The American Osteopathic Foundation’s Golden Ticket Scholarships were established in 2017 by the Board of Directors to provide financial support in recognition of exceptional Osteopathic medical students who carry a disproportionate financial burden during medical school. 

Purpose

Golden Ticket Scholarships recognize those who, despite financial obstacles, have achieved academic excellence, display exemplary leadership, give of themselves through volunteer/community activities, and embody Osteopathic tenets and philosophy.

Scholarship

Up to six (6) students will be selected as finalists and will each receive a $5,000 educational scholarship. One (1) of the finalists will be selected to receive AOF’s annual Golden Ticket and awarded an additional $15,000 educational scholarship. 

Eligibility

• Students in good standing at a COCA-accredited College/School of Osteopathic Medicine (COM/SOM) who will be an OMS-III or OMS-IV during the 2026-2027 academic year.
• Significant financial need affecting completion of education.
• If the COM/SOM ranks students, nominees must be in the top 25% of their class, displaying outstanding academic achievement while in medical school.
• Demonstrated participation in school and community activities outside of any medical school requirements; may include leadership in professionally related organizations and activities while enrolled in Osteopathic medical school.
• Prior Golden Ticket scholarship finalists and winners are not eligible.
• Current AOA membership required for nomination. (Complimentary AOA student membership available here).

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.
• A Letter of Financial Need from the Director of Financial Aid or their representative confirming that the student qualifies for financial aid and outlines their unmet financial need.  Letter should verify that, if received, this scholarship will not render the student ineligible for other financial aid opportunities or reduce the total aid they are receiving.
• Two (2) letters of recommendation from the following: academic medical instructor, Osteopathic physician, professional mentor, or similar professional within the Osteopathic profession, describing the nominee’s contributions to the Osteopathic profession and/or their community service. Note: one letter must be from an Osteopathic physician.
• A personal statement from the nominee explaining why financial need is negatively impacting their education.
• Current curriculum vitae or resume (include memberships, Osteopathic or other).
• Proof of AOA student membership.

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 students will have the highest aggregate scores. Nominees and their COM/SOM will be notified of funding decisions by July 31, 2025. 

The selected Golden Ticket Scholarship Finalists will receive one (1) complimentary ticket to the American Osteopathic Foundation’s Honors Gala event on Friday, October 23, 2026, in Las Vegas, Nevada, where the Golden Ticket Scholarship Winner will be announced. All Golden Ticket Scholarship Finalists will be recognized in the Honors Tribute Book, and will receive a travel stipend to defray travel and hotel accommodation costs to attend the event.   

Click here to access the nomination portal.