IPTF Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Scholarship

About the Scholarship

The IPTA and IPTF are committed to promoting diversity within the physical therapy profession to better serve Illinois residents. This scholarship supports PT and PTA students in their final year who demonstrate a commitment to DEI.

The IPTA defines underrepresented and underserved communities as individuals and groups who belong to racial, ethnic, cultural, sexual orientation, gender identity, nationality, immigrant status minorities, and individuals living with disabilities.

Eligibility

To be eligible, applicants must:

• Be current Illinois student PT or PTA members in good standing with the APTA/IPTA.
• Be in good academic standing and currently enrolled in a PT/PTA program (not limited to Illinois schools).
• Be in their final year of the program.
• Submit a complete application by the deadline (January 31, 2025).

Application Process

Applicants must submit the following in a single PDF document to [email protected] by January 31, 2025:

• Completed cover sheet (downloadable) with contact information and demographic data.
• List of DEI-related experiences and activities.
• Personal essays (maximum 400 words each) outlining the following:
  • participation and/or contributions to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in the community and/or the physical therapy profession
  • how activities and participation and/or contribution in DEI-related activities impacted the community.
  • the impact of DEI-related participation, contributions, and/or experiences on their personal and professional growth.
  • future professional commitment and goals related to DEI.
• Two letters of recommendation:
  • Faculty or CI Letter of Recommendation that verifies participation and/or contributions in DEI-related activities during the PT/PTA program
  • Other Letter of Recommendation from a professional source that verifies participation and/or contributions in DEI-related activities.
• One statement verifying good academic standing from academic program director or program chair

Selection and Award Process

Completed applications will be independently scored by a selection panel of reviewers not affiliated with any PT or PTA program attended by the applicants.

Selected recipients will be notified by March 1, 2025. Recipients will be recognized during the 2025 IPTA Virtual Assembly of Representatives and in IPTA publications. Checks will be mailed upon acceptance, and recipients will serve on the 2026 DEI Scholarship selection panel.

Award Details

PT students receive a one-time $2,500 stipend, and PTA students receive $1,500. All recipients also receive one-time funding for APTA/IPTA membership renewal.