[American Occupational Therapy Foundation](https://www.aotf.org)

September 15, 2024 | February 20, 2026

$5,000 per award; one-year term; no indirect costs or salary support

Supports doctoral candidates in occupational therapy conducting research in sensory integration and processing.

Application must be submitted by 11:59 PM EST on the deadline to be eligible.

--- ## Description This scholarship supports emerging occupational therapy scientists whose research focuses on sensory integration and sensory processing. Established to honor Dr. A. Jean Ayres, a pioneer in sensory integration theory, the award aims to advance evidence-based occupational therapy practice and improve care delivery, particularly for diverse and underserved communities. The scholarship provides financial assistance for dissertation research or related studies in sensory integration and processing, fostering the next generation of occupational therapy researchers. --- ## Due Dates - September 15, 2024: Full application deadline (2024 cycle; closed) - February 20, 2026: Full application deadline (2026 cycle; applications due by 11:59 PM EST) --- ## Funding Amount - $5,000 per award - One-year term; must be used during doctoral candidacy - No indirect costs or salary support for applicant or mentor allowed - Funds may be used for expenses related to dissertation research or another eligible study in sensory integration and processing --- ## Eligibility Applicants must: - Be an occupational therapist enrolled in a research doctoral program (PhD, ScD, EdD, DrPH, or equivalent) at a U.S. academic institution - Have completed all coursework except dissertation writing and defense - Have scheduled and/or successfully defended their dissertation proposal at the time of application (documentation required) - Funds will not be released until successful defense is documented - Have IRB approval in process or received (funds will not be released until IRB approval is documented) - Have a mentor with expertise in the proposed research area - Be a U.S. citizen or have appropriate residence/visa documentation - Agree to use scholarship funds during the doctoral candidacy period without carryover - Conduct research in sensory integration and processing --- ## Application Process - Applications must be submitted through [ProposalCentral](https://proposalcentral.com/ProposalGI.asp?SectionID=12372&ProposalID=-1) - Required materials: - Applicant biosketch (max 5 pages, 12pt font) - Mentor biosketch (max 5 pages, 12pt font) - Proof of successful dissertation proposal defense (e.g., committee letter or signed form) - Letter of recommendation from mentor - High-resolution photo (300 dpi or higher) - Proof of citizenship/residence/visa - IRB approval (required before funds are released, but may be pending at submission) - Detailed budget and budget justification (cannot include salary or indirect costs) - Complete all sections in ProposalCentral, validate for missing info, and electronically sign before submission - Submission confirmation is provided via email from pcsupport@altum.com --- ## Additional Information - Awardees may request a one-time, no-cost extension (up to 3 months) if needed, with justification - Final report required within 30 days of project completion; ongoing updates on publications and outcomes are expected for 5 years after award - Acknowledgement of AOTF support is required in all publications, presentations, and press releases --- ## External Links - [Program Page & Application Instructions](https://www.aotf.org/Grants/Dr-A-Jean-Ayres-Doctoral-Candidate-Scholarship) - [2026 Application Instructions (PDF)](https://www.aotf.org/Portals/0/Doc_%20Scholarships_%202026_Application%20Instructions.pdf?ver=WkhP2aZ_E8xYrwVi6stxyw%3d%3d) - [Award Guidelines (PDF)](https://www.aotf.org/Portals/0/Images/Fellowship%20and%20Scholarship_Award%20Guidelines_2026_2.pdf?ver=Rh4rh-ZORvXcm0iEubNovQ%3d%3d%27) - [ProposalCentral Application Portal](https://proposalcentral.com/ProposalGI.asp?SectionID=12372&ProposalID=-1) - [AOTF Grants Overview](https://www.aotf.org/Grants) --- ## Contact Information | Purpose | Contact | |-------------------------------|-----------------------------------------| | General program inquiries | [research@aotf.org](mailto:research@aotf.org) | | AOTF main office | 1-800-SAY-AOTA (729-2682) | | ProposalCentral technical help| pcsupport@altum.com
800-875-2562 (US/Canada)
+1-703-964-5840 (Intl) | | AOTF contact form | [AOTF Contact Page](https://www.aotf.org/About-AOTF/Contact-Us) |

Dr. A. Jean Ayres Doctoral Candidate Scholarship

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