Annual Scholarship

The MiOTA annual student scholarships ($1,500) are awarded to three students on an annual basis: one OT student, one OTA student, and one post-professional student (clinical doctorate or PhD). In order to be considered for these scholarships, the applicant must exhibit leadership qualities and demonstrate a commitment to service and the profession.

Students must meet the following criteria:

• Be enrolled in an accredited occupational therapy or occupational therapy assistant program in the state of Michigan (OT/OTA scholarship) OR

be a licensed OT/OTA in the state of Michigan, enrolled in a post-professional higher education degree program, to further their education beyond their initial OT/OTA degree.

• Be a MiOTA member

• Have a minimum 3.0 GPA average

• Be in involved in a student professional organization, participate in activities of your educational institution, or demonstrate community involvement

Scholarship application instructions:

• Complete all sections of the MiOTA Scholarship Application.

• Use only the space provided (250 words or less) to answer application questions.

• Read and sign the bottom of the application on the last page.

• Enclose a copy of your current resume or CV with your application.

• Submissions are open for  the 2025-2026 academic year. Decisions will be made by the end of February 2026

MiOTA Scholarship Application

For questions, please contact the MiOTA office at (517) 267-3918 or email office@miota.org.

Congratulations to our 2026 Student Scholarship Winners!

Abigail (Abbey) Huff is an Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) student at Grand Rapids Community College (GRCC) with an anticipated graduation in Spring 2026. She served as the 2025 Secretary of the Student Occupational Therapy Association (SOTA) at GRCC and is grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with fellow executive board members while gaining meaningful leadership  experience.

Abbey’s interest in the field of occupational therapy was ignited by her passion for bridging the gap between fitness and accessibility for individuals with physical and intellectual disabilities. As a member of the CrossFit community, she has experienced firsthand the power of functional movement, adaptability, and supportive community, which has shaped her strong interest in adaptive fitness and her motivation to help individuals recognize and achieve their full potential. Her recent experience working with the geriatric population has fostered a growing interest in aging-in-place initiatives, with hopes of thoughtfully integrating these areas in her future practice.

Pursuing a career as an OTA has been a transformative journey both academically and personally. Returning to school in her 30s as a new mother was a significant commitment for Abbey and her family. What began as a goal to complete coursework and begin a new career quickly evolved into a deeply enriching experience grounded in resilience, balance, and purpose. Through the support of her family and cohort, as well as her involvement in SOTA, Abbey has gained valuable leadership and volunteer experience while strengthening her critical thinking, communication, and empathy skills. She believes that authentic connections can be the catalyst to positive changes in the lives of others. These experiences have encouraged her to listen more intently, act more purposefully, and spend time more meaningfully—qualities she believes are priceless.

Abbey strives to carry these lessons into her future practice through a client-centered approach that reflects the core values of the OTA profession. She is extremely grateful to be a recipient of the MiOTA scholarship, which will support her continued growth and dedication to serving others.

Brooke Hineman is a third-year Occupational Therapy Doctorate (OTD) student at Western Michigan University. Prior to entering OT school, she received her Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science from Oakland University in 2023. During her time at OU, Brooke’s passion for pursuing a career in occupational therapy deepened through her involvement in interprofessional education opportunities and her work as a physical therapy technician. She also gained valuable experience through volunteer work, most notably with the Joanne and Ted Lindsay Foundation Autism Outreach Services (OUCARES).

At Western Michigan University, Brooke served as the event coordinator for the WMU Grand Rapids Student Occupational Therapy Association, allowing her the opportunity to connect and volunteer with numerous local community partners. She also participated in the Y-MIND training program through WMU’s Resiliency Center, deepening her understanding of youth mental and behavioral health, and served as a mentor for the Health Careers Opportunity Program. After completing level II fieldwork rotations in inpatient rehabilitation and outpatient pediatrics, Brooke’s final semester before graduation is dedicated to the doctoral capstone experience. Her capstone project is focused on increasing accurate perception of and interest in the field of occupational therapy among undergraduate and high school students across Michigan.

Brooke was grateful for the opportunity to serve as a Student Ambassador at the MiOTA conference in 2024, an experience that further fueled her passion to pursue the profession. Brooke, alongside her peers, also had the opportunity to present her group’s research at the annual AOTA INPSIRE and MiOTA conferences in 2025, reinforcing her commitment to contributing to the knowledge base within the field. Following graduation, Brooke plans to pursue a position as an occupational therapy practitioner in an inpatient rehabilitation setting and explore fellowships within this area of practice. This career path is inspired by OT’s vital role in supporting patients during pivotal stages of recovery, as experienced during her level II fieldwork.

Brooke feels deeply appreciative and honored to have received the 2026 OT Student Scholarship and is excited to attend the annual MiOTA conference in October 2026. She is dedicated to enhancing her skills, growing as a future clinician, and advocating for the field of occupational therapy.