Scholarships and Grants for Students
Scholarships & Stipends for Students
Your Journey Starts Here—And We’re With You Every Step of the Way
At APTA Virginia, we believe students are the future of the profession—and that future starts now. Whether you're stepping into advocacy, leadership, community service, or professional development, we’re here to help make it possible.
Through our student scholarship and stipend programs, we offer meaningful financial support to recognize your impact and remove barriers to participation. From supporting minority student leaders to helping cover travel costs for major APTA events, these opportunities are designed to invest in your growth, your goals, and your voice in the physical therapy community.
Explore the options below and take the next step in your PT or PTA journey with APTA Virginia by your side.
Student Minority Scholarship
Award: Up to $1,000 + Recognition at the Annual Members Meeting
Application Deadline: December 1 (annually)
This scholarship honors students from underrepresented racial or ethnic backgrounds who exemplify academic excellence, leadership, and a demonstrated commitment to serving minority and underserved communities.
Eligibility:
- Must be an APTA Virginia student member (PT or PTA)
- U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident
- Member of an underrepresented racial or ethnic minority group
- In the final academic year or graduating between January 1 and December 31 of the award year
- Strong record of service, leadership, and professionalism
Application Requirements:
A 500-word personal essay answering:
- Why are your contributions to minority and underserved populations important?
- How have your efforts impacted the communities you serve?
- Details of APTA/APTA Virginia involvement (e.g., meetings, committees, advocacy)
A separate list of service or clinical activities beyond your academic program, including:
- Organization name
- Description of the population served
- Your role and activities
- Dates and estimated hours of service
Two references:
- One from faculty or a clinical PT
- One from a community leader who can speak to your work with minority populations
Recognition:
Award recipients receive a certificate presented by the APTA Virginia President at the Annual Members Meeting and up to $1,000 following the January Board meeting.
Stipend Awards
Purpose: Support students attending key APTA and APTA Virginia events.
Award Amounts: $100–$500 per recipient, based on event and availability of funds.
Eligible Events & Deadlines:
|
Event |
Application Deadline |
|
March 1 |
|
|
March 1 |
|
|
September 1 |
|
|
December 1 |
Eligibility:
-
Must be a current APTA Virginia student member (PT or PTA)
-
Must submit a complete online application form
Awardee Expectations:
Recipients are asked to submit a short written reflection or video about their experience—what they learned, how they participated, and how the event influenced them.
If the event was attended virtually, recipients are expected to attend a future in-person APTA Virginia meeting (such as a regional meeting or the Annual Members Meeting).
Meet the Student Relations Committee (SRC)
Behind every scholarship and stipend is a dedicated team working to champion student involvement: the Student Relations Committee (SRC).
Made up of former Student Special Interest Group (SSIG) leaders and early-career professionals, the SRC:
-
Provides mentorship and leadership development opportunities
-
Supports student-led events like the Fall Summit and Leadership Workshop
-
Assists with SSIG elections and chapter engagement
-
Reviews scholarship and stipend applications
They’ve been where you are—and they’re committed to helping you thrive as a student and beyond.
Questions?
Contact us at vpta@vpta.org, or reach out to the Student Relations Committee directly.
Apply. Attend. Lead.
No matter where you are in your academic journey, APTA Virginia is ready to support you. Apply today and take the next step in building your future.