Rizing Tide Foundation Awards 2026 Crest Scholarships, Exceeding $2.5 Million in Support

In a significant boost for aspiring healthcare professionals, the Rizing Tide Foundation recently announced the recipients of its 2026 Crest Scholarship program. This latest round of awards marks a major milestone for the organization, pushing its total scholarship contributions past the $2.5 million mark and demonstrating a sustained commitment to fostering diversity and inclusion within the physical therapy profession.

For students and families navigating the complexities of higher education, especially in demanding fields like physical therapy, financial support can be a game-changer. Scholarships not only alleviate the burden of tuition and living expenses but also open doors to specialized training and professional networks that are crucial for career success. The Rizing Tide Foundation's efforts directly address these needs, providing a pathway for talented individuals from underrepresented racial and ethnic backgrounds to pursue their Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degrees.

Expanding Access to a Vital Profession

According to the Rizing Tide Foundation, the 2026 Crest Scholarship program has awarded scholarships to twenty promising students from nineteen accredited programs across the U.S. and Puerto Rico. These scholars were selected from a pool of over 500 applicants, reflecting a strong demand for such support and the high caliber of students aspiring to enter the physical therapy field. The foundation has pledged to award up to $570,000 in scholarships to DPT students from underrepresented racial and ethnic backgrounds through this program.

Dr. Heidi Jannenga, PT, DPT, founder of Rizing Tide, expressed her pride in the new cohort, stating, "This fleet of academically outstanding future PTs, the majority of whom are first-generation college students, are all driven to make a meaningful difference in the profession and the world." This statement highlights the foundation's focus not just on academic achievement, but also on leadership potential, commitment to service, and a passion for advancing the physical therapy profession.

Beyond financial aid, the Crest Scholarship program offers invaluable mentorship and leadership development opportunities. Scholars gain all-inclusive access to the North Star Summit, the foundation's annual conference, providing them with networking opportunities and exposure to leaders in the field. This holistic approach recognizes that success in a professional career requires more than just academic knowledge; it demands strong leadership skills, a supportive community, and a clear vision for impact.

A Community-Driven Initiative

The success of the Rizing Tide Foundation's scholarship program is a testament to the generosity and foresight of the physical therapy community itself. The organization notes that this year's scholarships were made possible through contributions from physical therapists and industry leaders who are actively investing in the next generation of clinicians.

A particularly inspiring aspect of this year's program is the continued involvement of former scholars. Dr. Ricardo "Ricky" Locci, PT, DPT, MPH, CSCS, a 2021 Crest scholar, has for the second year in a row donated $5,000 to sponsor a Crest: Rizing Star Scholarship. Dr. Locci's commitment exemplifies the ripple effect of such programs, where today's beneficiaries become tomorrow's benefactors and leaders. "Receiving a Crest Scholarship changed the trajectory of my career, and sponsoring a scholarship for the second year in a row is my way of welcoming a new cohort of scholars into the same community that helped shape me," Locci shared, according to the foundation.

This kind of full-circle support underscores the power of community and mentorship in professional development. It also serves as a powerful reminder for current students that their journey is not just about personal achievement, but also about contributing to the growth and improvement of their chosen field.

Supporting Educational Journeys

For students, parents, and teachers, the Rizing Tide Foundation's announcement serves as a beacon of hope and a practical example of how dedicated organizations can make a tangible difference in educational attainment and career pathways. Navigating the path to higher education and professional careers can be challenging, and resources like these scholarships are crucial.

COSMIQ, a free voice-driven AI tutoring platform, also recognizes the importance of accessible educational support. For K-12 students and those preparing for exams, having reliable and free learning tools can complement the structured learning provided by schools and the specialized support offered by foundations like Rizing Tide. Students can explore free voice AI tutoring to deepen their understanding in various subjects, or utilize the exam prep directory for assistance with standardized tests, ensuring they build a strong academic foundation for future opportunities.

The Rizing Tide Foundation's ongoing efforts to support underrepresented students in physical therapy not only help individual scholars achieve their dreams but also enrich the entire profession. By fostering a more diverse workforce, the foundation contributes to a healthcare system that is better equipped to serve a diverse patient population, ultimately benefiting communities nationwide.

Looking Ahead

The announcement of the 2026 Crest Scholarship recipients and the surpassing of $2.5 million in total awards are significant achievements for the Rizing Tide Foundation. It highlights the sustained impact of their mission to create a more inclusive physical therapy workforce. As these new scholars embark on their educational and professional journeys, they carry with them the promise of a more diverse, equitable, and skilled future for physical therapy, thanks to the vision and generosity behind initiatives like the Crest Scholarship program.