Editor’s note: Kids in schools across the island, as well as in many other boroughs around the city, would benefit from physical and occupational therapy. This is even more so in neighborhoods that are traditionally underserved by the systems that are in place, so where the need is highest the available options are fewer. As a result, this program was created to ease the financial burden that careers requiring graduate degrees can bring. We have discussed this very topic more in-depth as it relates to the practice of midwifery in New York. Across the state, there is a high need for midwives to assist birthing people with their deliveries. However, due to the requirement, rare among the states, for a Master’s Degree level of education in this path, many people decide to pursue other kinds of work. This leaves many parents leaving the state to have their babies in birth centers in bordering states like New Jersey, since it is more difficult to get their preferred care locally. Scholarships like this one, perhaps sponsored by the City hospital system, could bring great benefit to maternal health across NYC, and could provide a roadmap for communities in Upstate New York, or the North Country, where the available services are fewer while at the same time the need is higher and also more pressing due to traditions and customs in those areas.
Readers should also know that there are TWO Jose P. Graduate Scholarship Programs: the one described below for Occupational Therapists (OTs) and Physical Therapists (PTs), both of which require a Master’s Degree. For those in Speech Pathology, aspiring School Psychologists, Bilingual Special Educators, and those helping the blind and visually impaired, the application process is completely separate. The details can be found at this link.
We asked the following of Touro University about this program: Can you share a little more about the scholarship program as well? Is it based on grades, an essay that is judged, or something else? How many people usually apply in a given year?
The New York City Department of Education offers the
Jose P. Occupational Therapy and Physical Therapy (OT/PT) Scholarship Program. Students in their 3rd, 4th, or graduate years of professional study in Occupational and Physical Therapy at participating colleges or universities are eligible to apply. Scholarships are granted through a selection process involving an interview, review of academic records, writing samples, and references.
Applications are accepted annually for the fall from January through April. Application deadlines are subject to change without notice.
Scholarship Disciplines:
- Occupational Therapy
- Physical Therapy
Eligibility:
- Be accepted by one of the participating colleges/universities and enrolled full-time in an Occupational Therapy Program leading to New York State Certification.
- Be accepted by one of the participating colleges/universities and enrolled full-time in a Physical Therapy Program leading to New York State Certification.
- Proof of U.S citizenship or permanent resident status.
- Certify that you do not possess a disqualifying record of conviction. All awardees need to be fingerprinted and receive clearance by the New York City Department of Education.
- Agree to accept employment as a full-time Occupational Therapist or Physical Therapist with the New York City Department of Education in areas of high need as determined at the discretion of the program supervisor upon obtaining your New York State license.
- Maintain full-time college or university enrollment.
Service Commitment and Commitment
Scholarship Program entrants must sign a contract with the NYC Department of Education. In accepting the award, they accept the provisions of the contract, which include, but are not limited to, the following terms and conditions:
- Participants shall serve within the New York City Department of Education (NYCDOE) in the field of Occupational Therapy for two (2) years for every year the Scholarship is awarded or any part thereof.
- Participants shall serve in the field of Physical Therapy for two (2) years for every year the Scholarship is awarded or any part thereof.
- Example: If the Scholarship is awarded for one and a half (1 and 1/2) years, the participant will have a four (4) year service commitment to the NYCDOE.
To apply for the Jose P. OT/PT Scholarship Program, use our
online application to apply during the application period.
Applicants must submit the following supporting documents within ten (10) business days from the date you submit your application:
- Proof of U.S. citizenship or permanent resident status (Example: Birth Certificate, Passport, Alien Registration Card)
- Current College Transcripts (unofficial copies and official student copies are acceptable)
- Two letters of reference
- Copies of all New York State or other state certificates
- A non-refundable application fee of $75.00 in the form of a money order made payable to the New York City Department of Education. Personal checks will not be accepted.
The following is information on Staten Island resident Jason Vega being recently selected for the highly competitive Jose P. Occupational Therapy and Physical Therapy (OT/PT) Scholarship Program, an award given to only a select group of students each year.
From the Classroom to Communities in Need
Offered by the New York City Department of Education (DOE), the scholarship provides financial assistance to students in their third, fourth, or graduate years of occupational therapy or PT programs. In exchange for full tuition coverage for each year of the award, recipients commit to working for two years in high-need areas across NYC’s boroughs, delivering critical, school-based therapy services to students who need them most.
“This scholarship is highly competitive, and we’re so proud of Jason and Aliyah for being selected. Both are outstanding, caring, hardworking students, and they will help make a difference in the lives of NYC public school students in need of PT services. It’s a real advantage to be able to start your career without the burden of huge student loan debt, thanks to this incredible scholarship,” said Dr. Jill Horbacewicz, Chair of the School of Health Sciences PT department.
For Jason Vega, a Staten Island, NY, resident and part of the class of ‘26, physical therapy is more than a profession; it’s rooted in lived experience. Growing up with a sister who has cerebral palsy, Vega witnessed firsthand the transformative impact PT can have on a person’s daily life.
“Physical therapy is paramount at every stage of life, from pediatrics to geriatrics,” Vega said. “It addresses such a wide range of needs—orthopedic, neurological, cardiopulmonary, pelvic health—and it’s constantly evolving through research and education. I love discovering new ways I can contribute to the field.”
That early exposure inspired him to apply for the scholarship, viewing it as an opportunity to give back in a meaningful way. “After seeing the impact PTs can have on patients and families, I knew I wanted to provide that same level of care,” he said.
Currently completing a clinical rotation with the DOE, Vega splits his time between a middle and an elementary school, gaining experience across varied age groups and educational environments. Under the supervision of a clinical instructor, he leads therapy sessions throughout the school day, working directly in classroom settings to support students’ physical participation alongside their peers.
“I also attend IEP meetings with teachers, occupational therapists, and parents,” Vega explained. “Having a seat at the table allows me to advocate for students with disabilities and contribute to creating the most supportive environment possible.”
Vega credits Touro faculty for playing a pivotal role in his development. He highlights professors Dr. Leah Verebes and Dr. Yocheved Bensinger-Brody for their invaluable mentorship that shaped both his clinical skills and professional mindset. “Professor Bensinger-Brody’s pediatrics course and research opportunities gave me hands-on experience that will remain at the forefront of my mind as I advance my career,” he said. “Her commitment to lifelong learning continues to motivate me.”
Looking ahead, Vega hopes to fulfill his dream of working as a pediatric PT in a DOE school while also expanding his expertise to support young athletes striving to excel in their sports.
Through the Jose P. OT/PT Scholarship Program, Vega is easing the financial burden of completing his graduate education, while also committing himself to helping communities where his skills can have the greatest impact. He looks forward to making a lasting difference in the lives of as many NYC students as possible.
Banner Image: Jason Vega. Image Credit – Touro University
Undergraduate, graduate, medicine, education, California, Nevada, New York, Berlin. What is Touro? More than you think! You can choose from many schools and many locations, but all are career focused, where knowledge and values come together, and maintain a small school vibe.
