The 2022 program is a relaunch of the 2021 APTA Centennial Scholar Program.
The 2022 program will run for nine months, March 1-December 31, with a smaller cohort of 20-25 scholars and approximately five mentors. APTA is sponsoring each of the 20-25 scholars and will determine the number and type(s) of projects, aligning with APTA’s Strategic Plan.
The curriculum is planned to include: Attributes of Effective Association Leaders, Why Associations? The Role of Non-Profits in Society, APTA’s Core Leadership Competencies, Leadership Styles, Championing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Get to Know APTA, The Future of Association Membership, Strategic Planning Defining Leadership Roles and Responsibilities, Foresight: Drivers of Association Change, and Members are the “Why”: Association Value Propositions, as well as cover baseline information for the 2022-2024 Strategic Plan and factors that impact future leaders, such as financial strains, workforce demands, advocacy efforts, and membership recruitment and retention.
The 2022 scholar program will pilot different types of projects, such as multi-year (continuing one from 2021) and multi-scholar (more than one scholar on a single project), allowing us to identify the best approaches to a capstone project. Scholars and mentors will be able to review the list of projects and select one of interest before fully committing to become a scholar. (The list of possible capstone projects is included on the application form that will appear when you click "Apply Today!" on this page.) Scholars will work directly with APTA and their mentors to design and complete a capstone project that addresses an existing need as determined by APTA.
Eligibility and Application Requirements
- Must be a current PT, PTA, or student member of the APTA at the time of application and throughout the 2022 calendar year.
- Must attend any required in-person events (expenses to be paid by APTA) and meetings to meet curriculum requirements.
- Must commit to developing and completing a capstone project with topics identified by APTA as high value, which may extend beyond 2022.
- Must submit a completed application by the application deadline.
Required Application Materials
- Complete application through APTA Engage.
- Attach resume or CV detailing educational, professional, and volunteer service experience.
Desired Application Materials - Forward separately to Agatha Johnson at agathajohnson@apta.org by February 28.
- For PTs and PTAs: Two letters of recommendation from people familiar with your potential for future professional leadership and your ability successfully complete a capstone project.
- For students: At least one letter of recommendation should be from your physical therapy program academic and/or clinical faculty.