Scholarships and Financial Aid
Chan Division Scholarships and Awards

Chan Scholarship

Chan Scholarship

The Chan Scholarship awards are distributed based on the following criteria:

• student financial need, as determined by self-report on 4 criteria aligned with Federal guidelines related to economic disadvantage, taking into consideration any prior Division scholarships/awards you have received;
• merit, as determined by your leadership and volunteer contributions and accomplishments to the Division and/or the profession, and your GPA in the program.

Eligibility
Enrollment in the second year of the USC Chan Entry-Level OTD program.

Amount
Varies.

Applications will open in Spring 2025

Lisa A. Test Endowed Scholarship

Lisa A. Test Endowed Scholarship

The primary purpose of the Lisa A. Test Scholarship is to provide an annual need-based scholarship for a current student in a Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy graduate program. The Fund shall provide support to students for whom affordability may be an obstacle, and will also consider the merit of the students.

The selected student will demonstrate interests to pursue a career path in (a) school-based occupational therapy, and/or (b) development and evaluation of evidence-based programs. Students with clinical and/or research interests are welcome to apply. The selected student will show a passion and commitment to work with one or more of the following populations:

• Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
• Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities (IDD)
• Moderate to Severe Neurocognitive Impairments (e.g., Dementia)

Awardee Obligations

Recipient of the award will write a formal thank you note to Nancy Scott, who funded the endowment. Recipient may have an opportunity to meet with Lisa A. Test and Nancy Scott to discuss their future career plans in keeping with the intent of the award.

Amount

Varies — historically $2,500.

Application Process

Applicants will submit the following:

1. 250-word statement that addresses the following two prompts:
   • Describe why and how you plan to contribute to school-based occupational therapy and/or the development and evaluation of evidence-based programs in your future career.
   • Describe your interests, commitments, and goals to impact individuals with ASD, IDD, or Moderate to Severe Neurocognitive Impairments/Dementia.
2. Résumé/CV highlighting your experiences (e.g., academic, work, clinical, research, leadership, volunteer service and/or other relevant experience, particularly with the population of interest).
3. 100-word justification of financial need.

The applicant’s GPA, undergraduate and graduate, will be obtained from the Chan Division program.

Applications will open in Spring 2025

Hisako Saeki Scholarship Award

Hisako Saeki Scholarship Award

USC has been always a leader in the world of OT. Here is another opportunity for you to lead our fellow professionals to work on the current global trend and serve as the role model in a life redesign for the public.

The Hisako Saeki Scholarship ($1,000) is awarded to an occupational therapy graduate student pursuing a degree in occupational science or occupational therapy who has a vision as to how USC OSOT can be a global leader to meet one of the biggest challenges in the world.

As discussed in the world best-seller The 100-Year Life, written by Professor Lynda Gratton of London University Business School, our generation would live longer than age 100. This is one of the best opportunities for OT to reinvent and redefine “Occupation” and “Life Redesign” in this 100-year life.

Reference
The 100-Year Life: Living and Working in an Age of Longevity, by Lynda Gratton

Necessary Criteria

• Currently enrolled graduate student in the Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy.
• The donor is looking for your academic and career interest in longevity, leadership, and global trend.
• Individuals pursuing a career in pediatrics would not be eligible applicants.

Amount: $1,000.

Applications will open in Spring 2025

Sandy Carter Fellowship

Sandy Carter Fellowship

The Sandy Carter Fellowship is a one-time award in the amount of $25,000, made by the Sandy Carter Foundation in honor of Sandra Carter, USC Occupational Therapy Alum (BS 1981). Sandy’s career was dedicated to serving children with Down Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, and other neurodevelopmental conditions. The purpose of this award is to support a doctoral student who is committed to the specialty area of pediatrics in occupational therapy, enrolled in their final year at the USC Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy doctorate program, and completing a residency or capstone experience in the specialty area of pediatrics, including clinical practice or research (or both). The fellowship shall provide support to students for whom affordability may be an obstacle, and will also consider the merit of the students.

