Occupational Therapy Assistant students awarded national scholarships

Triston Batchelor and Kristina Miles, second-year students in the Occupational Therapy Assistant program, were each awarded a $2,500 National Career & Technical Education Scholarship by the Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans, an honor only 500 students nationwide received. 

“We are incredibly proud of Tristan and Kristina for their hard work and believe that they are very deserving of this award,” said Julie Green, Chair of the Occupational Therapy Assistant program. “We are grateful for this scholarship opportunity, which helps to make student success possible.”

The Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans is an educational organization that supports students by providing scholarship assistance and support services to those who have demonstrated integrity, determination in overcoming adversity, academic potential, and the personal aspiration to make a unique contribution to society.

“I am so thankful to have been chosen to receive this scholarship,” said Miles. “This scholarship will provide support and stability so that my focus can remain on the program instead of worrying about the financial burdens of going to school.”

The Occupational Therapy Assistant program takes students two years to complete and focuses on preparing skilled practitioners who will help people with disabilities, injuries, or illnesses live more independently and enjoy their lives more fully. Batchelor and Miles are both expected to graduate in Spring 2025.

“Receiving this scholarship will greatly support me as I approach the final two semesters of the program,” said Batchelor. “I feel deeply honored to have been chosen and am incredibly appreciative of this recognition.”