Summary:
Rizing Tide Foundation announced the 2024 recipients of its Crest scholarship, awarding 20 diverse Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) students with financial support totaling up to $570K.
Key Takeaways:
- Scholarship Awards: Ten students received full scholarships of $14,000 each, and another ten received $5,000 each, renewable annually based on academic performance.
- Diverse Applicants: Over 400 applications were submitted from 130 DPT programs, highlighting the increasing demand for diversity and support in the physical therapy field.
- Holistic Support: Along with financial aid, recipients will benefit from educational seminars, mentoring, and an annual conference to foster professional growth and community.
Rizing Tide, a foundation dedicated to expanding access to physical therapy (PT) care by creating a more inclusive workforce, unveiled today the 2024 recipients of its annual Crest scholarship program. This program offers financial support and educational enrichment to racially, ethnically, and experientially diverse students pursuing their doctorate degree in physical therapy. This year, Rizing Tide proudly awarded 20 scholarships, totaling up to $570K if renewed by the recipients.
Further Reading: Rizing Tide Foundation Offering More DPT Scholarships
“This year, we received more than 400 applications from 130 DPT programs, reflecting the heightened demand for support and improving diversity among students pursuing physical therapy careers,” says Heidi Jannenga, PT, DPT, ATC, founder of Rizing Tide. “Now in our fourth year of awarding scholarships, we see the flywheel of momentum growing, with a 100% graduation rate and multiple board-certified therapists in our scholastic community. By working together, we create more opportunities for people to aspire to become a PT and to seek out PT services. The future remains bright for this profession!”
Ten exceptional graduate students enrolled in Doctor of Physical Therapy programs across the United States were awarded full Crest scholarships, receiving $14,000 to cover tuition, room and board, textbooks, and other essential expenses for the upcoming academic year. Another 10 graduate students were named Crest Rizing Stars, receiving scholarships of $5,000 for the same purposes and to support their educational journeys. These scholarships are renewable annually until graduation, provided recipients maintain exceptional academic performance.
Selection Process
The selection process, led by a distinguished panel of healthcare and business professionals, evaluated candidates based on their potential to enact lasting change, academic excellence, personal integrity, leadership qualities, and attributes befitting a healthcare professional. Along with the financial scholarship, these students will receive educational seminars, mentoring, and an invitation to attend an annual conference held in Phoenix, in order to build connection and camaraderie and inspire passion for the profession.
“The Rizing Tide selection committee faced a challenging task when selecting this year’s 20 Crest scholars. There’s such incredible talent and dedication within the physical therapy community,” says Jonathon Lee, PT, DPT, OCS, FAAOMPT, MBA, co-founder of Pickle. “As Rizing Tide welcomes these scholars into its community, we anticipate their profound potential to shape the future of healthcare. Their achievements exemplify resilience, innovation, and a commitment to advancing diversity and equity in our profession. We are excited to support them as they embark on this next step of their education.”
Scholarship Recipients
2024 Rizing Tide Foundation Crest scholarship recipients and their respective universities:
- Jude Alvarado, Maryville University, Myrtle E. and Earl E. Walker College of Health Professions
- Sixela Caballero, Elon University, Health Sciences
- Zachary Chen, George Washington University, School of Medicine and Health Sciences
- Asmaa Embaby, Rutgers, School of Health Professions
- Davion Enders-Jones, Texas Tech University, Health Sciences Center
- Jalyn Gorman, Creighton University, School of Pharmacy and Health Professions
- Liliana Campuzano Mondragon, Texas State University at Round Rock, College of Health Professions
- Taliyah Morgan, Tennessee State University, College of Health Sciences
- Alyssa Nelson-Kamalu, Tufts University, School of Medicine
- Jake Sentman, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Department of Health Sciences
2024 Rizing Tide Foundation Crest Rizing Star scholarship recipients and their respective universities:
- Andrea Bejaran Choto, University of Nevada at Las Vegas, Department of Physical Therapy
- Ka’Leah Davis, Georgia Southern University at Savannah Campus, Waters College of Health Professions
- Makenna Dixon, Washington University in St. Louis, School of Medicine
- Jessah J. Doctor, University Of Connecticut, Department of Kinesiology
- Aliyah Hunter, University of Pittsburgh, School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences
- James Lee, Hardin-Simmons University, Doctor of Physical Therapy Program
- Telkevia Mackey, Duke University, School of Medicine
- Yousef Tamimi, Carlow University, Doctor of Physical Therapy Program
- Kathy Trinh, University of Washington, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine
- Henry Thomas Woods, Shenandoah University, Dual Doctorate of Physical Therapy and Master of Science-Athletic Training Program
Prospective candidates are encouraged to apply for the upcoming Crest scholarship cycle, opening in April 2025. Rizing Tide also offers a scholarship for licensed DPTs pursuing residency programs in the U.S. called the Surge scholarship. The application period for the Surge scholarship is now open. For more information about the Rizing Tide Foundation and its scholarship opportunities, or to submit an application, visit www.rizing-tide.com.
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