Please read and follow all instructions on this page carefully.
We will begin accepting applications for the 2025-26 scholarship in October 2025. The application process will close on JANUARY 15, 2026.
AOM Scholarship Program for 2025-26
Trudy McAlister Foundation directs the AOM Scholarship Fund and Program for students attending ACAHM accredited schools working toward their degree in Acupuncture Oriental Medicine. This is a merit-based scholarship.
Deadline
Completed applications and documentation must be submitted and postmarked by JANUARY 15, 2026.
Eligibility
- Applicants must have completed at least one full academic year of your AOM professional training at an ACAHM accredited school.
- Applicants must be United States citizens.
- A minimum 3.1 GPA from undergraduate college work and AOM college grades is recommended, although all applications that qualify in other requirements will be reviewed. Transcripts that show Pass/Fail results will also be reviewed.
- Applicants MUST HAVE LEADERSHIP EXPERIENCE. Applications without leadership experience will not be considered. Leadership experience may include active roles in student government, participation in state or national AOM organizations, volunteer coordination, community service leadership, mentoring, or other initiatives that demonstrate your ability to contribute meaningfully to the profession or community.
Award Amount
Past scholarship awards have ranged between $500 to $5,000 each. The amounts are determined by how many schools, organizations, and individuals donate to and sponsor this program. The scholarship award(s) will directly offset the specific student’s tuition at the recipient’s college.
Application Procedure
1. Complete and SUBMIT this Scholarship Application Form electronically.
2. SEND an OFFICIAL copy of your transcript(s) – include ALL college transcripts, both undergraduate and graduate, IN ONE SINGLE ENVELOPE. Copies of official transcripts may be on file with your AOM College and are acceptable to use. Send your OFFICIAL transcripts to the following address:
8 River St, Westover, WV 26501
3. TWO recommendations using the provided Recommendation Form that you provide each of the two recommending college faculty members MUST BE PRINTED, COMPLETED, and MAILED DIRECTLY FROM THE RECOMMENDING COLLEGE FACULTY MEMBER to the following address:
8 River St, Westover, WV 26501
2026 Essay Questions
The 2026 APPLICATION FORM will ask you to attach a page answering each of these essay questions.
Essay Question #1:
Describe a moment during your academic journey that challenged you to grow as a future leader in the field of AOM. How did that experience shape your vision for contributing to your community or the broader healthcare system as an AOM practitioner? (ESSAY MUST BE UNDER 500 WORDS)
Essay Question #2:
As a future leader in the field of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine, what specific contributions or innovations do you hope to bring to the field over the next 5–10 years? (ESSAY MUST BE UNDER 500 WORDS)
Notification
The successful applicants will be individually notified by April 15, 2026. Announcements will be made to all schools and our website and Facebook page. Applicants who are not awarded scholarships will not be individually notified.
Please Note
- All application materials must be submitted and postmarked by JANUARY 15, 2026
- Applications with any materials sent or postmarked after the deadline will not be accepted.
- NO incomplete applications will be considered.
- The amount of the scholarships and the number of scholarships shall be determined by the Directors of the Foundation each year. Please encourage your school and any organizations or individuals you know to sponsor and donate to this scholarship fund. We determine the amount of our awards each year based on these donations.
Any questions about the scholarship and/or the application process, please use our contact page.