Empower DPT students. Give back.

Make a difference.

Donate today to support scholarships that foster more diversity in the PT profession.

Half of all DPT students leave school with more than $70,000 in student loan debt.

And DPT students who identify as Black, Indigenous, or people of color leave school with 15% more debt.

The astronomic cost of education is a daunting barrier to the PT profession, preventing students of color and lower-income students from becoming physical therapists.

But the PT profession needs more of these students; research shows that patients experience better outcomes when they see a provider who understands and can relate to them.

Rizing Tide’s quest is to make physical therapy a more accessible and equitable profession by awarding scholarships to outstanding DPT students and residents who come from underrepresented racial and ethnic backgrounds.

With your generosity, we can empower exceptional students and build a better healthcare experience. Together, we can make a difference!

Uzair Hammad, DPT

"I'm grateful that Rizing Tide is helping me open my eyes and see that anything is possible. More than anything it means the world to me to know that I'm not alone and that I'm supported."

Brittany Ballentine

"Well, for one, I get to stay in school, so that's so that's amazing. But it's also making me continue to do my best while I'm here. I feel like being a Rizing Tide scholar is holding me to a standard that's a little bit bigger than me."

Oliver Artiga

"I'm so excited and happy that I've had the opportunity to take this award. I come from a working class background, so I'm trying to do my best to minimize cost. I can't thank like the Rizing Tide organization enough for believing in me and investing in my future."

Meet Our Scholars

These exceptional scholars are using their Rizing Tide scholarships to propel their careers forward and make a bigger industry impact—faster. Hover over their photos to learn their names and see where they're completing their education!

Stephon Moise, DPT, Advent Health Orlando Orthopedic Residency

Crest Scholar Carolina Mahecha Millan smiles in front of a scenic, pale pink and powder blue sunset. She wears glasses, a white shirt, and blue flannel.

Carolina Mahecha Millan, FAMU

Said Mendez, Duke University

Jacqueline Hua, Northwestern University

Keairez Coleman, DPT, University of Miami Sports PT Residency

Devon Morris, DPT, Emory University Orthopedic PT Residency

Ricardo Locci, Northwestern University

Nanami Mano, DPT, UPMC Geriatric PT Residency

Elisha Li, Washington University in St. Louis

Crest Scholar Maya Jones smiles as she poses in front of a blue sky and a picturesque college campus. She's wearing a red dress.

Maya Jones, UAB

Mikaela Holley, UAB

Ruth Morales-Flores, Northwestern University

Tyrell McGee, Regis University

Crest scholar Fiorella Barreda smiles while standing in front of a plain wall. She's wearing a black, long-sleeved polo that says "Elon Doctor of Physical Therapy"

Fiorella Barreda, Elon University

Bridget Ochuko, DPT, WashU Residency in Women's Health

Crest Scholar Erika Gonzalez smiles for a professional portrait against a brown and black background. She wears glasses and a maroon shirt.

Erika Gonzalez, Texas State University

Crest Scholar Zahraa Darwich smiles at the camera while posing in front of scenic waterfalls. She's wearing a black hijab and a purple long-sleeve shirt

Zahraa Darwich, Wayne State University

Josie Cooke, University of Washington

Bridge the PT Diversity Gap

Compared to the wider United States, the physical therapy profession is not diverse. Steep financial barriers like the cost of tuition prevent BIPOC students from entering the PT profession and finding financial success. Our scholarships directly combat this problem.

39.9%

Of the U.S. population is Black, Indigenous, and/or people of color (BIPOC).

22.2%

Of employed physical therapists are Black, Indigenous, and/or people of color (BIPOC).

8.2%

Of C-level executives in the PT industry identify as Black, Indigenous, and/or people of color (BIPOC).

Donate Today