SSO:USA’s mission is to facilitate high quality scholarship and a dynamic exchange of ideas that support the discipline of occupational science. To support this mission, SSO:USA invites student grant proposals that demonstrate direct relevance to at least one of the following priorities:

1)   Expands knowledge of occupation;

2)   Fosters an understanding of the fundamental nature of occupation relative to health and well-being;

3)   Explores innovative methods to study occupation;

4)   Explores the interrelationship of the discipline of occupational science and related disciplines and professions, including but not limited to occupational therapy.

Vision for the Funding

• SSO:USA will promote and fund student research and presentations on the study of occupation.

• The funding will grant one or more modest annual financial award(s) directly to students who are engaged in (or propose being engaged in) research that will enhance and enlarge the body of knowledge in occupational science. Ideal candidates will emphasize occupational science scholarship as a substantial part of their future career.

• Funds up to $2,000.00 total will be awarded for one or more current projects that will be completed within two years of proposal submission. The number of total awards will be determined by the proposal review committee, based on proposed budgets and proposal quality.

• Award recipients are required to present their research results at an SSO:USA sponsored event within 2 years of grant receipt. Registration fees will be comped for the student awardee for the event at which they present.

Purpose of the Funding

• Promote and support student research on occupation. This may include, but is not restricted to, scholarship that explores how social, cultural, and/or structural conditions shape occupational participation, opportunity, health, and well-being.

• Support research expenses, such as transportation, transcribing services, statistical analysis support, purchase of software or equipment, consultation with experts, or other needs for completion or enhancement of research projects.

Note: SSO:USA’s Student Research Grant is not intended to support occupational therapy program development or quality improvement efforts.

Eligibility

• All applicants must be current members in good standing of SSO:USA.

• Members of the SSO:USA Board and selected grant reviewers will not be eligible to apply during their tenure in those roles.

• Applicants must be bachelors, masters or doctorate-level students currently conducting or proposing research in occupational science.

• Eligible budget items include existing or future research costs or expenses that have been incurred up to 4 months prior to submission of the SSO:USA Student Research Grant application.

• Research must demonstrate direct relevance to at least one of the SSO:USA priorities stated above. 

See the full instructions HERE