Applications are now open for the annual Olive C. Farr Scholarship, sponsored by the Association of Physical Therapy.

The Iowa Physical Therapy Foundation established an annual physical therapist student scholarship in 1983.

An annual physical therapist assistant student scholarship was established by the Foundation in 1995, initially funded by a contribution from physical therapists Steven and Susan Bell.

The scholarships are made possible by a bequest to the Foundation from Olive C. Farr, first director of the physical therapy education program at the University of Iowa.

Past recipients of this scholarship have received amounts ranging from $500 - $1,000 depending on the number of applications received.
Scholarship Eligibility
Any student member enrolled in an Iowa accredited PT/PTA education program who has concluded the first year of their accredited entry-level Iowa program is eligible to apply for a scholarship.

Awards will be based on demonstrated scholarship, potential for professional contributions and leadership qualities.

Recognizing that the education programs have differing academic calendars, the Foundation will accept applications from final-year students who will graduate after the award is announced.


Scholarship Awards
The scholarships will be presented at an awards ceremony held in conjunction with the annual Spring Conference of the Iowa Physical Therapy Association & Foundation.
Application Procedure
The applicant is responsible for submitting the following materials electronically/online 45 days prior to the Spring Conference. (Applications will close on January 9th)

1. A current transcript.

2. A letter of recommendation from a faculty member or academic advisor. If required, provide written permission to release personal information in the letter of recommendation. The letter of recommendation can be submitted with your application or emailed directly to mail@iowaapta.org by the faculty member or academic advisor.

Letters of recommendation should address the student's leadership, activities, contributions to the program or community, performance in clinical affiliations, and professional potential.

3. A resume with cover letter through which the student describes accomplishments that warrant consideration.

These accomplishments should include but are not limited to: professional goals, service activities, creative endeavors, accomplishments/experiences, professional activities, leadership activities and leadership qualities.
Application Selection
The Foundation board of directors will meet approximately 45 days prior to the Spring Conference to select the scholarship recipients. (Applications will not be accepted after January 9th.)

The board will:
  • Synthesize and compile information from the applicants relative to:
    • Demonstrated scholarship
    • Potential for professional contributions
    • Leadership Activities
  • Through review of a student cover letter, resume and a faculty letter of recommendation, determine the final rating relative to the areas listed above.
  • Calculate the total scholarship rating scores for each applicant and place these scores in rank order. The applicants with the highest total score will be the award recipients.
  • Upon selection, the recipients will be notified immediately and be invited with family and friends to attend the honors luncheon where the scholarships will be awarded.

Honors Luncheon
The scholarship recipients, family and friends will be seated at reserved tables near the podium. The luncheon program will list the scholarship recipients and the sponsoring school. The Foundation president will call each recipient forward to receive a certificate and a check at the Spring Conference. This procedure will be carried out until all scholarships have been awarded. At that time the president will ask the audience for a round of applause.

The 2026 Spring Conference & Honors Luncheon will take place on April 16.

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