Optometry Scholarships

Provides scholarships to students pursuing a medical degree in Ophthalmology.

Who may apply: Students admitted to the Pennsylvania College of Optometry and certified as Maryland Residents.How to apply: Complete and file an Optometry Tuition Reduction Certification application.When to apply: Deadline to become certified as a Maryland resident is July 7.Eligible majors: OptometryELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTSYou must be a Maryland resident. You must have been admitted to the Pennsylvania College of Optometry (PCO). You must enroll full-time in the Doctor of Optometry program leading to licensure as an optometrist in Maryland. Students in each class may participate in this tuition reduction program determined on a first come, first serve basis by the PCO. All inquires for admission to the PCO should be directed to the Office of Admissions, 8360 Old York Road, Elkins Park, PA 19027-1598, telephone: (215) 780-1300 or (800) 824-6262.FINANCIAL NEEDThis award is not based on need.AWARD AMOUNTThe minimum annual reduction, contingent upon State funding, is $8,275. Only five (5) students are selected for tuition reduction, so funds may not be available to award all eligible students.RENEWING AN AWARDYou may renew your award up to three years if you remain enrolled in the Doctor of Optometry program and maintain the satisfactory academic progress standards of the institution.SERVICE OBLIGATIONYou must sign and return a promissory note agreeing to serve full-time as a practicing Doctor of Optometry or professional in the field of optometry in Maryland, one year for each year you receive the tuition reimbursement, or repay the amount with interest. If you hold this scholarship with any other award requiring a service obligation, you must perform your service in consecutive years.

IMPORTANT DATES Applications Accepted: February 10, 2017 - January 29, 2018 Final Award Selection: March 15, 2018 Scholarship Awarded: Spring Quarter 2018 REQUIREMENTS The Healthcare Leaders Scholarship is offered to students entering or currently pursuing an educational program related to nursing or medicine. Applicant must be a US citizen, at least 17 years of age, and have a GPA of 3.0 or higher. All applicants must submit a 600 to 1,000-word essay explaining what they hope to accomplish during their career in the medical field and how the scholarship would fulfill those goals. Recommended topics are included in the Personal Essay section. All applications must be received by January 29th, 2018. Finalists will be notified in February and must provide proof of enrollment and GPA (letters of acceptance, transcripts, etc.) before the scholarship recipient is selected. SELECTION Applications will be reviewed by a panel. The winner will be selected based on the criteria set forth in the requirements section of this document. Once the winner is decided and notified of the award, he/she will receive a mailed 1099-MISC tax form and the check will be delivered to their address. The winner of the scholarship award will be fully responsible for the taxes incurred from receiving the award.