Scholarships and Financial Aid
Chan Division Scholarships and Awards

Dr. Ruth and Dr. Wayne Zemke Scholarship in Occupational Science

Dr. Ruth and Dr. Wayne Zemke Scholarship in Occupational Science

The purpose of the scholarship is to promote leadership and participation in the study of occupational science. The scholarship provides financial assistance to occupational therapy students pursuing a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree in occupational science to support membership dues and professional activities related to Society for the Study of Occupation (SSO: USA) and the International Society of Occupational Scientists (ISOS). This scholarship shall provide support to students for whom affordability may be an obstacle and will also consider the merit of the students, as indicated in the Eligibility Criteria.

Eligibility

• Applicants must be full-time, currently enrolled occupational science PhD students, who are continuing in 2025–2026.
• Applicants must have a GPA of 3.0 or higher and be in good standing with the academic program.
• Consideration will be given for students deemed to have strong academic potential for active roles in the development of occupational science as demonstrated by membership and active participation in the SSO or ISOS. Examples of active roles can include, and are not limited to, committee work developing leadership for the profession, attendance at the conference, submission of a proposal and presentation for the conference, and submission of a paper to Journal of Occupational Science.
• The recipient of the award will be determined by the donor and faculty in the division.

Amount
$5,500

Applications will open in Spring 2026

Elaine Bastedo Quinlan Endowed Scholarship

Elaine Bastedo Quinlan Endowed Scholarship

Elaine Bastedo Quinlan completed her master’s in OT at USC Chan. She lived in both California and Nevada and worked with multiply handicapped children. Elaine was a trustee of the American Association of University Women’s Local Scholarship Trust. She and her husband, Roscoe James Quinlan, enjoyed playing golf, bridge, square dancing, and loved dogs, especially German Shepherds. This scholarship shall provide support to students for whom affordability may be an obstacle, and will also consider the merit of the students, as indicated in the Eligibility Criteria.

Eligibility

• Applicants must be full-time, currently enrolled first-year (rising 2nd year, including BS Seniors) or second-year (rising 3rd year) students in the Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy entry-level Occupational Therapy Doctorate (E-OTD) program, who are continuing in 2025–2026.
• Applicants must have a GPA of 3.0 or higher and be in good standing with the academic program.
• Consideration will be given for applicants with a clear commitment to working with children with multiple disabilities.

Amount
$5,000

Applications will open in Spring 2026

Mr. Wayne L. Hinthorn and Mrs. Micky Terzagian Hinthorn Scholarship

Mr. Wayne L. Hinthorn and Mrs. Micky Terzagian Hinthorn Scholarship

Wayne Hinthorn served as a dedicated USC Chan Board of Councilors member from 2011–2018. His wife Micky Terzagian Hinthorn was an occupational therapist, and her artwork is featured at the USC Chan Archive. Wayne’s career was spent in the aerospace industry, where he worked on many programs including the B-47 bomber, the Agena, the Titan III space booster and on the Space Shuttle program. The Wayne Hinthorn scholarship will be awarded to an Occupational Therapy student. This scholarship shall provide support to students for whom affordability may be an obstacle, and will also consider the merit of the students, as indicated in the Eligibility Criteria.

Eligibility

• Applicants must be full-time, currently enrolled first-year (rising 2nd year, including BS Seniors) or second-year (rising 3rd year) students in the entry-level Occupational Therapy Doctorate (E-OTD) program who are continuing in 2025–2026.
• Applicants must have a GPA of 3.0 or higher and be in good standing with the academic program.
• Consideration will be given for applicants with clear intentions to give back to the profession or community.

Amount
$10,000

Applications will open in Spring 2026

Janice Matsutsuyu Endowed Scholarship

Janice Matsutsuyu Endowed Scholarship

Janice Matsutsuyu worked for years as an occupational therapist and Chief of Rehabilitation Services at the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) Neuropsychiatric Institute (NPI). She also worked in geriatrics day care. Janice was very involved in both the Occupational Therapy Association of California and the American Occupational Therapy Association and regularly participated in professional organization conferences and events. This scholarship shall provide support to students for whom affordability may be an obstacle, and will also consider the merit of the students, as indicated in the Eligibility Criteria.

Eligibility Criteria

• Applicants must be full-time, currently enrolled first-year (rising 2nd year, including BS Seniors) or second-year (rising 3rd year) students in the entry-level Occupational Therapy Doctorate (E-OTD) program, who are continuing in 2025–2026.
• Applicants must have a GPA of 3.0 or higher and be in good standing with the academic program.
• Considerations will be given for students with high merit and an interest in pursuing an active role in the occupational therapy profession and professional associations.

Amount
$5,000.

Applications will open in Spring 2026

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 Scholarship shall provide support to students for whom affordability may be an obstacle and will also consider the merit of the students, as indicated in the Eligibility Criteria.

Eligibility

• Applicants must be full-time, currently enrolled students in the first-year (rising 2nd year, including BS Seniors) or second-year (rising 3rd year) of the entry-level Occupational Therapy Doctorate (E-OTD) program, the post-professional OTD program, or the PhD program, who are continuing in 2025–2026.
• Applicants must have a GPA of 3.0 or higher and be in good standing with the academic program.
• Consideration will be given for applicants with demonstrated interests in pursuing a career path in (a) school-based occupational therapy, and/or (b) development and evaluation of evidence-based programs. Applicants with clinical and/or research interests are welcome to apply. The selected applicant 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
$5,000

Applications will open in Spring 2026

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.

This scholarship shall provide support to students for whom affordability may be an obstacle and will also consider the merit of the students, as indicated in the Eligibility Criteria.

