Simon Scholar Physician Assistant Program
Offered by Ronald M. Simon Family Foundation and Chapman University
About this scholarship
The Simon Scholar Physician Assistant Program provides full tuition for Chapman University’s two-year Master of Medical Science in Physician Assistant Studies. Current foundation funding supports ten full-tuition scholarships for each entering class. The award covers tuition only: it excludes the $1,000 registration deposit, living expenses, books, supplies, student health insurance, enrollment health clearance, and other non-tuition costs, so it is classified as partial funding and no unverified tuition total is stored. Applicants do not need to have participated in the Simon Scholars high school program. They must first apply to and be accepted by Chapman’s PA program through CASPA. Scholarship selection targets Orange County residents from underserved backgrounds who meet the published low-income standard, have experienced financial adversity, and demonstrate academic strength, leadership, and community service. Recipients commit to clinical practice as physician assistants in Orange County for at least three years after licensure. The scholarship application requires a personal essay, financial-need statement, FAFSA Submission Summary, three recommendations, and an interview for finalists. Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee an interview or award. The scholarship portal runs May 1 through August 30; the separate Chapman PA admission application is due through CASPA by August 1 each year.
Eligibility
- Be a resident of Orange County, California
- Meet the program’s published low-income standard and demonstrate financial need or adversity
- Apply through CASPA and gain admission to Chapman University’s MMS Physician Assistant Studies program
- Demonstrate academic excellence and leadership
- Show a sustained commitment to community service
- Commit to practicing as a licensed physician assistant in Orange County for at least three years after graduation
- Submit the personal essay, financial-need statement, FAFSA Submission Summary, and three recommendations
- Complete a scholarship interview if invited