Now celebrating its 10th year, the American Osteopathic Foundation’s Prairie State Scholarship was established 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. 

Purpose

This Fund provides one (1) annual scholarship in the amount of $5,000 to one (1) OMS-II or III who graduated from an Illinois high school.

Scholarship

One (1) annual scholarship 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

• Students in good standing at a COCA-accredited College/School of Osteopathic Medicine (COM/SOM) who will be an OMS-II or OMS-III during the the 2026-2027 academic year who graduated from an Illinois high school.
• If the COM/SOM ranks students, applicants 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 Osteopathic education and the profession.
• Participates in extracurricular activities that promote Osteopathic medicine to the public.
• Current AOA membership required to apply. (Complimentary AOA student membership available here).

 Requirements

• Completed online application – students may 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 50% 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) additional letters of recommendation from the following: an academic medical instructor, Osteopathic physician, professional mentor, or similar professional within the Osteopathic profession that describe how the applicant exemplifies the purpose of the scholarship. Note: one letter must be from an Osteopathic physician.
• A 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, official transcript, etc.).
• Current curriculum vitae or resume (including all memberships and volunteer positions, Osteopathic or otherwise).
• Proof of AOA student membership.

Review Process

Applications will be accepted beginning Monday, February 23, 2026, and will close on Thursday, April 30, 2026. Incomplete applications will NOT be reviewed. Applications are reviewed by an independent panel; the selected student will be the applicant with the highest aggregate score. Applicants and their SOM/COM will be notified of funding decisions by July 31, 2026. 

The selected recipient will receive one (1) complimentary ticket to attend AOF’s Honors Gala, on Friday, October 23, 2026, in Las Vegas, Nevada, where they will have the opportunity to meet leaders in the Osteopathic profession and will be recognized as the AOF 2026 Prairie State Scholarship recipient in the Honors Tribute Book. 

Click here to access the application portal.