Rising Tide Scholarships: Empowering BIPOC Leaders in Physical Therapy and Lactation

Rising Tide scholarships aim to address underrepresentation and financial barriers faced by BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) students in specific fields. These scholarships provide financial assistance and support to help recipients achieve their educational and professional goals, fostering a more diverse and equitable landscape in physical therapy and lactation consulting.

Rizing Tide Crest Scholarship: Physical Therapy

The Rizing Tide Crest Scholarship is a prestigious award designed to support BIPOC students pursuing a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree. Recognizing the need for greater diversity in the physical therapy profession, Rizing Tide annually awards multiple Crest scholarships to deserving students.

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for the Rizing Tide Crest Scholarship, applicants must meet the following criteria:

BIPOC Identity: Applicants must self-identify as Black, Indigenous, and/or a Person of Color.
DPT Program Enrollment: Applicants must be students entering their first or second year of a DPT program, with their second year beginning no sooner than June 1, 2023. First-year students are also eligible, as are students entering a PTA-to-DPT bridge program.
Accreditation: Applicants must have been accepted into a CAPTE-accredited PT program within the United States.
Citizenship/DACA Status: Applicants must be a U.S. citizen or have Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) status.
Full-Time Enrollment: This scholarship is designated for full-time enrollment status only.

Scholarship Details

Award Amount: Ten Crest scholarships award up to $14,000 each. Additionally, ten runner-up scholarships, known as Rizing Star scholarships, award up to $5,000 each.
Renewal: Crest and Rizing Star scholarship recipients may renew their scholarship for up to two years while still attending DPT school. To renew, recipients must maintain a minimum cumulative 3.2 GPA and submit an instructor's feedback survey to the Rizing Tide Foundation each school year. The foundation reserves the right to refuse renewal if these criteria are not met or if circumstances change.
Use of Funds: Scholarship funds can be used to cover any school-related expenses.

Application Process

The application process for the Crest Scholarship involves submitting several materials, including:

Essays: Applicants must submit three essays.
Letters of Recommendation: Two letters of recommendation are required from previous or current teachers, professors, coaches, mentors, or industry professionals (no family members). Recommenders should address the following questions:
- How do you know the scholarship applicant?
- What qualities do you see in this individual?
- Why do you feel this individual should receive this scholarship?

Completed applications, including digital copies of letters of recommendation, must be submitted by the specified deadline, typically around 11:59 PM Pacific Time. Technical support is available on weekdays from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM Pacific Time. Finalists will be interviewed via Zoom by the Beachcombers selection committee.

Rizing Tide Surge Scholarship

In addition to the Crest Scholarship, Rizing Tide also offers the Surge Scholarship. This scholarship is awarded to graduating physical therapy students or licensed physical therapists from underrepresented racial and/or ethnic backgrounds who are advancing their careers by entering a residency program. Rizing Tide will annually award three Surge scholarships. Recipients are chosen after a rigorous application review and interview process.

Rising Tide Lactation Equity Scholarship: Lactation Consulting

Lactation Education Resources (LER) offers the Rising Tide Lactation Equity Scholarship program to increase the number of Black International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLCs) in the United States. This scholarship recognizes that financial barriers are a significant obstacle to entering the field.

Eligibility and Application

Online applications are accepted for Rising Tide II (RTII) and Rising Tide III (RTIII) Lactation Equity Scholarships. The application deadline is updated when the application opens. To apply, follow the provided link to the online application.

It's important to note that Rising Tide I (RTI) scholarships are awarded throughout the year by LER's Partner Organizations, which have their own selection criteria.

Scholarship Coverage

LER will cover the cost for RTIII recipients to complete the following online courses, including textbooks: Training Program Enriched PLUS the general education courses.

Certified Breastfeeding Specialist (CBS) Certification

Upon completing the LER coursework and passing the CBS exam (included with the coursework), recipients will be conferred the Certified Breastfeeding Specialist certification.

Clinical Hours

LER offers opportunities to complete clinical hours through its Clinical Lactation Internship Program and the LER HOURS program, supporting recipients in fulfilling the requirements for IBCLC certification. LER will help scholarship recipients determine which program is best suited for their needs.

Lactation Education Timeline

According to the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners, lactation education is accepted within five years prior to sitting for the exam.

Future Opportunities

The Rising Tide Lactation Equity Scholarship program runs every other year. The next opportunity to apply will likely be in 2026.

Additional Support for Students

Recognizing the challenges faced by students from various backgrounds, some institutions and organizations offer additional resources:

Campus Resources: Many campuses provide resources such as financial aid, community support (residence, employment, etc.).
Support for Students Impacted by the Criminal Justice System: Higher education can disrupt cycles of recidivism, enabling scholars to become successful students, parents, role models, and community leaders.
Support for Students Experiencing Homelessness and Addiction: Transforming one's life after homelessness and addiction requires strength, perseverance, and resilience.

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