SHP Scholarships
The General Scholarship Application period is now closed.
Please email OSA@shp.rutgers.edu for any questions
Each year, the SHP Scholarship Committee awards scholarships to qualified applicants who demonstrate academic and professional achievement in their program and fields.
Scholarships are available for both newly entering matriculated students as well as continuing matriculated students. To be eligible for these scholarships, students must have demonstrated high ethical standards in their coursework and have shown consistent dedication to the subject matter.
Students who have breached the Honor Code, Academic Integrity, or displayed any other “Acts of Misconduct” will not be considered for scholarships.
Most Scholarships are based on financial need and it is highly recommended that applicants complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Types of Scholarships
Please see below the listing of scholarships for the 2026-2027 academic year.
The General Scholarship Application is open until June 15th 2026
By completing the SHP Online General Scholarship Application, applicants are considered for each of the scholarships which they are deemed eligible for. Some scholarships may require an additional personal statement (i.e. Kirsch Family Scholarship).
Personal Statement Prompt:
The General Scholarship Personal Statement will ideally reflect insights into your academic life, as well as any personal experiences which have shaped your course of studies. As a general scholarship, this submission statement would be broadly applied; Program specific scholarship applications would include field relevant experiences which reflect your decision to enter a specific field of study.
Click here for more information.
| Scholarship Name | Criteria |
|---|---|
| Kirsch Family Physical Therapy Leadership Scholarship | Eligibility: Doctor of Physical Therapy Student entering their second year of study or higher (Admitted 2025 or earlier) , in good academic standing, who has demonstrated active participation and engagement in professional activities on the local, state or national level. |
| Catherine and Kenneth T. Gill Memorial Endowed Scholarship | Eligibility: part-time or full-time graduate or undergraduate student in psychiatric rehabilitation, entering their second year of study (or later) with a minimum GPA of 3.0. Also taken into consideration will be the student’s previous efforts and contributions to the lives of persons with serious mental illness in a paid, volunteer and/or student capacity. |
| Champions Endowed Scholarship | Based on financial need and academic merit |
| Estate of Edith Richards Endowed Scholarship | Standard SHP scholarship criteria |
| W. Paul Stillman Endowed Trust Fund Scholarship | Standard SHP scholarship criteria |
| Stanley Bergen Endowed Scholarship | Partial-tuition, based on academic excellence and some financial need, must be NJ resident and US citizen |
| Student Assistance Endowment (NJ Health Foundation Scholarship) | Standard SHP scholarship criteria |
| Wells Fargo Bank Endowed Scholarships for Allied Health Professionals | Standard SHP scholarship criteria |
| SHP Endowed Student Scholarship | Scholarship is for full-time SHP students. Selected by a committee of SHP faculty, staff and alumni. Applicant must demonstrate financial need, academic merit and outstanding character. |
| SHP Scholarship Fund | Standard SHP scholarship criteria |
| SHP Department of Clinical and Preventive Nutrition Sciences – Scholarship | For full or part-time Coordinated Dietetics (GPA of 3.0 or better from a dietetic technician program), MSCN, MSCN Entry Level or DCN students in good academic standing in the Department of Clinical and Preventive Nutrition Sciences. Two scholarships will be given each year, one undergraduate and one graduate. |
| Judith Yannariello, Ph. D. Endowed Scholarship | Eligibility: Scholarship for PA Students who will be in their second or third year (Admitted 2024 or earlier). See details and criteria on the PA Scholarships tab below. |
| Dr. Joseph A. Schwenkler Scholarship Fund for PA Students | Eligibility: Scholarship for PA Students who will be in their second or third year (Admitted 2024 or earlier). See details and criteria on the PA Scholarships tab below. |
| Dr. Laura Matarese SHP Clinical & Preventive Nutrition Sciences Doctoral Scholarship | Eligibility: Current DCN Students in good standing – A minimum GPA of 3.65 following completion of at least 12 credits as a matriculated student and has demonstrated commitment to leadership/service to the profession |
| Physician Assistant Raquel Santos Peskosky Endowed Scholarship | Scholarship for PA Students. See details and criteria on the PA Scholarships tab below |
*Scholarships subject to change
Students who applied using the SHP General Scholarship Application will be notified (awarded or not chosen for an award) by the end of the first week of September. If selected, awards will be posted to students financial accounts.
2026 ASAHP Scholarship of Excellence is open until June 15, 2026.
Please email OSA@shp.rutgers.edu for any questions
The Association of Schools Advancing Health Professions in partnership with CastleBranch sponsors a scholarship program for allied health students enrolled in its member schools.
