Dr. Lynne Richard Occupational Therapy Scholarship

The Dr. Lynne Richard Occupational Therapy Scholarship supports a full-time occupational therapy student who has overcome educational, environmental, geographic, or personal barriers while pursuing admission to and enrollment in the occupational therapy program. Such circumstances may include being a first-generation college student; coming from an underserved or under-resourced community; attending under-resourced educational institutions; having limited access to academic guidance, mentorship, or healthcare career opportunities; or balancing substantial employment, family, or caregiving responsibilities while pursuing higher education.

Eligible applicants will be evaluated through a holistic review of the barriers they have encountered, the steps they have taken to overcome those challenges, educational and professional goals, service to others, and potential contributions to the occupational therapy profession. Academic performance will be considered within the context of the applicant’s experiences but will not serve as the sole or primary basis for selection.

Students must complete the online application in AcademicWorks (Scholarship Search). Please describe the educational, environmental, geographic, personal, or family circumstances that created barriers to your pursuit of higher education and admission to the occupational therapy program. Your response may address experiences such as being a first-generation college student, coming from an underserved or under-resourced community, having limited access to educational or professional opportunities, or balancing significant employment, family, or caregiving responsibilities. E_xplain how you demonstrated resilience and perseverance in overcoming these challenges, and how receiving the Dr. Lynne Richard Occupational Therapy Scholarship will support your continued education, and how you intend to use occupational therapy to improve health, participation, and access to services for the communities you hope to serve._

Students must complete the writing prompt listed, be in excellent academic standing, and demonstrate significant financial need as it relates to the Financial Aid system (FAFSA) for consideration. Meeting any or all of the above does not guarantee receipt of a scholarship. Students must be aid eligible for scholarship awarding. Be sure that the application is “SUBMITTED” and the essay is accessible.

If awarded a scholarship, the recipient will be asked to write a Thank You Message to provide to donor that funded the award. Questions? Email scholarships@fiu.edu.