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

February 20, 2026 (Full application submission deadline)

$5,000 scholarship; one-year, non-renewable award

Supports occupational therapy doctoral research in sensory integration and processing to advance evidence-based practice and honor Dr. Ayres’ legacy.

--- ## Description This scholarship supports emerging occupational therapy scientists conducting research in sensory integration and sensory processing, either as part of their dissertation or a related study. Established to honor Dr. A. Jean Ayres, a pioneer in sensory integration theory and occupational therapy, the award aims to advance the field by fostering high-quality research that addresses the needs of individuals with sensory integration and processing differences, especially within underserved communities. The scholarship recognizes the importance of building a robust body of evidence to improve care delivery and supports the professional development of future OT scientists. --- ## Due Dates - Full application submission deadline: February 20, 2026 (by 11:59 PM EST) --- ## Funding Amount - Award amount: $5,000 (one-time, non-renewable) - Funds may be used for expenses related to dissertation research or another qualified research project in sensory integration and processing. - No salary support for applicant or mentor; no indirect costs allowed. --- ## Eligibility Applicants must meet all of the following criteria: - Be an occupational therapist enrolled in a research doctoral program (PhD, ScD, EdD, DrPH, or other research-focused doctoral degrees). - Have completed all departmental/institutional coursework except for writing and defense of the dissertation. - Have successfully defended their dissertation proposal at the time of application (official documentation required). - Conduct research at a U.S. academic institution. - Be a U.S. citizen or have appropriate residency/visa documentation. - Have IRB approval or be in the process of obtaining it at the time of application (funds will not be released until IRB approval is received). - Have a mentor with expertise relevant to the proposed research. - Agree to use scholarship funds during doctoral candidacy (no carryover after graduation). - Research must focus on sensory integration and processing. --- ## Application Process - Applications are submitted via ProposalCentral (applicants must create a user account). - Required documents: - Applicant biosketch (max 5 pages) - Mentor biosketch (max 5 pages) - Proof of successful dissertation proposal defense (e.g., letter from committee chair) - Letter of recommendation from mentor - High-resolution applicant photo - Proof of citizenship/residence/visa - IRB approval (may be pending at submission but required before funds are released) - Detailed project budget and justification (funds cannot be used for salary or indirect costs). - All sections must be marked complete and validated before submission. - Application must be electronically signed and submitted by the deadline. - Confirmation of submission will be sent by email. --- ## Additional Information - The scholarship is intended to support research that contributes to the field of occupational therapy and improves care delivery, with an emphasis on populations with sensory integration and processing differences. - The award is funded for five years (2025–2029), with the goal of building an endowment for future cycles. - The scholarship is not renewable, but recipients may reapply if still eligible in future years. --- ## External Links - [Scholarship Program Details & Application](https://www.aotf.org/Grants/Dr-A-Jean-Ayres-Doctoral-Candidate-Scholarship) - [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/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=svYiKwJpGIY%3d&portalid=0) - [AOTF Grants Overview](https://www.aotf.org/Grants) - [ProposalCentral Login](https://proposalcentral.com/ProposalGI.asp?SectionID=12372&ProposalID=-1) - [Scholarship FAQs](https://www.aotf.org/Scholarships/FAQ) --- ## Contact Information | Role/Inquiry | Contact Details | |------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | General Inquiries| [research@aotf.org](mailto:research@aotf.org) | | Technical Support| pcsupport@altum.com (ProposalCentral) \| 800-875-2562 (US/Canada) \| +1-703-964-5840 (Intl) | | AOTF Office | [Contact Form](https://www.aotf.org/About-AOTF/Contact-Us) \| 1-800-SAY-AOTA (729-2682) |

Dr. A. Jean Ayres Doctoral Candidate Scholarship

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