Purpose: The purpose of the scholarship program is to recognize outstanding students in the allied health professions who are achieving excellence in their academic programs and have significant potential to assume future leadership roles in the allied health professions. The selected student will receive a $1,000 scholarship.
Starting in 2014, an additional scholarship in the amount of $1,000 and the title of Elwood Scholar is to be awarded to the most outstanding Scholarship of Excellence recipient.
Qualifications:
The following criteria must be met to be eligible to receive an ASAHP Scholarship:
- Candidates must be enrolled in a college or school that is an institutional member of ASAHP.
- Candidates must have successfully completed at least one term (quarter, semester, trimester, etc.) at that institution.
- Candidates may be enrolled in any health discipline except those in the nursing, public health, psychology, or MOD-VOPP (medicine, osteopathy, dentistry, veterinary medicine, optometry, podiatry, pharmacy) group.
- Candidates must be enrolled in a career entry-level, degree-granting program; all degree levels are eligible (associate, baccalaureate, master’s and doctoral).
- Financial need is not a criterion for eligibility.
Nomination Process:
Applicants will submit their application online and will be required to attach the following:
- Current resume/CV
- A one-page (not to exceed 200 words) typewritten essay from the nominee that addresses why she/he selected the health profession for which she/he is enrolled and what unique contributions she/he intends to make to the community’s health (Microsoft Word format).
The School of Health Professions will then select and nominate one candidate for consideration to ASAHP where a select group of members (e.g., ASAHP Past-Presidents or Members of the Board of Directors) who will make a determination of which students will be selected to receive scholarships.
Email SHP Students Affairs with any questions regarding this scholarship at osa@shp.rutgers.edu.
Dr. Laura Matarese Doctoral Scholarship In the Rutgers School of Health Professions Department of Clinical & Preventive Nutrition Sciences
The General Scholarship Application period is open until June 15, 2026.
Please email OSA@shp.rutgers.edu for any questions
Dr. Laura Matarese, Ph.D., RDN, LDN, CNSC, FADA, FASPEN, FAND is an accomplished clinician, educator, mentor, researcher, and role model who has added substantially to the body of literature addressing gastrointestinal disorders and parenteral and enteral nutrition. She is an alumnus of the Ph.D. in Health Sciences Program Nutrition Track ’07. In 2020, she was the Recipient of School of Health Profession’s Distinguished Alumnus Award. Dr. Matarese is a tenured professor of medicine in the Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition at East Carolina University’s Brody School of Medicine, and has been an adjunct professor at SHP since 2008. Students love her lectures and critical, thoughtful feedback.
Among her many accomplishments: She has worked to introduce new policies and procedures for nutrition interventions to optimize patient care for individuals with HIV, obesity, gastrointestinal disorders, and those on parenteral and enteral nutrition. As a clinician, she works with patients who require alternative methods of feeding, including enteral nutrition and IV nutrition for supplemental and total nutrition support. Beyond prescribing feeding regimens, Dr. Matarese’ s expertise, patience, and unique skills help patients adjust to the transition to non-oral feeding regimens. Dr. Matarese established this scholarship to support doctoral students in the department of clinical and preventive nutrition sciences in part because of the department’s continued commitment to evidence-based nutrition.
Amount of Scholarship – $1000
Scholarship Criteria – Current DCN Students in good standing
GPA/Academic/Professional Requirements
- A minimum GPA of 3.65 following completion of at least 12 credits as a matriculated student
- Demonstrated commitment to leadership/service to the profession
Required Documents
Current CV/Resume
Personal Statement – 500 word personal statement addressing
- Current service to the profession
- Future career goals
- Commitment to service and leadership to the profession and service to the public.
- Include a statement as to your planned course progression and how obtaining this scholarship will help support your completion of the program.
Questions Regarding the Scholarship Application – email OSA@shp.rutgers.edu
Catherine and Kenneth T. Gill Memorial Scholarship (Psychiatric Rehabilitation Department Students)
The General Scholarship Application period is open until June 15, 2026..
Please email OSA@shp.rutgers.edu for any questions.
Criteria
Eligibility: part-time or full-time graduate or undergraduate student in psychiatric rehabilitation, entering their second year of study (or later) with a minimum GPA of 3.0. Also taken into consideration will be the student’s previous efforts and contributions to the lives of persons with serious mental illness in a paid, volunteer and/or student capacity.
Statement
Prepare a brief statement (less 500 words) regarding your interest in serious mental illness and a description of any efforts and contributions to the lives of persons with serious mental illness you have pursued in a paid, volunteer and/or student capacity.
Doctor of Physical Therapy Program Scholarships
The General Scholarship Application period is now open until June 15th 2026.
