Mary Jo Garrity Memorial OT Scholarship

The Mary Jo Garrity Memorial Occupational Therapy Scholarship supports a fully admitted, first-year occupational therapy student who will be enrolled full-time during the Fall 2026–Spring 2027 academic year.

Applicants must demonstrate strong academic standing, professional promise, and a commitment to community engagement. The scholarship recognizes a student who demonstrates an interest in contributing to initiatives that promote basic life support awareness and training, emergency preparedness, health and safety, community well-being, and service consistent with the values of occupational therapy. As part of the scholarship, the recipient will be expected to collaborate with the Student Occupational Therapy Association (SOTA) in community engagement projects and service initiatives. Through this involvement, the recipient will have opportunities to contribute to activities that address identified needs within the university or broader community and support the values and mission of the occupational therapy profession.

Students must complete the online application in AcademicWorks (Scholarship Search). In a one- to two-page essay, describe your personal aspirations and professional goals and explain how receiving the Mary Jo Garrity Memorial Occupational Therapy Scholarship would assist you in achieving them. Include examples of your previous or current community service, leadership, advocacy, or outreach involvement. Describe how these experiences have influenced your professional development and your commitment to serving others. _Additionally, explain how you would contribute to SOTA sponsored community engagement projects and service initiatives as a scholarship recipient. _

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.