St. Catherine Challenge

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Students Supporting Research, Building Evidence

The AOTF St. Catherine Challenge is a national, student-led fundraising initiative that brings occupational therapy programs together in a friendly competition to support research that advances evidence-based practice. Join students, faculty, and alumni across the country in making a real difference for the future of occupational therapy.

An elderly man receiving assistance from caregivers in a cozy home environment.

Our Story

The Challenge began in September 2013, when students from St. Catherine University learned the importance of using effective treatment methods 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 take on the challenge, create their own fundraisers, engage their communities, and join together in a friendly competition in support of AOTF’s mission.

What Your Fundraising Supports

AOTF awards Intervention Research Grants (IRGs) to provide early-stage research funding to OT investigators that enables them to collect pilot data and build proof of concept for new and novel ideas. This one-year research grant, now at $100,000, 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 one IRG in 2026 with funds raised by students.

How to Participate: Steps for Success

Pledge to participate for the 2027 Challenge

Sign Up today

Join us on September 30, 2025, for the #AOTFSCC Kick-Off Rally. Presentation slides and recording will be available on demand.

  • Minimum suggested goal: $1,000
  • Set up your donation page on our official Challenge campaign site via JustGiving
  • Personalize your page, access real-time totals and rankings, and share directly to social media and email

Engage students, faculty, friends, and family with these resources:

Create Awareness:

  • Make a video explaining why you’re raising funds for OT research
  • Showcase an IRG recipient and their research
  • Share IRG videos

Marketing Materials:

  • One-Page Flyer Template – Add your school logo (within school guidelines), special initiatives, and QR code to your fundraising page
  • AOTFSCC Logos for your graphics
  • Social Media Templates
  • Fundraising Letter Template

Abide by state and federal fundraising regulations. The Foundation should be listed as a beneficiary of the event.

Example: Organizers may NOT refer to the event as the “American Occupational Therapy Foundation/AOTF Bake Sale.” Instead, promote it as a “Bake Sale to benefit the American Occupational Therapy Foundation/AOTF Intervention Research Grant.”

Share your achievements with AOTF so we can showcase your commitment to evidence-based OT practice.

Enjoy the experience of making a difference with your classmates and colleagues!

Challenge Awards

1st Place — President’s Award

  • NEW! 2 Complimentary Student Registrations for the 2026 AOTA INSPIRE Conference (value: $900)
  • NEW! 5 NBCOT OTR Practice Exams (value: $150)
  • 4 tickets to AOTF’s Breakfast with a Scholar (value: $300)
  • 3 tickets to the AOTF State of the Science Symposium (value: $180)
  • 2 tickets to the AOTF VIP Reception
  • Commemorative school plaque

2nd Place — Award of Excellence

  • 4 VIP tickets to AOTF’s Breakfast with a Scholar (value: $300) and a picture with the BWS speaker
  • 2 VIP tickets to AOTF’s State of the Science Symposium (value: $120)
  • Commemorative school plaque

3rd Place — Award of Merit

  • 2 VIP tickets to AOTF’s Breakfast with a Scholar (value: $150) and a photo with the BWS speaker
  • 2 VIP tickets to AOTF’s State of the Science Symposium (value: $120)

MVP Award

Recognizes a returning school that went above and beyond in this year’s Challenge. Top factors include funds raised, number of donors, and social media posts using #AOTFSCC to increase awareness of the Challenge.

  • Commemorative school plaque and photo with the BWS speaker

Rush to the Top Award

Recognizes the most successful first-time participating school.

  • Commemorative school plaque and photo with the BWS speaker

Special Recognition

In addition to the overall Challenge winners, AOTF recognizes every school that achieves 100% Faculty Participation.

Past Challenge Winners

  • 1st Place: Marquette University
  • 2nd Place: University of Pittsburgh
  • 3rd Place: St. Catherine University
  • MVPs: Boston University
  • Rush to the Top: Pace University
  • 1st Place: Texas Woman’s University
  • 2nd Place: University of Pittsburgh
  • 3rd Place: Marquette University
  • MVPs: Boston University & Misericordia University
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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

Thank You to Our Award Partners

American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA)

AOTA’s mission is to advance occupational therapy practice, education, and research through standard setting and advocacy on behalf of its members, the profession, and the public. Learn more

National Board of Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT®)

NBCOT’s mission is to protect the public through the validation of essential competencies for effective and safe occupational therapy practice. Learn more

Get Started Today

Ready to join the Challenge? Contact us for more information:

Email

Together, we’re building the evidence that transforms occupational therapy practice and improves lives.