Purpose

The AOF Prairie State Scholarship was established in 2015 through a gift from the Illinois Osteopathic Educational Foundation to provide financial assistance to an Osteopathic medical student who graduated from an Illinois high school to help reduce the cost of education. 

Scholarship Award 

One (1) annual educational scholarship award in the amount of $5,000 will be presented to one (1) Osteopathic medical student who exemplifies the ideals of the Osteopathic profession, is an exemplary student and serves as an ambassador for the profession while completing their Osteopathic education.

Eligibility

• OMS II, OMS III, or OMS IV currently enrolled at College/School of Osteopathic Medicine (COM/SOM) who graduated from an Illinois high school.
• If the COM/SOM ranks students, applicant must be in the top 50% of their class (displaying strong academic achievement while in medical school).
• Has significantly dedicated time to volunteer work in their community.
• Demonstrated commitment to their Osteopathic education and the profession.
• Participates in extracurricular activities that promote Osteopathic medicine to the public.
• Complimentary student membership in the AOA required to apply.

 Requirements

• A completed online application form - self-nominations are accepted.
• A Letter of Good Standing from the Dean or their representative confirming a strong (top 50%) academic standing and verification that, if received, this award will not render the student ineligible for other scholarship opportunities within the school.
• Two (2) letters of recommendation from the following list: academic medical instructor, Osteopathic physician, professional mentor, or similar professional within the Osteopathic profession that describe how the applicant exemplifies the purpose of the award. NOTE: one letter must be from an Osteopathic physician.
• One page personal statement describing how the applicant exemplifies the ideals of the Osteopathic profession, is an exemplary student and serves as an ambassador for the profession while completing their Osteopathic education.
• Official confirmation of graduation from an Illinois High School (diploma, etc.)
• Curriculum vitae or resume (include all memberships, Osteopathic or other)

Review Process

Applications close August 18, 2025. Incomplete applications will NOT be reviewed. Applicants will be notified in October and approved grants will be disbursed prior to December 31, 2025 upon completion of the required paperwork.

The application portal is accessible here.