Professional Scholarships
ORSA is fortunate to be able to provide a variety of scholarships and stipends to support our members in covering costs related to professional development opportunities. Click the buttons below to learn more.
ORSA Travel Stipends
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ORSA offers travel stipends to active ORSA members who need additional financial assistance to a development opportunity of their choosing. These stipends, while available year-round, are limited, as they are offered on a first - come, first - serve basis. The Professional Development Committee will contact winners and post when all stipends have been disbursed. Applications are accepted on a continuous basis.
The travel stipend is awarded to cover professional development travel related costs (air or ground transportation, lodging).
Please note: This stipend is awarded as a reimbursement. Checks will be mailed to award recipients after the conclusion of the event.
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These stipends are available year-round, but funding is limited and awarded on a first-come, first-serve basis.
The Professional Development Committee will contact applicants within one week of submitting application and will post when all travel stipends have been disbursed.
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All applications for scholarships and stipends will be reviewed by the Professional Development Committee and evaluated on the following criteria:
Quality of the applicant’s submission responses.
ORSA involvement.
Applicant's past involvement in NIRSA national, regional, and state workshop/conferences, committees, presentations, and volunteer opportunities.
Applicant's career goals and commitment to NIRSA at the national, regional, and state levels.
Applicant's ability to clearly articulate their purpose for attending the professional development opportunity.
Quality and professionalism of the applicant's resume/vitae.
NIRSA Annual Conference Scholarships
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ORSA is proud to offer financial aid for professionals working at an ORSA affiliated institution to attend NIRSA 2026 Annual Conference in Aurora, CO from April 8 – 11, 2026. More information will be shared closer to conference.
Please Note: This scholarship is awarded as a reimbursement. Checks will be mailed to award recipients after the conclusion of the conference.
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More information will be released closer to the Annual Conference (around January).
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All applications for scholarships and stipends will be reviewed by the Professional Development Committee and evaluated on the following criteria:
Quality of the applicant’s submission responses.
ORSA involvement.
Applicant's past involvement in NIRSA national, regional, and state workshop/conferences, committees, presentations, and volunteer opportunities.
Applicant's career goals and commitment to NIRSA at the national, regional, and state levels.
Applicant's ability to clearly articulate their purpose for attending the professional development opportunity.
Quality and professionalism of the applicant's resume/vitae.
Congratulations to our scholarship winners!
Dani Ondreka
University of Dayton
Cole Richmond
University of Akron
ORSA State Workshop Scholarships
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ORSA is excited to again offer professional scholarships to individuals working at ORSA institutions. This year’s ORSA State Workshop will take place at Bowling Green State University from October 22 - 24, 2025.
Please Note: This scholarship is awarded as a reimbursement. Checks will be mailed to award recipients after the conclusion of the conference.
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Each application must be completed and submitted by 11:59PM on Monday, September 29, 2025.
Scholarship winners will be notified no later than Monday, October 6, 2025.
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All applications for scholarships and stipends will be reviewed by the Professional Development Committee and evaluated on the following criteria:
Quality of the applicant’s submission responses.
ORSA involvement.
Applicant's past involvement in NIRSA national, regional, and state workshop/conferences, committees, presentations, and volunteer opportunities.
Applicant's career goals and commitment to NIRSA at the national, regional, and state levels.
Applicant's ability to clearly articulate their purpose for attending the professional development opportunity.
Quality and professionalism of the applicant's resume/vitae.