AOTA E.K. Wise Scholarship

Name: AOTA E.K. Wise Scholarship

Award Amount: $5,000

Information And Eligibility:
The AOTA E.K. Wise Scholarship is a national, merit-based award administered by the American Occupational Therapy Association to support women pursuing advanced education in occupational therapy. Established in honor of E.K. Wise, a respected leader whose work emphasized inclusion and service, the scholarship reflects AOTA’s long-standing commitment to advancing diversity, equity, and access within the occupational therapy profession. The award is specifically intended for students enrolled in post-baccalaureate occupational therapy programs who demonstrate both academic excellence and a dedication to serving diverse or underserved populations.

This scholarship recognizes the critical role occupational therapists play in promoting independence, participation, and quality of life across the lifespan. By supporting women at the graduate level, the E.K. Wise Scholarship helps strengthen the pipeline of future occupational therapists who are prepared to address complex health, social, and functional challenges in a wide range of practice settings. Recipients often pursue careers in community-based practice, mental health, pediatrics, geriatrics, rehabilitation, or advocacy-focused roles that emphasize culturally responsive and client-centered care.

Funds awarded through the scholarship may be applied toward tuition, required academic fees, textbooks, and other education-related expenses. For many students, this financial support helps offset the significant cost of graduate-level occupational therapy education, allowing recipients to focus more fully on coursework, clinical fieldwork, and professional development opportunities. In addition to financial assistance, receiving the E.K. Wise Scholarship serves as a mark of professional distinction, highlighting recipients as emerging leaders within the occupational therapy community.

Selection for the scholarship is competitive and holistic. Applicants are evaluated on academic achievement as well as their demonstrated commitment to equity, inclusion, and service. Preference may be given to individuals whose academic goals and professional experiences reflect a clear intention to work with underserved communities or to advance inclusive practice within occupational therapy. Supporting materials such as transcripts, personal statements, and faculty recommendations are often used to assess readiness for graduate study and alignment with the scholarship’s mission.

The AOTA E.K. Wise Scholarship underscores the profession’s investment in fostering leadership that reflects the diversity of the populations occupational therapists serve. By supporting women who are committed to inclusive practice and professional excellence, the scholarship helps ensure that the future of occupational therapy remains responsive, equitable, and grounded in service.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Must identify as female.
• Must be enrolled in a post-baccalaureate occupational therapy program at an accredited institution.
• Must demonstrate strong academic performance.
• Preference may be given to applicants with a demonstrated commitment to serving diverse or underserved populations.

Application Requirements:

• Completed AOTA E.K. Wise Scholarship application.
• Academic transcripts.
• Supporting materials such as a personal statement and faculty recommendations, if required.
• Any additional documentation specified in the official application guidelines.

Deadline: September

Apply Now

View Scholarship Data

Scholarship Categorization