ABC Scholarship for O&P Diversity
About the ABC Scholarships for O&P Diversity
The 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 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
Students may apply directly for the scholarship, or a professor may nominate them. To be considered for the award, students must submit the following:
Author a (200 word or less) statement of financial impact
If awarded this scholarship, how will it affect your financial ability to complete your O&P education?
Author a (500 word or less) personal statement
How has your heritage and cultural background shaped who you are and prepared you to succeed as an O&P professional?
Author a (500 word or less) essay
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.
Obtain an official or unofficial transcript (that includes the current academic semester) from your institution
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.
Obtain a letter of recommendation from a faculty member of the program in which you are enrolled
The letter of recommendation should indicate why you are strong candidate for an ABC Scholarship for O&P Diversity
Obtain a letter of recommendation from a non-faculty individual such as an employer, volunteer work supervisor, mentor, coach, or religious leader
The letter of recommendation should indicate why you are strong candidate for an ABC Scholarship for O&P Diversity
Prepare your resume
Your resume should include information regarding your education, work experience, volunteer activities, honors, awards, research experience, publications, and presentations.
Submit your application materials to The Foundation via the ABC website where indicated.
Submission Details
Applicants are responsible for ensuring all materials are received by The Foundation by the due dates posted deadline. Application materials must be received by 5:00pm Eastern Time on the posted deadline.
APPLICATION DEADLINE: September 30, 2023 (Application portal opens August 15, 2023)
QUESTIONS: If you have any questions about the ABC Scholarship for O&P Diversity, please contact please contact Manisha Bhaskar at (202) 380-3663 or info@oandpfoundation.org.