Eligibility

Newly admitted students to the Post-Professional Occupational Therapy Doctorate (OTD) program OR currently enrolled 2nd-year Entry-Level OTD students (rising 3rd-year students). The selected student will demonstrate a commitment to pediatrics in occupational therapy, including an emphasis on clinical practice or research or both, and is committed to pursuing a career path in this area.

Amount

$25,000.

Application Process

Applicants will submit the following:

1. A 300-word statement that addresses their desired work in the specialty area of pediatrics in occupational therapy.
2. A 100-word justification of financial need.
3. A résumé or CV highlighting their experiences (e.g., academic, employment, clinical, research, leadership, volunteer service and/or other relevant experience, particularly with the population of interest).

Awardee Obligations

Recipient of the award will successfully complete a residency/capstone experience in the specialty area of pediatrics, in particular clinical practice or research (or both). The recipient will write a formal thank you note to the Sandy Carter Charitable Foundation, which funded the scholarship, and they may also have an opportunity to meet with the family members (via videoconference or other format) to personally thank them and discuss the recipient’s work in further detail.

Applications will open in Spring 2025

Division Tuition Scholarship

Division Tuition Scholarship

A number of tuition scholarships in the amount of 18 total units will be awarded to Post-Professional OTD Residents. These scholarships will be distributed equally across three semesters (6 units per semester). The Division Tuition Scholarship awards are based upon the overall quality of the applicant’s written scholarship submission. All submissions will be reviewed and rated by a committee of faculty. Awardees will be notified by the Admissions Team in the spring semester.

Eligibility
Graduate students admitted to the USC Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy Post-Professional Doctorate Program. Admitted students who have received either the Graduate Assistantship or Student Worker awards are not eligible to apply.

Amount
18 Units

Student Worker Position

Student Worker Position

Positions available:

• Fieldwork: Assist fieldwork team with clerical duties.
• Classroom: Assist faculty with course preparation and clerical duties. Classroom student workers do not teach or meet with students.
• Office: Perform administrative tasks; may perform receptionist duties.
• Student Ambassador: Represent USC Chan in various capacities; perform student recruitment and marketing-related events and activities.
• Global Initiatives: Support globally-oriented projects and our USC Chan international student community.

Eligibility
First-year (rising 2nd year) Entry-Level OTD students with a GPA of 3.0 or higher in the academic program. Positions will begin in summer of the first year OR fall of the second year of the program, depending on the placement.

Note: Students may receive only ONE student worker position in the Chan Division.

Amount
Currently $16.78/hour for up to 10-hour/week commitment.

Applications will open in Spring 2025

Richard J. McCauley Graduate Fellowship

Richard J. McCauley Graduate Fellowship

The Richard J. McCauley Graduate Fellowship is given to a student deemed to have potential for leadership roles in the profession clinically and in professional associations. The donor wishes to support diversity among professional practitioners.

Eligibility
Second-year (rising 3rd year) Entry-Level OTD students with a GPA of 3.0 or higher in the academic program.

Amount
Varies — historically $5,000.

Applications will open in Spring 2025

Lily Thye Scholarship

Lily Thye Scholarship

The Lily Thye Scholarship is named after a USC occupational therapy alumna who received her degree in the 1950s and was a long-time friend and companion of Elizabeth Schiefer.

Eligibility
Second-year (rising 3rd year) Entry-Level OTD students with a GPA of 3.0 or higher in the academic program.

Amount
Varies — historically $4000.

Applications will open in Spring 2025

Hand Therapy Graduate Scholarship

Hand Therapy Graduate Scholarship

The Hand Therapy Graduate Scholarship is a tuition scholarship funded by the Hand Therapy Society of Greater Los Angeles (HTSGLA), which promotes professional viability and skills of hand therapists in the delivery of services to the community.

Benefits

• A feature on the HTSGLA newsletter and/or website.
• Free attendance to an HTSGLA conference.
• Guaranteed additional experiences in hand therapy.

Eligibility Criteria
Eligible applicants must demonstrate an interest in pursuing a hand therapy specialization. They must have a GPA of 3.0 or higher and be in good standing with the academic program. Applicants must demonstrate financial need and be a US citizen.

Amount
$1,000.

