University Park, IL,
04
August
2020
|
14:33 PM
America/Chicago

Occupational Therapy Grant Awarded to Transform Regional Healthcare

Governors State University's College of Health and Human Services is being recognized for its continuing work to transform healthcare in the SouthlandThe Occupational Therapy Department  (OT) was recently awarded a $2.68 million grant for Scholarships for Disadvantaged Students from Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).

The grant's goal is to promote diversity among health professions by providing scholarships to students from disadvantaged backgrounds and those who demonstrate financial need. GSU was selected based on the number of students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds who attend.  By providing higher education to students in the Southland, many of whom return to provide care to medically underserved communities, GSU is building health equity in the region.

All of the money awarded will be used to pay full tuition for 10 to 15 Master of Occupational Therapy students each year for the next five years. The scholarship, which will cover tuition, fees, books, and related materials worth roughly $38,400, will be awarded to students based on their FAFSA.

 Caren Schranz, Chair of the Department of Occupational Therapy Programs, says the award speaks to the very foundation of the department.

The grant assists us in furthering our mission: to offer an exceptional and accessible education to students that are traditionally underserved by higher education to prepare them with the knowledge and skills to, in turn, support underserved communities,“ Dr. Schranz notes. 

Applications for the scholarship will be available here soon.