ALOTA Practitioner Awards & Student Scholarships

Celebrate Excellence. Empower the Future.

Each year, the Alabama Occupational Therapy Association (ALOTA) honors the outstanding work and service of occupational therapy practitioners and students across the state. These awards are presented at our annual ALOTA Fall Conference & Retreat, providing an exciting opportunity to recognize your peers, mentors, and future leaders.

We invite you to nominate deserving individuals who exemplify dedication, innovation, and impact in the field of occupational therapy.

Practitioner Awards

Elsie Holmes McKibbin Award

This prestigious award honors an occupational therapy practitioner who has made significant contributions to the profession’s body of knowledge. Sponsored funding supports the recipient’s continued research. The award recipient will present the Elsie Holmes McKibbin Lecture (EHML) at the next ALOTA Fall Conference. Nominations must be received by August 15, 2026.

Eligibility:

• Minimum 10 years of experience

• Active ALOTA member

• Demonstrated scholarly contributions (written and oral presentations)

Ann Cosby Service Award

Recognizes a passionate advocate (member or non-member) whose ongoing contributions have advanced occupational therapy and/or healthcare in Alabama.

OT Award of Excellence

Celebrates an occupational therapist who demonstrates exceptional skill, depth of knowledge, and active involvement in the profession and the association. Nominations must be received by August 15, 2026.

Eligibility:

• Minimum 5 years of experience

• Active ALOTA member

OTA Award of Excellence

Recognizes an Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) who has significantly contributed to the growth, education, and mentorship of fellow OTAs and the broader ALOTA community. Nominations must be received by August 15, 2026.

Eligibility:

• Minimum 5 years of experience

• Active ALOTA member

Student Scholarship Opportunities

NEW: Creative Scholarship Submissions Accepted!

We now welcome diverse formats for scholarship submissions. Choose from:
Essay · Video · Infographic · Portfolio · Podcast · Social Media Campaign · Website or Blog

These options allow you to showcase your unique personality, creativity, and passion for occupational therapy.

Marie Moore Lyles Scholarship

Honoring the legacy of Marie Moore Lyles, MS, OTR, FAOTA — a pioneer and founding director at Tuskegee University — this scholarship supports students promoting justice, diversity, equity, and inclusion. Awarded at the annual ALOTA Fall Conference & Retreat. Nominations must be received by August 15, 2026.

Award: $1,000

Eligibility:

• ALOTA member

• Enrolled in an OT/OTA program in Alabama

• Demonstrated commitment to DEI initiatives

To apply:

1. Submit the Scholarship Application

2. Have your Professional Development Assessment emailed to [email protected] by your adviser or department chair (not accepted from student email addresses).

OT Student Scholarships

ALOTA awards one $1,000 scholarship to OT students each Fall at the annual ALOTA Fall Conference & Retreat. Nominations must be received by August 15, 2026.

Eligibility:

• ALOTA member

• Enrolled in an OT program in Alabama

• Complete both the Application and Professional Development Assessment

To apply:

1. Submit the Scholarship Application

2. Have your Professional Development Assessment emailed to [email protected] by your adviser or department chair (not accepted from student email addresses).

OTA Student Scholarships

Each Spring, ALOTA awards one (1) $1,000.00 to an OTA student, recognized at the annual ALOTA Fall Conference & Retreat Awards Ceremony.

Eligibility:

• ALOTA member

• Enrolled in an OTA program in Alabama

To apply:

1. Submit the Scholarship Application

2. Have your Professional Development Assessment emailed to [email protected] by your adviser or department chair (not accepted from student email addresses).

Questions?

Contact the ALOTA Awards Chair at [email protected] for any inquiries regarding awards or scholarships.

See Previous Award Winners*