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

September 15, 2024 | February 20, 2026

$5,000 per award; one-time, non-renewable scholarship

Supports OT doctoral candidates conducting research in sensory integration and processing, advancing evidence-based occupational therapy practice.

Application requires proof of dissertation proposal defense and IRB approval for fund release.

--- ## Description The Dr. A. Jean Ayres Doctoral Candidate Scholarship, offered by the American Occupational Therapy Foundation (AOTF), honors Dr. Ayres’ foundational work in sensory integration theory. This scholarship is designed to support occupational therapy doctoral candidates who are conducting research in sensory integration and sensory processing, either as part of their dissertation or a separate but related study. The award aims to promote the development of evidence-based practices in occupational therapy, particularly benefitting underserved communities with sensory processing needs. --- ## Due Dates - **September 15, 2024:** Full application deadline for AOTF Doctoral Scholarships (including the Dr. A. Jean Ayres Doctoral Candidate Scholarship); submit by 11:59 PM EST. - **February 20, 2026:** Full application deadline for the Dr. A. Jean Ayres Doctoral Candidate Scholarship; submit by 11:59 PM EST. All dates are projected based on the annual cycle; check the program page for updates. --- ## Funding Amount - **Award Amount:** $5,000 per recipient. - **Duration:** One-time, non-renewable scholarship. - **Use of Funds:** May be used to aid, support, or pay for expenses related to the dissertation or another research study focused on sensory integration and processing. Funds cannot be used for applicant or mentor salary, and no indirect costs are allowed. - **Disbursement:** Funds are released upon proof of successful dissertation proposal defense and IRB approval. --- ## Eligibility Applicants must: - Be an occupational therapist enrolled in a research doctoral program (PhD, ScD, DrPH, EdD, or similar). - Have completed all departmental and institutional coursework requirements except for writing and defense of the dissertation. - Have successfully defended their dissertation proposal at the time of application (official documentation required). - Have IRB approval in process or secured (required for fund release). - Conduct research at a U.S. academic institution. - Be a U.S. citizen or have appropriate residency/visa documentation. - Have a mentor with expertise in the proposed research area. - Agree to utilize scholarship funds during doctoral candidacy (no carryover after completion). --- ## Application Process 1. **Prepare Documents:** - Applicant biosketch (max 5 pages, ≥12 pt font) - Mentor biosketch (max 5 pages, ≥12 pt font) - Proof of successful dissertation proposal defense (e.g., letter from committee chair) - Letter of recommendation from mentor - High-resolution applicant photo (300 dpi or higher) - Proof of citizenship/residence/visa status - IRB approval (if available; required before funds are released) 2. **Online Submission:** - Applications are submitted via [ProposalCentral](https://proposalcentral.com/ProposalGI.asp?SectionID=12372&ProposalID=-1) (account required). - Complete all sections, upload required documents, and validate submission. - Application must be e-signed and submitted by the deadline. 3. **Budget:** - Provide a detailed budget and justification for all expenses (max 6,000 characters). - No salary or indirect costs allowed. 4. **Post-Award Requirements:** - Submit a final report within 30 days of project completion. - Acknowledge AOTF support in all publications/presentations. - Provide updates on related outputs and subsequent funding for five years post-award. --- ## Additional Information - The scholarship is not renewable, but applicants may reapply if still eligible. - One application considers candidates for all AOTF doctoral scholarships for which they qualify. - The program is supported by an endowment and aims to continue annually, pending available funding. - See the [Award Guidelines (PDF)](https://www.aotf.org/Portals/0/Images/Fellowship%20and%20Scholarship_Award%20Guidelines_2026_2.pdf?ver=Rh4rh-ZORvXcm0iEubNovQ%3d%3d%27) for detailed post-award and reporting requirements. --- ## External Links - [Program Page & Details](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/Portals/0/Images/Fellowship%20and%20Scholarship_Award%20Guidelines_2026_2.pdf?ver=Rh4rh-ZORvXcm0iEubNovQ%3d%3d%27) - [AOTF Grants Overview](https://www.aotf.org/Grants) - [ProposalCentral Application Portal](https://proposalcentral.com/ProposalGI.asp?SectionID=12372&ProposalID=-1) - [AOTF Scholarships FAQ](https://www.aotf.org/Scholarships/FAQ) --- ## Contact Information | Purpose | Contact | |-------------------------|--------------------------------------------| | General Inquiries | [research@aotf.org](mailto:research@aotf.org) | | AOTF Main Office | aotf@aotf.org, 1-800-SAY-AOTA (729-2682) | | ProposalCentral Support | pcsupport@altum.com, 800-875-2562 | | Mailing Address | 7501 Wisconsin Ave., Suite 510E, Bethesda, MD 20814-6519 | ---

Dr. A. Jean Ayres Doctoral Candidate Scholarship

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