Responsibilities
USC will notify HTSGLA Board and provide a brief biography of the award recipient.

Applications will open in Spring 2025

Elizabeth Schiefer Scholarship

Elizabeth Schiefer Scholarship

The Elizabeth Schiefer Scholarship supports students who are pursuing clinical work with children.

Eligibility
Second-year (rising 3rd year) Entry-Level OTD students with a special interest in pediatrics. Applicants should specifically describe their interest in pediatric occupational therapy in their application statement. They must have a GPA of 3.0 or higher in the academic program.

Amount
Varies — historically $4000.

Applications will open in Spring 2025

Division Tuition Scholarship

Division Tuition Scholarship

Division Tuition Scholarships
Second-year tuition scholarship awards are distributed based on the following criteria:

• student financial need, as determined by self-report on 4 criteria aligned with Federal guidelines related to economic disadvantage, taking into consideration any prior Division scholarships/awards you have received;
• merit, as determined by your leadership and volunteer contributions and accomplishments to the Division and/or the profession, and your GPA in the program.

Other named scholarship / fellowship awards and student worker positions are also available to continuing students.

Eligibility
Enrollment in the first year of the USC Chan Entry-Level OTD program.

Amount
Varies.

Applications will open in Spring 2025

Research Student Worker Award (includes scholarship)

Research Student Worker Award (includes scholarship)

The Division Research Student Worker (RSW) awards are highly competitive and determined by your holistic admission review and your RSW application essay. The RSW awards include a paid student worker position in a Chan research lab and a tuition scholarship. Applicants should be seeking experience in a research setting; however, previous research experience is not required. Any practical skills or experiences that are useful in a professional setting are valuable (data entry, customer service, literature search, bilingual skills, etc.). Lived experiences are also applicable to the research lab setting, such as military service, disability status, and/or personal characteristics developed as a result of an underrepresented or marginalized identity.

The RSW award is a two-year award offered upon admission to the program. Continuation of the award into the second year is contingent upon good academic standing and performance as a student worker.

If a student applies and does not receive a RSW position, the student will still be considered for any other division awards and scholarships to which they applied. Please note that each award is a separate application and that you will need to apply to each individually in order to be considered.

Eligibility
Incoming Entry-Level OTD students admitted to the USC Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy.

Research Student Worker Awards are open to all Entry-Level OTD students who are in good standing and meet all of the eligibility requirements for the scholarship. Consistent with USC’s Notice of Non-Discrimination Statement, we welcome all applicants.

Students are welcome to apply for all the scholarships and positions for which they are eligible. Applications will be considered separately for each.

Note: Students may receive only ONE student worker position in the Chan Division.

Award Amount

• 32-unit tuition award across two academic years (18 units in year one, 14 units in year two). Tuition awards are applied to the fall, spring, and summer semesters’ tuition fee bill.
• An hourly wage of $16.78/hour for 11.5 hours/week each semester (fall, spring, summer) for work in an assigned research lab.
• Student health services.
• Student dental insurance.
• Student health insurance.

Responsibilities
Research Student Workers complete various activities depending upon their experience and skills, as well as the specific projects of the research lab. Examples include: assisting faculty members with literature searches, data collection, set-up for participants, data entry, preparation of materials for recruitment or presentations, etc. Students who are awarded a RSW position will be contacted by the Associate Dean’s office in July to schedule an interview and determine their specific lab placement.

Online applications will be open from July 26 to November 1

Student Worker Position

Student Worker Position

Positions available:

• Administration: The administration student worker position primarily consists of supporting faculty who oversee various Chan programs, such as academic programs, continuing education, etc. Duties may include, but are not limited to, literature searches and review, compiling and organizing information, creating spreadsheets for tracking data, creating draft documentations or presentations, etc. This position reports to various Chan faculty.
• Events: The events student worker position primarily consists of assisting the Special Events Program Coordinator. Key responsibilities include: assisting with a high number of events ranging from small meetings to conferences, working onsite and offsite events, supporting the Events Coordinator with logistical and administrative support, and assisting with creative decisions.
• Global Initiatives: The Global Initiatives student worker will support a wide range of globally-oriented projects including: building collaborative relationships (of all kind) around the world; pro-actively supporting the large international student cohort across all Chan Division programs; advancing the internationally-oriented elements of the Chan Division’s Strategic Plan; welcoming international researchers, clinicians, and students to the Division; supporting the development of the Summer Occupational Therapy Immersion (SOTI) program; and envisioning new global projects, which may include the development of new globally-oriented themed courses or the establishment of new partnerships. This position reports to Danny Park.
• Student Ambassador: The student ambassador communicates with prospective students coming to USC Chan via email and other online communication platforms. They assist in the development of additional materials to help support our student population, and attend our bi-weekly meetings with the rest of the student ambassador team. This position supports admissions for our post-professional student inquiries and liaises with Global Initiatives, as needed. The student ambassador also blogs regularly for the USC Chan website. This position reports to Kimberly Kho.
• Research: These assignments to a research lab provide student workers opportunities to support a research team and participate in differing aspects of developing, conducting, and disseminating research. Duties may include, but are not limited to, literature searches and review, compiling and organizing information, creating spreadsheets for tracking data, transcribing or coding data, and assisting in project management. Activities vary across labs and may shift based on experience. Student workers will be assigned to the faculty member who directs the research lab.

Students are welcome to apply for all the scholarships and positions for which they are eligible. Applications will be considered separately for each.

Note: Students may receive only ONE student worker position in the Chan Division.

Amount
Currently $16.78/hour for up to 10 hours per week.

Students selected for a student worker position will be notified in September.

Online applications will be open from May 1 to May 31

Division Tuition Scholarship

Division Tuition Scholarship

Tuition scholarships are awarded on the basis of academic achievement and the overall merits of an application.

Amount
Varies.

Online applications will be open from May 1 to May 31

Vision Scholarship

Vision Scholarship

The purpose of this award is to support students who a) are experienced with and dedicated to working in under-resourced communities or communities with diverse racial and ethnic groups (e.g., Black/African-American, Hispanic/Latinx, American Indian/Alaska Native), and b) exemplify the ideals and characteristics of the American Occupational Therapy Association’s (AOTA) Vision 2025, which states “as an inclusive profession, occupational therapy maximizes health, well-being, and quality of life for all people, populations, and communities through effective solutions that facilitate participation in everyday living.”

For example, as an applicant you might hope to take the profession to new areas of practice, to new countries, or to underserved populations; to become an advocate for change in healthcare policy; or to promote the profession within the media.

To be competitive for this scholarship, you must connect the Vision 2025 pillars to your past experiences and occupational therapy goals.

Eligibility
Incoming Entry-Level OTD students admitted to the USC Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy who have experience with and are dedicated to working in under-resourced communities or communities with diverse racial and ethnic groups (e.g., Black/African-American, Hispanic/Latinx, American Indian/Alaska Native) and exemplify the ideals and characteristics of the American Occupational Therapy Association’s (AOTA) Vision 2025.

Vision Scholarships are open to all Entry-Level OTD students who are in good standing and meet all of the eligibility requirements for the scholarship. Consistent with USC’s Notice of Non-Discrimination Statement, we welcome all applicants.

Amount
$20,000 tuition scholarship (renewable for second and third year of program upon good academic standing).

Responsibilities
Participation in faculty mentorship activities for three years of the OTD program, in which the student will be mentored and receive additional guidance on leadership.

Online applications will be open from July 26 to November 1

Division Tuition Scholarship

Division Tuition Scholarship

Division Tuition Scholarships are determined by holistic review and awarded upon admission for the first two years of the Entry-Level OTD program.

First-year awards are applied to the fall, spring, and summer semesters’ tuition fee bill; second year awards are applied to the fall and spring semesters’ tuition fee bill. Continuation of the award into the second year is contingent upon good academic standing in the program.

Eligibility
Entry-Level OTD students admitted to the USC Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy.

Division Tuition Scholarships are open to all Entry-Level OTD students who are in good standing and meet all of the eligibility requirements for the scholarship. Consistent with USC’s Notice of Non-Discrimination Statement, we welcome all applicants.

Amount
Varies