Please email OSA@shp.rutgers.edu for any questions.
Eligibility
Doctor of Physical Therapy Student entering their second year of study or higher, in good academic standing, who has demonstrated active participation and engagement in professional activities on the local, state or national level.
Application Requirements
CV and Statement: Please include a current CV as well as a brief statement (500 words of less) describing the benefit of professional engagement in your professional development.
The General Scholarship Application period is open until June 15, 2026.
Please email OSA@shp.rutgers.edu for any questions.
This gift will be used to support graduate students. First preference will be given to students who are in the Doctorate of Physical Therapy Program.
The applicant should complete and submit the online SHP General Scholarship Application (indicating interest in the Dr. Sandra L. Kaplan Endowed Scholarship), complete the FAFSA with Financial Aid, submit an essay describing an episode of personal growth from within the past 2 years, and how that informs your professional development as a physical therapist.
Students who applied using the SHP General Scholarship Application will be notified (awarded or not chosen for an award) by the end of the first week of September. If selected, awards will be posted to students financial account.
Physician Assistant Program Scholarships
The application is now open and closes on Monday, March 9, 2026.
Rutgers SHP Physician Assistant Program Endowed Student Service Grant
The Rutgers SHP Physician Assistant Program is committed to facilitating student service experiences and projects for students that will nurture sensitivity to a broad range of cultures and backgrounds, promote empathy, instill social responsibility and expand and strengthen the individual’s sense of self. Another important consideration in student service experiences is the lasting impact of the work on the target community.
In support of this, the Program will annually award one $2,000 grant to a currently enrolled PA student to help offset expenses for a local, domestic or international Service Experience. The grant award must be used for the service experience or project and is not a general scholarship award.
Applications will be blinded and reviewed by a panel that will weigh the merits of the following criteria equally. The panel consists of a minimum of 3 people, comprised of at least two non-student members and one current student member of the PA Program Service Committee.
Criteria for consideration are:
- Applicant essay (maximum of 500 words) on why they are motivated to undertake this experience or project, and what they hope to accomplish.
- The overall impact of the service experience or project on the health and wellness of the target community or population (as described in the essay, or other supporting materials).
- Applicant’s history of past service activities (a curriculum vitae highlighting past volunteer experiences must be submitted with each application).
Submission Instructions (online submission below)
Prepare the following information to submit:
- Sponsor Information – For a travel-based experience, provide the sponsoring organization (if available), with link to their website and detailed information on what you will be doing during the experience, as well as your approximate travel dates (if applicable)
- Project details – For a project-based experience, provide the rationale, purpose, community needs and benefits that support the project.
- Costs – Please provide a table with estimated breakdown of total costs of the experience (travel, lodging, estimated food costs, insurance, etc.)
Please submit One Word document that includes the following two (2) items:
- Essay Submission – A 500-word (maximum) essay stating why you are motivated to undertake this Experience and what you hope to accomplish, taking into account the health and wellness of the target population.
- Resume/CV – Your Resume/CV with all past Service or Volunteer experiences.
Each item should be numbered and on a new page in one editable document.
Additional information:
The experience or project must be completed within 12 months of award notification and occur while the individual is still an enrolled student. Should the student’s experience/project need to be cancelled after the grant award, all monies must be returned to the PA Program.
After completing the experience/project, award recipients will be required to submit a written reflection on their experience and to prepare and present a 30-minute overview about the experience to fellow students during annual National PA week activities in October.
Applicants must be in good standing and have a minimum of a 2.5 grade point average to apply.
For any questions, email osa@shp.rutgers.edu.
Application open (online)
Application must be submitted online by: Monday, March 9, 2026.
The General Scholarship Application period is open until June 15, 2026.
Please email OSA@shp.rutgers.edu for any questions.
After many years as a biomedical researcher, at age 53 Judith Yannariello entered the PA Program in 2011 as a member of the class of 2014. A week into her second year in August, 2012, a visit to her PCP led to hospitalization and an eventual diagnosis of pancreatic cancer. Judith had surgery in October followed by chemotherapy and radiation. She finished treatment the following May and returned to the PA program in August, 2013, joining the class of 2015.
GI symptoms reappeared in mid-fall and intensified as the semester went on. But with the support of the faculty and her great work ethic, Judith completed the didactic portion of the program and passed her comps in February, 2014. Her Pinning Ceremony was one of the proudest days of her life, which she celebrated with her husband, Jack Zamboni, and daughter, Coral Brown. Her radiant smile is remembered by everyone who knew her.
