The Arc New York Arthur W. Pense Scholarship
Offered by The Arc New York
About this scholarship
The Arthur W. Pense Scholarship supports New York residents preparing for careers in nursing, physical therapy, or occupational therapy, especially work that can improve services for people with intellectual or developmental disabilities. The Arc New York awards two $3,000 scholarships each year. Funds are not paid as one unrestricted check: recipients may claim up to $1,500 per semester as reimbursement of documented educational expenses, must provide proof of full-time enrollment and expenses, and have four years from the award date to use the funds. The 2027 online application is live and closes February 12, 2027. At the time of application, the student must already be accepted into a qualifying degree program; a two- or three-month fieldwork placement may form part of the eligible program. Applicants must be New York State residents and cannot currently hold another scholarship through The Arc New York. A complete application includes detailed written responses about education plans, interest and experience in the therapy field and with people who have developmental disabilities, a meaningful achievement, and an important issue facing the profession. It also requires one signed recommendation from an academic instructor, written specifically for this application on the institution’s letterhead. Generic or incorrectly formatted letters are not considered.
Eligibility
- Be a resident of New York State
- Be accepted into a degree program related to nursing, physical therapy, or occupational therapy at the time of application
- A qualifying program may include a two- to three-month required fieldwork component
- Not currently receive another scholarship through The Arc New York
- Submit all required written responses through the live application by February 12, 2027
- Provide one signed recommendation from an academic instructor on institutional letterhead, written specifically for this scholarship
- If selected, document full-time enrollment and eligible expenses to receive reimbursements