MOTA Scholarships and Awards
MOTA is proud to recognize the excellence within Missouri’s occupational therapy community through our Annual Awards and Student Scholarships. These recognitions celebrate the practitioners, educators, and students whose work, leadership, and dedication strengthen our profession every day.
We invite you to nominate a deserving colleague or apply for a student scholarship today.
Applications and nominations are now open. All nominees and applicants must be MOTA members in good standing.
MOTA OT and OTA Student Scholarships
These scholarships are designed to support outstanding students who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership potential, and a commitment to their community. The awards are announced and presented during the annual fall conference (October 2-3, 2026.)
A $500 scholarship award for OTA Students and a $1000 scholarship award for MSOT and OTD students will be granted to the awarding students
To be considered for the MOTA OT/OTA Student Scholarship, applicants will be asked to provide a complete picture of their academic journey, professional involvement, and personal commitment to the field of occupational therapy. The application includes the following sections:
- Personal Information: Full name, contact details, school information, and membership in relevant organizations.
- Applicant Information: Current overall GPA and a reference letter highlighting your skills and qualities for success in occupational therapy.
- Volunteer Experience: Volunteer activities related to occupational therapy, including roles and duration.
- Employment History: Work experience, including hours worked and how your employment supports your education.
- Financial Need: Your financial situation, with space to share additional context if helpful.
- Professional Organization Involvement: Professional organizations you’ve been part of, including roles and timeline of participation.
Deadline: Rolling to be Presented during Annual MOTA Conference
2026 MOTA Award Nominations
Nominate and celebrate!
Do you know an OT practitioner, educator, or partner who goes above and beyond for the profession? Now is the perfect time to recognize them. Simply think of a deserving nominee (self-nominations are welcome too!), send over a brief recommendation email, and fill out the nomination form below by September 18, 2026. All nominees must be members of MOTA in good standing, with the exception of the Community Partner and Impactful OT Award nominations. Winners will be announced and celebrated at our annual fall conference, October 2-3, 2026.
Outstanding Practitioner This award recognizes a therapist who is a “master clinician,” provides exceptional service, is respected for their skill and clinical reasoning, and goes above and beyond the call of duty.
Outstanding Administrator/Supervisor/Educator This award recognizes the administrator, supervisor, or educator who promotes professionalism, quality care, development of the profession, and serves as a positive role model for staff and/or students.
OTA/OT Partnership Award This award recognizes an OTA and OT who, through their collaboration with other occupational therapy practitioners, exemplifies the professional partnership. Evidence of an OTA/OT partnership will show contributions in practice, research, and/or education through shared expertise.
Outstanding Service to the Organization or Profession This award recognizes exceptional OT practitioners who volunteer time, energy, and skills to the Missouri Occupational Therapy Association and the community. They are dedicated to serving the members and the community by promoting the mission of MOTA.
Community Partner Award This award recognizes outstanding contributions on a state or national level that lead to the advancement of health care, promotion of health care, or access to healthcare in one or more of the following areas: Legislative, Political Support, Financial Contributions, Leadership (nominee does not need to be an OTR/OTA).
The Impactful OT Award This award recognizes an individual who has demonstrated exceptional commitment to advancing the field of occupational therapy in Missouri. Recipients exemplify the power of OT to transform lives through their dedication to clients, mentorship of peers, or innovative contributions that strengthen the profession.
Questions? Reach out to motastaff@gpsforgrowth.com.