Rizing Tide, a prominent foundation dedicated to expanding access to physical therapy by cultivating a more inclusive workforce through targeted scholarships and professional development, has officially announced the recipients of its 2026 Crest Scholarships. This year, twenty Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) students representing underrepresented racial and ethnic backgrounds have been selected for the prestigious honor. These scholars hail from 19 accredited programs spanning the United States and Puerto Rico, emerging from a highly competitive applicant pool of more than 500 candidates.
The announcement marks another significant milestone in the foundation’s ongoing pledge to award up to $570,000 in scholarships to DPT students from diverse backgrounds, aiming to bridge the demographic gap within the physical therapy profession and ensure that future clinicians better reflect the increasingly diverse patient populations they serve.
Dr. Heidi Jannenga, PT, DPT, the founder of Rizing Tide, expressed immense pride regarding the incoming cohort of scholars. Welcoming them into the broader Rizing Tide community, she highlighted their exceptional academic achievements and the distinct potential they bring to the field. Notably, the foundation noted that the majority of this year’s awardees are first-generation college students, a demographic detail that underscores the transformative power of targeted financial assistance and mentorship in opening doors to advanced healthcare professions. According to Dr. Jannenga, this fleet of academically outstanding future physical therapists shares a unified drive to make a meaningful, lasting difference both within the profession and in the broader world.
Selection for the Rizing Tide Crest Scholarship is not solely based on financial need or academic metrics. Recipients are chosen through a rigorous evaluation process that assesses their overall academic achievement, demonstrated leadership potential, unwavering commitment to service, and a palpable passion for advancing the physical therapy profession as a whole. Beyond the substantial financial support provided by the scholarship, recipients gain access to comprehensive mentorship and robust leadership development programming. This holistic approach includes all-inclusive access to the North Star Summit, the foundation’s signature annual conference held in Phoenix, Arizona, where scholars have the unique opportunity to network with established industry leaders, veteran clinicians, and peers who share similar professional trajectories.
The ongoing success and expansion of the Rizing Tide scholarship program are deeply rooted in the generosity and vision of physical therapists and industry leaders who recognize the critical importance of investing in the next generation of clinicians. This year’s funding ecosystem highlights a powerful cycle of mentorship, giving back, and community building.
Among the notable donors contributing to the 2026 program is Dr. Ricardo “Ricky” Locci, PT, DPT, MPH, CSCS. Dr. Locci is himself a testament to the long-term impact of the foundation, having been a 2021 Crest scholar. Notably, he made history as the first former winner to fund a scholarship through the organization. For the second consecutive year, Dr. Locci has donated $5,000 to sponsor a Crest: Rizing Star Scholarship. His ongoing support vividly reflects the profound, enduring impact of the Rizing Tide community and demonstrates a true full-circle moment where today’s supported scholars evolve into tomorrow’s industry leaders and philanthropic supporters.
Reflecting on his journey and his decision to continually give back to the foundation, Dr. Locci shared that receiving a Crest Scholarship fundamentally changed the trajectory of his career. Sponsoring a scholarship for the second year in a row represents his personal way of welcoming a new cohort of scholars into the very same community that helped shape his professional identity. Offering his congratulations to the newest class of recipients, Dr. Locci expressed his eager anticipation for the impact they will undoubtedly make on their future patients, their local communities, and the physical therapy profession at large, stating that he is deeply honored to welcome them into the community.
In addition to Dr. Locci’s contribution, the 2026 funding landscape was further bolstered by Dr. Larry Benz, PT, DPT, who contributed $10,000 to support a 2026 Surge Scholarship. This specific award is designed to help a licensed physical therapist successfully pursue advanced residency training in the United States, thereby extending the foundation’s support model beyond entry-level doctoral education into post-professional specialization.
Looking ahead, Rizing Tide continues to look toward the future growth of its programs. Applications for the upcoming 2027 Crest Scholarship cycle are scheduled to officially open on April 1, 2027. Meanwhile, the application cycle for the Surge Scholarship—targeted at licensed physical therapists pursuing U.S.-based residency programs—remains currently open for interested candidates. Those seeking to learn more about the diverse scholarship opportunities available, individuals wishing to make a donation, and organizations exploring potential partnership opportunities can find further information by visiting the foundation’s official website.
