Adam Ferrari Health Science College Scholarship (2026) – $20,000 Award

Scholarship Description

The Adam Ferrari Health Science College Scholarship is a prestigious $20,000 award designed to empower students who wish to study health science with the goal of providing better care for patients with physical disabilities. Established by the Adam Ferrari Foundation, this scholarship supports tomorrow's health leaders by recognising academic excellence, empathy, and a genuine commitment to improving the lives of individuals with disabilities.

Now in its fifth year, the scholarship has supported exceptional students who blend academic excellence with a passion for improving care for people with physical disabilities. Past recipients have pursued degrees in bioengineering, nursing, occupational therapy, and other health science fields at top institutions including UC Berkeley and Washington University in St. Louis.

The scholarship is open to students who will begin their first year of full-time enrollment at an accredited college or university in the fall of 2026. Applicants must demonstrate a minimum GPA of 3.5 and submit a compelling 1,000–2,000 word essay describing their experiences working with patients with physical disabilities or explaining why pursuing a career in this field is meaningful to them.

Scholarship Location

The scholarship supports study at accredited colleges and universities in the United States. Funds are sent directly to the recipient's college or university and applied toward tuition.

Scholarship Deadline

The application window is open from February 3, 2026 to June 30, 2026. All essays and application materials must be submitted before the deadline.

Host Institution

The scholarship is administered by the Adam Ferrari Foundation. The award is open to students attending any accredited college or university in the United States.

Level and Fields of Study

Level: First-year college student (incoming freshman).

Fields of study: Health science and related fields, including but not limited to:

• Bioengineering
• Nursing
• Occupational Therapy
• Physical Therapy
• Pre-Medicine
• Public Health
• Kinesiology
• Exercise Science
• Rehabilitation Science
• Other health science disciplines

Applicants must demonstrate a genuine interest in providing care for patients with physical disabilities.

Target Group

This scholarship is open to U.S. students who will begin their first year of full-time enrollment at an accredited U.S. college or university in the fall of 2026. Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 3.5 and a demonstrated commitment to health science and caring for patients with physical disabilities.

Scholarship Amount

Amount: $20,000 (one scholarship awarded annually).

Distribution: Funds are sent directly to the recipient's college or university and applied toward tuition.

Previous recipients:

• 2025: Chrislaina Anderson (Bioengineering, UC Berkeley)
• 2024: Annie O'Brien (Nursing)
• 2022: Jordan Spangenberg
• 2021: Katherine Schoen (Occupational Therapy, Washington University in St. Louis)

Scholarship Eligibility

Essential criteria:

• Enrollment: Must be a student who will begin their first year of full-time enrollment at an accredited college or university in the fall of 2026.
• Field of Study: Pursuing a degree in health science or a related field.
• Commitment: Must demonstrate a genuine interest in providing care for patients with physical disabilities.
• Academic Achievement: Minimum GPA of 3.5 (high school GPA and any college coursework to date).
• Essay: Submit an original essay of 1,000–2,000 words describing experience working with patients with physical disabilities or explaining why this career path is meaningful.
• Essay Authenticity: Essays must be the applicant's original work. AI-generated content is not permitted and will result in disqualification.

Application Procedure

1. Check eligibility – Ensure you meet all criteria: first-year student in Fall 2026, GPA 3.5+, pursuing health science with focus on physical disabilities.
2. Prepare your essay – Write an original essay of 1,000–2,000 words describing your experience working with patients with physical disabilities or explaining why this career path is meaningful to you.
3. Gather academic information – Have your high school GPA and any college coursework GPA ready.
4. Complete the application form – Submit the online application through the official Adam Ferrari Scholarship website (https://www.adamferrarischolarship.com).
5. Upload your essay – Attach your 1,000–2,000 word essay to the application.
6. Submit before the deadline – Applications must be submitted by June 30, 2026.
7. Finalist selection – By July 31, 2026, three finalists are selected and contacted for additional materials (transcripts, ID verification).
8. Finalist interviews – Finalists participate in 20–30 minute Zoom interviews with the Scholarship Committee (August 13–21, 2026).
9. Award announcement – The recipient is announced on September 1, 2026.
10. Award acceptance – The recipient has two weeks to formally accept the award.

Important notes: All essays are reviewed for originality and AI-generated content. AI-generated essays will be disqualified. Funds are sent directly to the recipient's college/university. The Scholarship Committee may request additional documentation to verify application information.

Official Website & Application Link

Adam Ferrari Health Science Scholarship – Official Website

Application Form: Available on the official scholarship website.

Contact: For questions about the scholarship, use the contact information available on the official website.