Awarded annually by ProTherapy Staffing
The Jake Scholarship
A $1,000 award for one future therapist — a student in the final year of an accredited therapy program. Applications are due December 1, 2026.
The Jake Scholarship is named for someone at the heart of our founders' story. Each year, it carries that name forward by helping one future therapist finish strong.
Who Can Apply
The Jake Scholarship is open to students in the final year of a U.S.-accredited program in any of these six disciplines:
- Physical Therapy (PT)
- Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA)
- Occupational Therapy (OT)
- Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA/COTA)
- Speech-Language Pathology (SLP)
- Speech-Language Pathology Assistant (SLPA)
Your program must be accredited by CAPTE (PT/PTA), AOTA-ACOTE (OT/OTA), or ASHA-CAA (SLP/SLPA) — associate through doctoral degrees are all eligible. Your expected graduation must fall within 12 months of the December 1, 2026 deadline, and you must be at least 18 years old.
Students who have persevered through significant personal hardship are especially encouraged to apply.
How to Apply
Applying takes one form and one short essay — no letters of recommendation, no application fee. You'll share your program, school, discipline, and expected graduation, then answer the essay prompt below. One application per person per cycle.
If you're weighing what your first years on the road could look like, our honest guide to new grad travel therapy is a good place to start — and you can learn how we work with clinicians on our For Therapists page. Neither is required to apply.
The Essay
Write 500–800 words answering:
“How could travel therapy shape your first five years as a clinician?”
Timeline
Applications are reviewed by ProTherapy Staffing's founders, both licensed physical therapists (DPTs). Decisions are final. Before the award is disbursed, the recipient must provide enrollment verification — an unofficial transcript or an enrollment letter. The award is paid to the recipient or directly to their institution.
Apply Now
One recipient, $1,000, due December 1, 2026. Applying creates no obligation of any kind.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible?
Students in the final year of a U.S.-accredited PT, PTA, OT, OTA/COTA, SLP, or SLPA program (CAPTE, AOTA-ACOTE, or ASHA-CAA accredited — associate through doctoral), graduating within 12 months of the December 1, 2026 deadline, who are at least 18.
Can assistants (PTA, OTA/COTA, SLPA) apply?
Yes — assistant-track students are explicitly eligible and apply on the same terms as PT, OT, and SLP students.
How is the winner chosen?
Applications are reviewed by ProTherapy Staffing's founders — both licensed physical therapists (DPTs) — based primarily on your essay. Decisions are final.
How is the award paid?
The $1,000 is paid to the recipient or directly to their institution. Before disbursement, the recipient provides enrollment verification (an unofficial transcript or an enrollment letter).
Is it renewable?
No. It is a one-time $1,000 award granted to a single recipient each year.
Does applying create any obligation to work with ProTherapy Staffing?
No. Applying creates no obligation of any kind. Recipients are under no obligation to work with, interview with, or contract with ProTherapy Staffing.
Past Recipients
Questions? Email [email protected].