Scholarships and Financial Aid
Chan Division Scholarships and Awards

Sandy Carter Fellowship

Sandy Carter Fellowship

The Sandy Carter Fellowship is a one-time award in the amount of $25,000, made in honor of Sandra Carter, USC Occupational Therapy Alum (BS 1981). Sandy’s career was dedicated to serving children with Down Syndrome 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.

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.

Students who have received Graduate Assistantship and Student Worker awards are not eligible to apply. Eligible students are welcome to apply to both the Sandy Carter Fellowship and Division Tuition scholarship, and will be awarded one of the two. Students will be eligible to be awarded more than one named scholarship.

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.

Online applications will be open from February 15 to March 15, 2024

Division Tuition Scholarship (Post-Professional OTD)

Division Tuition Scholarship

A number of tuition scholarships in the amount of 12 total units will be awarded to Post-Professional OTD Residents. These scholarships will be distributed equally across three semesters (4 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
12 Units

Online applications will be open from February 15 to March 15, 2024

Student Worker Position (Continuing Entry-Level OTD)

Student Worker Position

Positions available:

• Fieldwork: Assist fieldwork team with clerical duties.
• Classroom: Assist faculty with course preparation and clerical duties. Classroom assistants do not teach or meet with students.
• Office: Perform administrative tasks; may perform receptionist duties.

Eligibility
First-year (continuing) Entry-Level OTD students with a GPA of 3.0 or higher in the academic program. Position will begin in the second year of the program.

Amount
Currently $16.50/hour for up to 10-hour/week commitment.

Online applications will be open from February 1 to February 28, 2024

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
First-year (continuing) Entry-Level OTD students with a GPA of 3.0 or higher in the academic program.

Amount
Varies — historically $5,000.

Online applications will be open from February 1 to February 28, 2024

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
First-year (continuing) Entry-Level OTD students with a GPA of 3.0 or higher in the academic program.

Amount
Varies — historically $4000.

Online applications will be open from February 1 to February 28, 2024

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.

Online applications will be open from February 1 to February 28, 2024

Elizabeth Schiefer Scholarship

Elizabeth Schiefer Scholarship

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

Eligibility
First-year (continuing) 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.

Online applications will be open from February 1 to February 28, 2024

Division Tuition Scholarship (Continuing Entry-Level OTD)

Division Tuition Scholarship

Tuition scholarships are applied to the fall and spring semester tuition fee bill. Second-year tuition scholarship awards are distributed based on student financial need, which is information provided by the USC Financial Aid Office. Student worker positions are also available to students in the second year of the program.

Eligibility
Enrollment in USC Chan Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy graduate program.

Amount
Varies.

Online applications will be open from February 1 to February 28, 2024

Research Student Worker

Research Student Worker

The Division offers Research Student Worker (RSW) positions, which are highly competitive and are determined by your holistic admission score and essay. 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 such as military service, disability status, underrepresented or marginalized identity, are also applicable to the research lab setting.

The RSW position is a two year award offered during the first year of 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
Graduate students admitted to the USC Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy.

Amount
(Generally) 8 units tuition/semester, an hourly wage of $16.50/hour for 11.5 hours/week per semester for work in an assigned research lab, student health services and 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 will be contacted by the Associate Dean’s office in August to schedule an interview and determine their specific lab placement.

Online applications will be open from July 21 to December 1

Student Worker Position (Post-Professional MA)

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. This position reports to Bianca Ojeda.
• 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 2019-2023 Strategic Plan; welcoming international researchers, clinicians, and students to the Division; supporting the development of the 2022 Summer Occupational Therapy Immersion 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.
• Recruitment (International Student Ambassador): The international student ambassador communicates with prospective students coming to USC Chan from other countries via email and other online communication platforms. They assist in the development of additional materials to help support our international 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 international 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.

Amount
Currently $16/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 June 3

Division Tuition Scholarship (Post-Professional MA)

Division Tuition Scholarship

Tuition scholarships are awarded on the basis of academic achievement.

Amount
Varies.

Online applications will be open from May 1 to June 3

Student Worker Position (Continuing Entry-Level Students)

Student Worker Position

Positions available:

• Fieldwork: Assist fieldwork team with clerical duties.
• Classroom: Assist faculty with course preparation and clerical duties. Classroom assistants do not teach or meet with students.
• Office: Perform administrative tasks; may perform receptionist duties.

Eligibility
Applicants may be continuing entry-level master’s students in good standing. Position will begin in the second year of the program.

Amount
Currently $16/hour for up to 10-hour/week commitment.

Online applications will be open from April 12 to April 19

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
Continuing entry-level master’s students in good standing.

Amount
Varies — historically $5,000.

Online applications will be open from April 12 to April 19

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
Continuing entry-level master’s students in good standing.

Amount
Varies — historically $4000.

Online applications will be open from April 12 to April 19

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
Interest in hand and upper extremity injuries. Anticipated enrollment in OTD or second year of the entry-level Master’s program. GPA of 3.0 or higher and in good standing. Applicants should specifically describe their interest in hand therapy in their application statement. Must be a US citizen.

Amount
$1,000.

Responsibilities
Applicants must choose at least one of the following opportunities to extend their knowledge and skills in hand therapy and notify the Director of Admissions of their selection:

• Enroll in the Division’s Hands elective/PAMS course: OT 573 (4 Units): Hand Rehabilitation and OT 562 (4 Units): Advanced Practice in Hand Therapy and Physical Agent Modalities.
• Complete Level II fieldwork in a hand therapy setting.
• Complete an OT 540 externship in hand therapy.

Online applications will be open from April 12 to April 19

Elizabeth Schiefer Scholarship

Elizabeth Schiefer Scholarship

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

Eligibility
Graduate students with a special interest in pediatrics. Applicants should specifically describe their interest in pediatric occupational therapy in their application statement. Enrollment in full standing.

Amount
Varies — historically $4000.

Online applications will be open from April 12 to April 19

Vision Scholarship

Vision Scholarship

The purpose of this award is to provide financial aid to African-American or Black, American Indian/Alaska Native, and/or Hispanic/Latinx students who 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, applicants might hope to take the profession to new areas of practice, to new countries, or to underserved populations; to become advocates for change in healthcare policy; or to promote the profession within the media.

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

Eligibility
Incoming entry-level OTD student in occupational therapy who identifies as African-American or Black, American Indian/Alaska Native, or Hispanic/Latinx.

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 21 to December 1

Division Tuition Scholarship (Incoming Entry-Level OTD)

Division Tuition Scholarship

Tuition scholarships are applied to the fall and spring semester tuition fee bill. Tuition scholarship awards are determined one year at a time. First-year tuition scholarship awards are based upon the overall quality of the student’s application as determined by a holistic review process.

Eligibility
Graduate students admitted to the USC Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy.

Amount
Varies.

Division Tuition Scholarship (Continuing Entry-Level Students)

Division Tuition Scholarship

Tuition scholarships are applied to the fall and spring semester tuition fee bill. Second-year tuition scholarships are awarded based upon achievement in the program and determined by a faculty committee. Student worker positions are also available to students in the second year of the program. 

Eligibility
Enrollment in USC Chan Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy graduate program in good standing.

Amount
Varies.

Online applications will be open from April 12 to April 19