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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 one IRG in 2025 with funds raised by students.
Steps for Success & Sample Toolkit:
- Pledge to Participate: Apply online for 2026 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:
- Create a video on why you're raising funds for OT research
- Showcase an IRG recipient and/or topic with videos
- One-Page Flyer Template- Feel free to add your logo(within school guidelines), special initiatives and qr code to your fundraising page.
- AOTFSCC logos to add to your graphics: Basic Logo png | Basic Logo jpg | Instagram Template (w/space to add your logo and text)
- Social Media
- Fundraising Letter Template
- Share your success with AOTF so we can show your commitment to evidence-based OT practice
- Have Fun!!!
Some of the new enhancements started in the 2026 Challenge include:
tbd
Challenge Awards
1st Place - President’s Award
- New this year! 2 Complimentary Student Registrations for the 2026 AOTA INSPIRE Conference (value: $900)*
- New this year! 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- Recognizes a returning school that went above and beyond in this year’s Challenge. The top factors will be 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- Recognizes the most successful first-time participating school
- Commemorative school plaque and photo with the BWS speaker
In addition to the overall Challenge winners, AOTF recognizes every school that achieves 100% Faculty Participation.
For more information, contact: StCatherineChallenge@aotf.org
Thank You Award Partners
 American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), whose 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®), whose mission is to protect the public through the validation of essential competencies for effective and safe occupational therapy practice. Learn more.
Past Challenge Award Winners
2025
1st Place - Texas Woman’s University
2nd Place - University of Pittsburgh
3rd Place - Marquette University
MVPs - Boston University & Misericordia University
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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