ABC Scholarship for O&P Diversity

The O&P Foundation has partnered with the American Board of Certification for Orthotics, Prosthetics, and Pedorthics (ABC) to provide scholarships to Orthotic and Prosthetic students who are currently enrolled at O&P education institutions that are accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). ABC Scholarships for O&P Diversity include a $10,000 cash award. Up to 4 ABC Scholarships for O&P Diversity may be given annually.  

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must be enrolled as a full-time student in a CAAHEP-accredited O&P master's degree program and meet all of the the following criteria:

• Completed at least two semesters or three quarters of a CAAHEP-accredited orthotist/prosthetist program

• Applicant must be a member of a racial or ethnic population (i.e., Asian American, Black or African American, Hispanic or Latino, Native American or Alaskan Native, Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander) that is underrepresented in O&P

• Applicant must demonstrate financial need

• Applicant must be a US citizen or legal permanent resident

Applicants' applications will be reviewed by a committee of educators and clinical experts appointed by The O&P Foundation's Education Committee. Eligible students may apply for both the Orthotist & Prosthetist Scholarship and Scholarship for O&P Diversity. However, students are only eligible to receive one ABC Scholarship (Orthotist & Prosthetist Scholarship or Scholarship for O&P Diversity). Students who apply for both scholarships will be asked to indicate their preference if they are selected to receive both scholarships.  

How to Apply

Create an account in the O&P Foundation Application Portal, then select the “ABC Scholarships for O&P Diversity” program application and follow portal instructions. 

To be considered for the award, students must submit the following: 

1. Complete the ABC Orthotist/Prosthetist Scholarship Fund application when the submission portal opens. 

2. Author a (500 word or less) essay

1. 1. • Describe your most meaningful commitment outside of your O&P education and explain why this commitment is meaningful. This could be related to an extracurricular activity, work, volunteering, family responsibility, or any other non-classroom activity. 

3. Obtain an official or unofficial transcript (that includes the current academic semester) from your institution

1. 1. •  Official transcripts are not required; however, unofficial transcripts must be signed by your Program Director or Faculty Advisor.

      • Transcript must include your cumulative O&P Program GPA.

4. Obtain a letter of recommendation from a faculty member of the program in which you are enrolled

1. 1. • The letter of recommendation should indicate why you are strong candidate for an ABC Scholarship for O&P Diversity

5. Obtain a letter of recommendation from a non-faculty individual such as an employer, volunteer work supervisor, mentor, coach, or religious leader

1. 1. • The letter of recommendation should indicate why you are strong candidate for an ABC Scholarship for O&P Diversity

6. Create a video to demonstrate professional presentation and communication. 

• The video should be 2-3 minutes and should explain how has your heritage and cultural background shaped who you are and prepared you to succeed as an O&P professional. 

7. Prepare your resume

1. 1. • Your resume should include information regarding your education, work experience, volunteer activities, honors, awards, research experience, publications, and presentations.

Submission 

Applicants are responsible for ensuring all materials are received by The O&P Foundation by the due dates posted deadline. Application materials must be received by 5:00pm Central Time on the posted deadline.

Applications are accepted from September 3rd, 2024 through October, 14th 2024.  

Questions

If you have any questions about the ABC Scholarship for O&P Diversity, please email info@oandpfoundation.org.