She started her first clinical rotation, but her symptoms increased and she was unable to complete the rotation. Recurrence of the cancer was confirmed in April, 2014 and she had to withdraw from the PA program. She enjoyed some quality time with her family that summer, but weakened in the fall and died on October 27, 2014. Though she was unable to complete the PA degree, she was conferred a Certificate of Completion of the didactic portion of the program on the day of her passing.
Judith left a lasting mark on her 2014 and 2015 classmates as well as the PA faculty. To her younger colleagues, she was their “class mom” who offered support and wisdom in dealing with the challenges of both the PA Program and daily life. Her perseverance in the face of adversity was an inspiration to all.
The Judith Yannariello, Ph.D Endowed Scholarship has been established by her family in memory of Judith. It is funded by contributions from her family, many friends, PA Program faculty and Judith’s classmates. Its purpose is to honor her courage, hard work and, above all, her generosity of spirit, and to continue her legacy in the PA Program by supporting students who reflect her character.
Criteria
In order to be eligible for this scholarship, the student must:
- Be a student in good academic standing in the second or third year of the Rutgers Physician Assistant Program.
- Demonstrate financial need through submission of financial aid record.
- Demonstrate academic effort in his or her own studies.
- Demonstrate an unselfish commitment to assisting other students academically and personally.
- Demonstrate a caring and supportive influence on other members of the class.
- Communicate an interest to work in primary care as a physician assistant.
The applicant should complete and submit the online SHP General Scholarship Application (indicating interest in the Judith Yannariello scholarship), complete the FAFSA with Financial Aid, submit an essay highlighting how he or she meets the above criteria.
Students who applied using the SHP General Scholarship Application will be notified (awarded or not chosen for an award) by the end of the first week of September. If selected, awards will be posted to students financial account.
The General Scholarship Application period is open until June 15, 2026.
Please email OSA@shp.rutgers.edu for any questions.
Dr. Joseph A. Schwenkler was a family physician for nearly 40 years and Medical Director for the Rutgers University Physician Assistant Program for 10 years until his passing in 2015. Dr. Schwenkler made an unprecedented impact on the integration of PAs into the medical community of New Jersey. He piloted one of the first family practice settings to utilize PAs and continued to advocate for the profession on a State and National platform through the New Jersey Society for Physician Assistants (NJSSPA) and the Physician Assistant Education Association (PAEA).
“Dr. Joe,” as he was endearingly referred to, also had a passion for technology and its impact on the advancement of medical care. Not only was he a founding partner of two successful local practices in Hunterdon County, he pioneered utilization of Electronic Medical Records, writing code for early versions of their system. Clearly a physician ahead of his time, he saw the transformational impact of electronic health records in reforming quality of care, patient safety, productivity and improved efficiency.
During his tenure as Medical Director of the PA Program, he became a champion for Inter-professional Education (IPE). In alignment with his support for PAs, Dr. Joe was instrumental in supervising a faculty-run volunteer clinic, allowing members of the community access to care from a team of professionals, including pharmacy and nutrition, through a primary care platform. He advocated for IPE and spearheaded the first school-wide IPE event, involving over 300 students from 10 different disciplines coming together and learning teamwork, roles, communication and ethics.
He completed a BS in Physician Assistant at Rutgers followed by his MD from Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School and completed a residency at Hunterdon Medical Center.
Dr. Joe was widely beloved by his students as he had been by his former patients, and led the education of hundreds of Physician Assistants now serving communities across the country. He was dedicated to improving the health of the community by advancing the education and training of physician assistants.
Criteria:
- Be a student in good academic standing in the second or third year of the SHP Physician Assistant Program (as of Fall 2022).
- Demonstrate financial need through submission of the financial aid record (FAFSA)
- Demonstrate effort to advocate for the PA profession
- Reflect on the role of inter-professional practice and/or technology in addressing the needs of the patient, the practice, or the community.
Scholarship Process:
The applicant should complete and submit the online SHP General Scholarship Application (indicating interest in the Joseph A. Schwenkler scholarship), complete the FAFSA with Financial Aid, submit an essay highlighting how he or she meets the above criteria.
Students who applied using the SHP General Scholarship Application will be notified (awarded or not chosen for an award) by the end of the first week of September. If selected, awards will be posted to students financial account.
The General Scholarship Application period is now open until June 15, 2026.
Please email OSA@shp.rutgers.edu for any questions.
Raquel Santos Peskosky, 30, of Clifton passed away surrounded by her loving family on January 8th, 2025 after a valiant fight against cancer. Raquel had a vigorous passion for life, adventure, nature, and especially turtles.
Born in São Paulo, Brasil, Raquel immigrated to the United States in 2002 and lived in Flemington, Basking Ridge, and Jersey City, before marrying the love of her life and settling in Clifton, New Jersey. She always remained connected to her roots, frequently going back to visit Brasil on any occasion possible.
