Deadline: 02/20/2026 Overview Building Diversity in Occupational Therapy Research In honor of Nancy Talbot, MEd, OTR, FAOTA, The Nancy Talbot Postdoctoral Research Fellowship supports postdoctoral researchers from racial and ethnic groups underrepresented in health sciences, advancing diversity and fostering the perspectives essential for addressing complex healthcare…

  • Kielhofner Doctoral Research Scholarship

    Kielhofner Doctoral Research Scholarship Application open: 01/05/2026 Application Deadline: 02/20/2026 Overview The Dr. Gary Kielhofner Doctoral Research Scholarship supports occupational therapy doctoral candidates pursuing research that advances the science and practice of occupational therapy. Named for one of the profession’s most influential figures, this scholarship reflects Dr. Kielhofner’s lifelong commitment to rigorous research, innovative thinking,…

  • Bonita Kraft Occupational Therapy Doctoral Student Scholarship

    Bonita Kraft Occupational Therapy Doctoral Student Scholarship Applications Open: 01/05/2026 Application Deadline: 02/20/2026 Overview The Bonita Kraft Occupational Therapy Doctoral Student Scholarship supports doctoral candidates pursuing research in mental health and serious mental illness. Named for a practitioner who dedicated 45 years to community mental health, this scholarship helps build the evidence base for occupational…

  • Educational Scholarships

    Educational Scholarships The 2025-2026 funding cycle will open in January 2026 due to applicant feedback Overview The American Occupational Therapy Foundation awards more than 50 scholarships annually to students pursuing occupational therapy education. Since 1965, we’ve awarded over 1,200 scholarships to students enrolled in AOTA-accredited or developing occupational therapy programs. Scholarships range from $150 to…

  • STRIDE Mentored Research Scholarship (SMRS)

    STRIDE Mentored Research Scholarship (SMRS) Applications Open: 06/01/2026 Application Deadline: 06/29/2026 Overview Program Mission The American Occupational Therapy Foundation (AOTF), standing for Research Inclusion, Diversity, and Equity (STRIDE) committee, is offering research funds to occupational therapy (OT) graduates and clinicians from underrepresented backgrounds, with disabilities, and/or from under-resourced backgrounds1 2 to address the urgent need…