OSI Mental Health Scholarship
Selette Hulsey Pearce was an occupational therapist who devoted much of her career to working with people experiencing severe and persistent mental illness, including many years at St. Elizabeths Hospital in Washington, D.C. Her work was grounded in patience, compassion, human connection, and respect for the dignity of every person.
The OSI Mental Health Scholarship honors her legacy by supporting future mental health professionals who share those values and are committed to caring for and advocating for others.
This scholarship is open to students currently enrolled in a degree or professional program leading to a career in mental health, such as counseling, psychology, social work, occupational therapy, or a related mental health field, in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area.
The Pearce family believes that a meaningful career is not defined only by professional success, but by the difference we make in the lives of others. To apply, write an essay about a barrier to mental health care you hope to address through your future career. Explain how you would respond to that barrier and what meaningful progress would look like for the people or communities you hope to serve.
What experience, person, or challenge shaped your decision to pursue a mental health profession—and what did it teach you about helping people feel heard, respected, and understood?
Identify a barrier that prevents people in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area from receiving effective, compassionate mental health care. Drawing on something you have observed, experienced, or studied, explain how you hope to help address it, particularly for people who are isolated, underserved, or living with severe and persistent mental illness.
Describe the people you hope to serve and what meaningful progress could look like in their lives, including the small changes that can be easy to overlook.
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FAQ
The application deadline is Jan 22, 2027. Winners will be announced on Feb 22, 2027.
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Award amounts per winner are designated by the donor. Check the award amount for a detailed breakdown.
The winner will be publicly announced on Feb 22, 2027. Prior to the announcement date, we may contact finalists with additional questions about their application. We will work with donors to review all applications according to the scholarship criteria. Winners will be chosen based on the merit of their application.
Award checks will be sent to the financial aid office of the winner's academic institution in their name to be applied to their tuition, and in the name of their institution (depending on the school's requirements). If the award is for a qualified educational non-tuition expense, we will work with the winner directly to distribute the award and make sure it goes towards qualified expenses.
Before we award the scholarship, the winner will be required to confirm their academic enrollment status. Depending on the circumstances, verification of Student ID and/or their most recent transcript will be required.
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Yes. The terms and conditions for this scholarship can be found here.
