TThe AOF/AOA Presidential Memorial Leadership Scholarship, now celebrating its 25th year, was established to honor the leadership, commitment, and philanthropic endeavors of Past Presidents of the American Osteopathic Association (AOA) who proudly served the profession. This annual scholarship recognizes one Osteopathic medical student who embodies Osteopathic tenets through their outstanding character, service, and leadership.

Purpose

This scholarship was created to recognize Osteopathic medical students, actively involved in the AOA, who are committed to the principles of Osteopathic medicine, and who have taken great strides toward becoming student leaders. These individuals have been instrumental in motivating others, and take conscious, well-calculated steps to develop themselves.

Scholarship

One (1) educational scholarship in the amount of $10,000 will be awarded to a student who exemplifies Osteopathic principles and best aligns with the scholarship purpose. 

Eligibility

• Students in good standing at a COCA-accredited College/School of Osteopathic Medicine (COM/SOM) who will be an OMS-IV during the 2026-2027 academic year.
• If the COM/SOM ranks students, the nominee must be in the top 25% of their class, displaying outstanding academic achievement while in medical school.
• Current student AOA membership is required for nomination. (Students may register for a complimentary membership here.)
• Nominees should display the following characteristics and/or experiences:
  • Demonstrated commitment to the Osteopathic profession through word and deed.
  • Significant volunteer experience in the community (outside of COM/SOM requirements; volunteer experience need not be Osteopathic in nature).
  • Strong leadership skills, including leadership experience in an AOA, AACOM, State Association or Specialty College, or committee/workgroup experience in a national student medical organization (such as: SOMA, COSGP, SNMA, MSPA, etc.).
• Noteworthy accomplishments, awards and honors, special projects and extracurricular activities and other experiences that demonstrate the nominee’s leadership abilities.

Nomination Requirements

• Completed online nomination – COM/SOM nominations only (students may not apply directly).
• One (1) letter of recommendation from the Dean, Dean of Osteopathic Education, or similar administrator verifying the student is in good standing, confirming strong academic standing (top 25% if ranked), and verifying that receipt of this scholarship will not render the student ineligible for other financial aid or reduce total aid received.
• Two (2) letters of recommendation from the following: academic medical instructor, Osteopathic physician, professional mentor, or similar professional within the Osteopathic profession, describing specific, detailed examples of the nominee’s characteristics and experiences (commitment to Osteopathic profession; significant volunteer experience; strong leadership skills) that make them uniquely qualified for this award. Note: one letter must be from an Osteopathic physician.
• A personal statement from the student nominee that outlines their exemplary leadership, service and character, as well as their commitment to Osteopathic medicine.
• Nominee’s current curriculum vitae or resume (include all current memberships, Osteopathic or otherwise).
• Proof of current AOA membership.

Note: COM/SOMs may nominate multiple eligible students for this scholarship.

Review Process

Nomination period opens Monday, February 23, 2026, and closes Thursday, April 30, 2026. Incomplete nominations will NOT be reviewed. Nominations are reviewed by an independent panel; the selected student will have the highest aggregate score. Nominees and their COM/SOM will be notified of funding decisions by July 31, 2025. 

The selected recipient will be receive one (1) complimentary ticket to attend the American Osteopathic Foundation’s Honors Gala event on Friday, October 23, 2026, in Las Vegas, Nevada, and will receive recognition as the 2026 AOA/AOF Presidential Memorial Scholarship recipient in the Honors Tribute Book. The recipient will also receive travel stipend to defray travel and hotel accommodation costs to attend the event.   

Click here to access the nomination portal.