The originators of the Georgia Foundation for Physical Therapy had the foresight to recognize a need for financial support of physical therapy and physical therapist assistant students in Georgia. The Foundation's purpose is to provide scholarships to students and support high quality scientifically based clinical research in Georgia.The Founders Scholarship recognizes these early organizers for their dedication and vision. We honor Marcia Pearl, Pearl Pettersen, Steve Wolfe, Steve Hensley, David Pittman, Jr., Diane Spencer, and the late Glory Sanders. |
The Georgia Foundation for Physical Therapy (GFPT) offers several scholarships to support physical therapy students in Georgia. All Physical Therapy and Physical Therapist Assistant programs must be fully accredited in order for students to apply for any GFPT scholarship. The 2025 Scholarship submission deadline has closed. The 2026 Scholarship applications will open soon!
NOTE: All applications will be submitted online. See the instructions below.
The Phyllis D. Palma Scholarship is offered in memory of Phyllis D. Palma who passed away in 2019. This scholarship in the amount of $2,000 is a temporary scholarship scheduled to be awarded annually and is intended for those individuals who have been inspired by Phyllis’ life work and who reflect her passion and zest for life. To gain insight on Phyllis’s life and work, click here. This scholarship is awarded to students based on the following criteria:
Click here for information on the Phyllis Palma Scholarship.
The Dwayne Emmanuel Perry II Scholarship is available in the amount of $2,000 for a PT student in their second or third year of study who demonstrates Discipline, Excellence, Perseverance, Community-building, and Integrity. These are the key characteristics Dwayne Emmanuel Perry portrayed as a physical therapist, colleague, and friend. This scholarship is awarded to students based on the following criteria:
The Foundation is honored to offer the Sunshine Scholarship in memory of Jaclyn N. Maxwell who passed away in 2022. The Sunshine Scholarship is a temporary scholarship that will offer $2,000 up to two student Physical Therapist in their third year of professional training who is planning to pursue a career in pediatric physical therapy. Scholarships are awarded to students based on the following criteria:
NOTE: If the Committee determines there is not a worthy nominee in this scholarship category, the award may be allocated to another scholarship category or not given.
Lynda D. Woodruff Health Disparities Initiative
A health disparities initiative has been established in memory of Lynda D. Woodruff, PT, Ph.D., FAAPT. This initiative will reward creative ways to provide physical therapy to underserved populations in Georgia and will be offered each year as funds are available. Click here to learn more about Dr. Woodruff, who was an exceptional physical therapist and educator. Dr. Woodruff was also an APTA Lucy Blair Service award recipient.
Click here to learn more about Dr. Woodruff, who was an exceptional physical therapist and educator. Dr. Woodruff was also an APTA Lucy Blair Service award recipient.
Prepare all application documents (application information, photo, nominee statement, verification of hours, and official transcript) prior to beginning the online application process. Once your online application is submitted, you will not have an opportunity to make changes to the application. Please ensure you have all of the required information ready for upload prior to starting your application. IMPORTANT: Please include your last name in all file names. If applying for more than one scholarship, please create duplicate files and add "_2" to your duplicated file names.