Sterling Welch Scholars Grant

Scholarship Sponsored by American Osteopathic Foundation

Description

The Sterling K. Welch, DO, Fund, administered by the American Osteopathic Foundation (AOF), provides annual educational scholarships to osteopathic medical students. It supports students who demonstrate significant financial need and a clear commitment to osteopathic medicine. Awards are distributed through nominations submitted by COCA‑accredited Colleges/Schools of Osteopathic Medicine (COMs/SOMs) and related branch campuses or locations.

- Supports Osteopathic medical students with financial need
- Administered by the AOF and awarded via COM/SOM nomination
- Distributed across qualifying COM/SOM campuses and locations

History of the Award

The fund was established in 1965 through a bequest from Dr. Sterling K. Welch’s estate to honor his generosity and commitment to osteopathic education. Originally the scholarship supported one student per year; it has since expanded to allow one recipient per qualifying COM/SOM, branch campus, and location. The expansion reflects the fund’s ongoing goal to broaden financial support for Osteopathic students.

- Founded in 1965 by Dr. Sterling K. Welch’s bequest
- Initially one annual award; now one per qualifying COM/SOM/location
- Growth intended to increase access to educational support

Purpose

The scholarship’s primary purpose is to reduce financial barriers for Osteopathic medical students who combine need with academic promise and service. Recipients are expected to demonstrate strong academic performance, engagement in volunteer/community service beyond curriculum requirements, and a clear affinity for Osteopathic medicine. Selection emphasizes both financial relief and the recipient’s potential to contribute to the Osteopathic profession.

- Intends to offset educational expenses for financially constrained students
- Rewards academic achievement, volunteer service, and commitment to Osteopathic medicine
- Balances financial support with professional promise

Eligibility

**Student status:** Nominees must be OMS I, II, or III in good standing at a COCA‑accredited COM/SOM at the time of nomination.
**Financial need:** Candidates must demonstrate significant financial need as identified by their COM/SOM financial aid office.
**Additional criteria:** Nominees must exemplify at least two of: good academic standing (≥50th percentile), volunteer community service beyond program requirements, and a strong affinity for Osteopathic medicine.
**Membership and exclusions:** Applicants must hold current AOA student membership. Prior Golden Ticket Scholarship finalists and winners are ineligible.

- OMS I–III in good standing at a COCA‑accredited COM/SOM
- Significant financial need required; must meet ≥2 additional criteria
- Current AOA student membership required; certain past finalists/winners excluded

Award Value

Each recipient receives a $2,000 scholarship to help offset expenses associated with Osteopathic medical school. The fund awards one scholarship of this amount for each qualifying COM/SOM, branch campus, and location per AOF fiscal year. The payment is intended as direct educational support rather than tied to a specific expense line item.

- Award amount: $2,000 per recipient
- One award per qualifying COM/SOM/branch/location annually
- Funds intended to offset general Osteopathic medical school expenses

Nomination & Application Requirements

**Nomination:** Students must be nominated by their COM/SOM using the online nomination form.
**Dean’s attestation:** A Letter of Good Standing from the Dean (or designee) must confirm the nomination and indicate which selection criteria apply.
**Financial verification:** A Letter of Financial Need from the Director of Financial Aid must confirm eligibility and attest that the scholarship will not make the student ineligible for other aid or reduce total aid.
**Candidate materials:** Nominees must supply a one‑page personal statement, current CV/resume, and proof of AOA student membership.

- COM/SOM nomination required via online form
- Dean’s Letter of Good Standing and Financial Aid letter required
- Personal statement, CV, and AOA membership proof must accompany nomination

Review Process and Application Timeline

Nominations are accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis during the fall semester. The AOF notifies students and their COM/SOMs once nominations are approved, with all notifications completed no later than December 31 each year. Awards are allocated on a per‑COM/SOM basis for the AOF fiscal/calendar year.

- Fall rolling review period for nominations
- Notifications completed by December 31 annually at the latest
- One recipient per COM/SOM per AOF fiscal/calendar year

Administration and Additional Notes

The AOF administers the Sterling K. Welch, DO, Fund and provides optional templates for required letters to streamline nominations. Schools should verify any institutional policies regarding external scholarships and ensure the Financial Aid letter confirms there will be no adverse effects on other aid. For questions about nomination submission, templates, or membership, contact the AOF or consult the AOF website.

- AOF manages the fund and offers optional letter templates
- Financial Aid offices must confirm no negative impact on other aid
- Direct AOF resources or staff for submission questions and templates