A graduate of The College of New Jersey and Rutgers School of Health Professions, Raquel was proud to be a Physician Assistant in the Emergency Department at Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center in Livingston, NJ. Raquel was passionate to have a career centered around saving lives and helping others, especially in times of crisis. She used her intelligence and strong heart to impact countless lives in her career, both patients and healthcare peers alike.
Shortly after her diagnosis, Raquel and her husband celebrated marriage on May 13th, 2023, in an intimate backyard wedding. It was followed by a magical wedding ceremony on October 5th, 2024 at St. James RC Church solidifying them as one as they looked forward to beginning a family of their own.
Beloved wife of Paul Peskosky, Jr. Devoted daughter of Jose Santos and Marilia Vieira de Camargo. Loving sister of Mateus Santos and his wife Almudena, and Lucas Santos. Cherished sister-in-law to Michael and Laura Tresca. Loving aunt to Isabela, Emma and Lilyana. Forever loved by countless family, friends, and colleagues.
A big personality in a small frame, Raquel’s radiant and joyful energy was contagious. A tough woman with a gentle soul, Raquel changed every life she touched for the better. She enjoyed being surrounded by friends and family and was known to give the tightest of hugs.
A woman of the world, Raquel’s love for travel was unmatched. She wanted to experience all life had to offer and took every opportunity to do so. She made sure to enjoy every activity and excursion (especially if it involved turtles) at any destination. She enjoyed tasting different foods from different cultures but her love for potatoes was never beaten.
Raquel lived life to the fullest, seeing more in her too short time on Earth than most do in their entire lives. She experienced true unconditional love with her husband, unlimited laughter with family and friends, and forever lived in the moment. She leaves behind a legacy of love and will be missed by all.
Criteria:
- Be a student in good academic standing in the Rutgers Physician Assistant Program.
- Demonstrate financial need through submission of financial aid record (FAFSA).
- Demonstrate academic effort in his or her own studies.
- Demonstrate an unselfish commitment to assisting other students academically and personally.
- Demonstrate a caring and supportive influence on other members of the class.
External Scholarships
Welcome to the Drug Rehab USA Mental Health Scholarship, a beacon of support for aspiring mental health professionals dedicated to making a positive impact on individuals and communities. This scholarship, valued at $2,000, aims to recognize and reward students pursuing degrees in mental health fields. We believe in the transformative power of education and the profound influence mental health professionals can have on the well-being of society.
Eligibility:
The Drug Rehab USA Mental Scholarship is open to students enrolled in any mental health degree program, including but not limited to psychology, counseling, social work, psychiatric nursing, and other related fields. Applicants must be committed to making a difference in the field of mental health and demonstrate a passion for improving the lives of others.
You must have an @.edu email to enter.
Application Process:
To apply for The Drug Rehab USA Mental Scholarship, interested candidates must submit a compelling piece of content that explains why they are pursuing a mental health degree and outlines the difference they aspire to make in the future. This content can take various forms, including an essay, video, artwork, or any creative medium that effectively communicates the applicant’s story and vision.
Submission Guidelines
- Length: Essays should be between 500-800 words, while videos should not exceed 5 minutes.
- Creativity: Applicants are encouraged to express their passion creatively and authentically.
- Relevance: The content should clearly address why the applicant has chosen a mental health degree and how they envision contributing to the field.
- Current Student: Must be a current student at any University in The Unites States.
- Student Email: You must use your student email to be eligible for this scholarship.
Selection Criteria:
A panel of mental health professionals and educators will evaluate submissions based on the following criteria:
- Clarity of Purpose: How well does the applicant articulate their motivation for pursuing a mental health degree?
- Impactful Vision: Does the applicant effectively convey the positive difference they aspire to make in the future?
- Creativity and Originality: To what extent does the content showcase the applicant’s unique perspective and creativity?
- Passion for Mental Health: Does the applicant demonstrate a genuine passion for mental health and a commitment to improving the lives of others?
This Scholarship is Annual
All submissions must be received by December 1, 2026. Late submissions will not be considered.
Award:
The selected recipient of The Drug Rehab USA Mental Scholarship will be awarded $2,000 to support their education and journey toward becoming a mental health professional. The scholarship funds can be used for tuition, books, or other educational expenses.
We look forward to receiving inspiring stories and visions from passionate individuals committed to making a lasting impact on mental health. Together, let’s empower minds and foster a brighter, more compassionate future.
Click here to enter using an an .edu email from the university you are attending.
Please email admin@drugrehabus.org using an .edu email from the university you are attending.
