AOF Sterling Welch, DO, Scholars Grant (COMP)

EXTERNAL AWARD – EXCEPTION: APPLY ON PORTAL
The American Osteopathic Foundation’s Sterling K. Welch, DO, Fund was established in 1965 through a bequest from Dr. Welch’s estate. Annually, scholarships are given in honor of Dr. Welch’s outstanding generosity to the AOF and his desire to support Osteopathic medical students and promote education, this grant was established to provide monetary aid to Osteopathic medical students.

Originally awarded to one student annually, this scholarship has grown in its capacity to award one scholarship per COM/SOM.

Purpose
This educational scholarship is awarded annually to Osteopathic medical students with significant financial need (as identified by COMs/SOMs), as well as strong academic achievement, participation in volunteer service activities, and a strong commitment to Osteopathic medicine.

Scholarship
A scholarship award in an amount to be determined will be presented to one (1) student with significant and demonstrated financial constraints from each qualifying COM/SOM, branch campus, and location to help offset expenses associated with Osteopathic medical school.

Eligibility
-OMS I, II or III in good standing at a COCA-accredited College/School of Osteopathic Medicine (COM/SOM) at time of nomination.
-Demonstrated, significant financial need and exemplifies at least 2 of the following additional requirements:
-Good academic standing (50th percentile) with strong academic achievements.
-Volunteer community service activities beyond COM/SOM requirements.
-Strong and clearly noticeable affinity for Osteopathic medicine.
-Current AOA membership required to apply. (Complimentary AOA student membership here.)
-Prior Golden Ticket Scholarship finalists and winners are not eligible for this scholarship.

Nomination Requirements
-Completed online nomination form – student must be nominated by COM/SOM
-A Letter of Good Standing from the Dean or their designee, indicating for which of the following requirements the student was nominated: academic standing and achievements, community service activities outside of college requirements, and strong affinity for Osteopathic medicine. An optional template is located here.
-A Letter of Financial Need from the Director of Financial Aid or their representative confirming that the student qualifies for financial aid and verification that, if received, this scholarship will not render the student ineligible for other financial aid opportunities or reduce the total aid for which they are eligible. An optional template is located here.
-A one (1) page personal statement from the nominee explaining how the educational grant will be used.
-Current curriculum vitae or resume (include memberships, Osteopathic or other).
-Proof of AOA student membership.

Review Process
Nominations are accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis in the fall. The student and their SOM/COM will be notified as nominations are approved, but no later than December 31 annually. One (1) scholarship recipient per COM/SOM per calendar year (AOF fiscal year).

Previous AOF Golden Ticket finalists are ineligible for this scholarship.

Although an EXTERNAL AWARD, the applicant should submit their packet to this portal. When selected by the COMP and HCOM Awards Committee for this scholarship, your application packet will be forwarded to the AOF for their consideration.

Please limit your applications to a maximum of three Graduate Awards and three Honors & Recognition Awards. Applications exceeding these limits will not be considered.

Prohibition of AI-Generated Content
To maintain academic integrity and ensure the authenticity of work, the use of generative artificial intelligence tools (e.g., ChatGPT, Grammarly GO, Bard, or similar) to produce, rewrite, or substantially edit content in submissions is strictly prohibited. All submitted work must reflect the student’s own original thinking, analysis, and expression. Any use of AI-generated material will be considered a violation of academic honesty policies and may result in disqualification of award application.

Award amounts granted may vary each year depending on available funding.

Notice of Non-discrimination
In accordance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, Western University of Health Sciences (Western U) is committed to ensuring a campus community free from unlawful discrimination. Western U strictly prohibits unlawful discrimination in all its programs, activities, admissions, and employment. This policy applies to all aspects of the university, including education programs, employment, admissions, and any other Western U activities.