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

Eligibility Criteria

• Applicants must be currently enrolled graduate students in the Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy entry-level Occupational Therapy Doctorate (E-OTD), post-professional OTD, or PhD program, who are continuing in 2025–2026.
• The donor is looking for applicants’ academic and career interest in longevity, leadership, and global trends.
• Individuals pursuing a career in pediatrics would not be eligible applicants.

Awardee Obligations

• Recipient of the award will write a formal thank you note to the donors, who funded the award. Recipient may have an opportunity to meet with the donors to discuss their future career plans in keeping with the intent of the award.

Amount
$1,000

Applications will open in Spring 2026

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 ’81). 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

• Applicants must be newly admitted students to the Post-Professional Occupational Therapy Doctorate (OTD) program OR currently enrolled second-year (rising 3rd-year) entry-level OTD students, who are continuing in 2025-2026.
• Continuing students must have a GPA of 3.0 or higher and be in good standing within the academic program.
• The selected applicant will demonstrate a commitment to pediatrics in occupational therapy, including an emphasis on clinical practice or research or both, and be committed to pursuing a career path in this area.

Awardee Obligations

• The 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.

Amount
$25,000

Applications will open in January 2026

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:

• Ambassador
  Be a representative for USC Chan, organize outreach and presentations for student recruitment, support prospective students, develop marketing collateral, and coordinate USC Chan social media.
• Fieldwork
  Assist fieldwork team with a variety of administrative tasks.
• Global Initiatives
  Support a wide range of globally-oriented projects including building collaborative international relationships; caring for USC Chan’s large international student body; welcoming researchers, clinicians, and student visitors from around the world; and more.
• Office
  Perform administrative tasks; may perform receptionist duties; located at the Center for Occupation and Lifestyle Redesign, 2653 Hoover Street.
• Research
  Contribute to the research mission in Chan by working alongside Chan faculty, staff, and other students from various academic programs in one of our research labs. Responsibilities may include a range of research-related tasks such as data management and quality control, assistance in recruitment and data collection, transcription, literature searches and review, video coding, preparation of presentations / publications, and social media.
• Student Support (Classroom Assistant)
  Provide support in course preparation and implementation.
• Student Support (Chan Student Lounge)
  Coordinate events in the Chan Student Lounge and support students in navigating the program, developing study skills, and accessing academic and non-academic supports.

Eligibility
First-year Entry-Level OTD students (rising 2nd year, including BS-to-OTD Seniors) with good standing in the program (GPA of 3.0 or higher, and satisfactory professional behaviors). 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 $17.28/hour; up to 11.5 hours weekly.

Applications will open in January 2026

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. This Fellowship shall provide support to students for whom affordability may be an obstacle, and will also consider the merit of the students, as indicated in the Eligibility Criteria.

Eligibility

• Applicants must be currently enrolled first-year (rising 2nd year, including BS Seniors) or second-year (rising 3rd year) students in the entry-level Occupational Therapy Doctorate (E-OTD) program, who are continuing in 2025-2026.
• Applicants must have a GPA of 3.0 or higher and be in good standing within the academic program.
• Consideration will be given for applicants with an interest in and/or demonstrated potential for leadership roles in the profession and in professional associations, and a commitment to diversity among professional practitioners.

Amount
$5,000

Applications will open in Spring 2026

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. This scholarship shall provide support to students for whom affordability may be an obstacle, and will also consider the merit of the students, as indicated in the Eligibility Criteria.

Eligibility

• Applicants must be full-time, currently enrolled second-year (rising 3rd year) students in the Chan entry-level Occupational Therapy Doctorate (E-OTD) program, who are continuing in 2025–2026.
• Applicants must have a GPA of 3.0 or higher and be in good standing within the academic program.
• Consideration will be given for students with financial need and high merit who are studying occupational therapy; those who are interested in any practice area with any population are welcome to apply.

Amount
$5,000

Applications will open in Spring 2026

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. This scholarship shall provide support to students for whom affordability may be an obstacle, and will also consider the merit of the students, as indicated in the Eligibility Criteria.

Benefits

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

Eligibility Criteria

• Applicants must be currently enrolled graduate occupational therapy or occupational science students in the Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, who are continuing in 2025-2026.
• Applicants must have a GPA of 3.0 or higher and be in good standing with the academic program.
• Consideration will be given for applicants with a clear commitment to specializing in hand therapy.
• Applicants must demonstrate financial need and be US citizens.

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

Amount
$1,000

Applications will open in Spring 2026

Elizabeth Schiefer Scholarship

Elizabeth Schiefer Scholarship

The Elizabeth Schiefer Scholarship supports students who are pursuing clinical work with children. Elizabeth Schiefer graduated from USC in 1951 and was a Speech-Language Pathologist. This scholarship shall provide support to students for whom affordability may be an obstacle, and will also consider the merit of the students, as indicated in the Eligibility Criteria.

Eligibility

• Applicants must be full-time, currently enrolled first-year (rising 2nd year, including BS Seniors) or second-year (rising 3rd year) students in the entry-level Occupational Therapy Doctorate (E-OTD) program, who are continuing in 2025–2026.
• Applicants must have a GPA of 3.0 or higher and be in good standing within the academic program.
• Consideration will be given to students with a demonstrated interest in working in pediatrics, especially those with communication and sensory processing/sensory integration challenges.

Amount
$5,000

Applications will open in Spring 2026

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 21 to November 1 (Pacific Time)

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 $17.28/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 (Pacific Time)

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 (Pacific Time)

Vision Scholarship

Vision Scholarship

The purpose of this award is to support students who are experienced with and dedicated to working in under-resourced communities and 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, new countries, or underserved populations; become an advocate for change in healthcare policy; or 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 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
$60,000 tuition scholarship across three academic years ($20,000 in year one, $20,000 in year two, $20,000 in year three).

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 November 1 (Pacific Time)

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