OAPA Scholarships
"Being a General Scholarship Recipient made me feel like a valued member of OAPA, even as a PA student. That scholarship money helped me to attend conferences and provide some peace of mind while in school. I couldn't be more grateful."
-Meagan Lovin, PA-C
University of Dayton graduate
"I am thankful to have been awarded the General Scholarship. OAPA connected me to my first PA shadowing opportunity and provided a community of supportive professionals that I look forward to joining after I graduate. This award helps me feel more financially stable and allows me to focus further on my studies."
-Daniel Bixel, PA-S
Lake Erie College student
"I am forever grateful to OAPA for providing this scholarship to me and other PA students. It is great to recognize PA students who are passionate and active in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) work. The role of DEI in medical education and patient care is crucial to the health and well-being of our students, providers, and patients. This particular scholarship has allowed me to continue my DEI research while in PA school and pursue a career working with a diverse patient population."
-Lan Crofton, PA-C
Case Western Reserve University graduate
OAPA Scholarships support the next generation of PA professionals and are funded in part by generous contributions from OAPA members and supporters.
Scholarship Opportunities
There are three categories of student scholarships awarded annually: Past Presidents Leadership Scholarship, Diversity Scholarship, and General Scholarship. The application period for the 2024 scholarships closed on August 19. The application period for the 2025 scholarships will open in summer 2025.
Past Presidents Leadership Scholarship
Awarded by the OAPA Past Presidents Council, applicants must possess the characteristics of what the Council envisions in a future leader within the profession. They will have vision and a high degree of faith and confidence in themselves to attain these visions. They are self-motivated and able to communicate to their peers their expectations. Presuming there is a sufficient number of qualified applicants, one scholarship is awarded annually.
Diversity Scholarship
Awarded by the OAPA Diversity Committee, this scholarship responds to the need for diversity in healthcare, which is becoming increasingly recognized as an essential component of delivering quality, patient-centered care. A personalized approach to patient care encounters can significantly improve health outcomes aided by recognizing the diverse qualities of medical providers and the individuals they care for. Presuming there is a sufficient number of qualified applicants, one scholarship is awarded annually.
General Scholarships
Awarded to select students who submit applications outlining why they chose the PA profession, what their future plans are as a PA, and what interests and activities they have outside the classroom. Presuming there is a sufficient number of qualified applicants, up to three scholarships are awarded annually.
Recent Scholarship Winners
Past Presidents Leadership Scholarship | Diversity Scholarship |
General Scholarship |
|
2024 | Grace Tefend Ohio Dominican University |
Salma Soliman Lake Erie College |
Theresa Farnan Tess Harnett Allyson Whittaker |
2023 | Lauren VanDenHout University of Toledo |
Devin Tran Ashland University |
Philip Crane Zachary Kenna Devin Tran |
2022 | Meredith Reinhard Lake Erie College |
Lan Crofton Case Western Reserve University |
Ashley Robinson Moyo Daniel Bixel Meagan Lovin |
2021 | Karly Bingham Lake Erie College |
None awarded |
Meredith Reinhard Justina Syu Kelsey White |
2020 | Timothy Weeks Marietta College |
Karly Bingham Lake Erie College |
Rebecca Knaley Austin Minnick Lydia Richardson |