Scholarship for Nursing, Physical or Occupational Therapy Degree Program Students

APPLICATION DEADLINE: Friday, February 7, 2025

About the Scholarship: One $3,000 scholarship is presented annually. The scholarship is paid in installments of $1,500.00 per semester for any year the student is enrolled in college. The funds must be claimed within a four-year period from the time the scholarship was awarded.

About Dr. Arthur Pense: This scholarship honors Dr. Arthur W. Pense, NYS Assistant Commissioner of Mental Hygiene from April 1, 1944 to April 15, 1961. As Assistant Commissioner, Dr. Pense was responsible for programs provided to people with intellectual and other developmental disabilities through the state of New York. Dr. Pense was widely recognized as an outstanding administrator and friend of The Arc New York. It was under his leadership that local services for people with intellectual and other developmental disabilities were developed using community mental health programs.

Eligibility Criteria:
  • Students must be enrolled in a degree program in either nursing, or physical or occupational therapy and may include a 2-3 month fieldwork program as part of their degree
  • Students must be a New York State resident
  • Students currently receiving a scholarship through The Arc New York are not eligible to receive simultaneous scholarships

Application Requirements:
  • Completed application
  • One signed letter of recommendation from an Academic Instructor

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* 1. Contact Information

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* 2. Have you previously applied for this scholarship?

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* 3. Are you currently receiving a scholarship through The Arc New York?

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* 4. If so, in what year was it awarded?

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* 5. Please describe your education plans. How will your continued education positively impact your involvement in the field of intellectual and developmental disabilities?

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* 6. Please provide a brief statement indicating how you became interested in becoming a professional in the field of in the field of physical or occupational therapy.

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* 7. Describe your experiences with people who have intellectual or other developmental disabilities. Please include both volunteer and employment or academic experiences.

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* 8. Describe your most meaningful achievement and how it relates to your field of study and future goals.

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* 9. What do you feel is the most important issue facing the field of physical and occupational therapy today? If you had the power to impact this issue in a positive way, what specific changes would you make?

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* 10. Upload Letter of Recommendation

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* 11. Digital Signature - Please type your full name and the date into the field below as your electronic signature (ex. Jane Doe, 11/25/2023)

ALL fields must be completed for the application to be considered.

Please send any additional documentation to The Arc New York State Office via email.

Email questions and additional application materials to scholarships@thearcny.org

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