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

• OMS-II or OMS-III in good standing at a College/School of Osteopathic medicine (COM/SOM) at the time of nomination
• Significant financial need affecting completion of education.
• If the COM/SOM ranks students, nominee 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. (Complimentary AOA student membership here.)

Application Requirements

• Completed online nomination form – student must be nominated by COM/SOM
• A Letter of Good Standing from the Dean or their designee, confirming an outstanding (top quartile) academic standing. 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 they are receiving. An optional template is located here.
• Two (2) letters of recommendation from the following list: academic medical instructor, Osteopathic physician, professional mentor, or similar professional within the Osteopathic profession, detailing the nominee’s contributions to the Osteopathic profession and/or their community service.
• A one (1) page personal statement from the nominee explaining why financial need is negatively impacting their education.
• Current curriculum vitae or resume (include memberships, Osteopathic or other), and a current photo
• Proof of AOA student membership.

Review Process

Nomination period opens March 3, 2025, and closes May 12, 2025. Nominees and their SOM/COM will be notified by July 31, 2025.  Selected Golden Ticket Scholarship finalists will receive one (1) complimentary ticket to AOF’s Honors Gala on Friday, September 26, 2025, in Nashville, Tennessee, where the Golden Ticket Scholarship winner will be announced. Scholarship finalists will receive a stipend to defray travel and hotel expenses associated with attending Honors and a write-up in the Honors Tribute Book.

Click here to access the nomination portal.