Arthur W. Pense Scholarship
Scholarship Sponsored by The Arc New York
Overview
Description: The Arc New York awards scholarships annually to individuals pursuing careers related to intellectual and developmental disabilities, including special education, nursing, and physical or occupational therapy. The program recognizes students advancing their professional education and those who contribute significantly to improving services in this field. Selection focuses on candidates accepted into relevant degree programs and committed to serving people with intellectual or developmental disabilities. The scholarships are intended to support continued education and training that directly benefits community-based services.
- Annual scholarships target education and clinical fields tied to developmental disabilities.
- Recipients are students accepted into relevant degree programs.
- Emphasis on advancing community-based services and professional practice.
Eligibility
Eligibility: Applicants must be accepted into a degree program related to nursing, physical therapy, or occupational therapy at the time of application; short-term fieldwork (2–3 months) that is part of the degree program may qualify. Candidates must be residents of New York State. Students who are currently receiving a scholarship from The Arc New York are not eligible to apply. Eligibility is verified during the review process and applicants must meet all stated criteria to be considered.
- Acceptance into an eligible degree program is required at application time.
- 2–3 month fieldwork placements included as part of degree programs may qualify.
- Applicant must reside in New York State.
- Current Arc New York scholarship recipients are ineligible.
Award Details
Award Value: Two scholarships of $3,000 each are presented annually. Awards are paid in installments, with up to $1,500 disbursed per semester while the recipient remains enrolled full time. Distributions are made as reimbursements via direct deposit and require documentation of eligible expenses. Funds must be claimed within four years of the award date.
- Two awards of $3,000 granted each year.
- Payments reimbursed via direct deposit, up to $1,500 per semester.
- Recipients must submit proof of full-time enrollment and expenses to receive funds.
- Award funds must be claimed within four years.
Application Requirements
Application Requirements: Applicants must submit a completed application form and one signed letter of recommendation from an academic instructor. The recommendation must be written specifically for the scholarship, relate to the application, and be provided on official college or education program letterhead. Letters that do not meet these criteria will not be considered. Ensure all materials are accurate and meet the stated formatting and authorship requirements.
- Completed application form is required.
- One signed academic recommendation on institutional letterhead is mandatory.
- Recommendation must be written for this scholarship and directly reference the applicant.
- Nonconforming letters will be excluded from review.
History of the Award
History of the Award: The scholarship honors Dr. Arthur W. Pense, who served as New York State Assistant Commissioner of Mental Hygiene from April 1, 1944, to April 15, 1961. Dr. Pense oversaw programs for people with intellectual and other developmental disabilities and was widely recognized for his leadership and support of community services. His work helped advance local, community-based programs and strengthened partnerships with organizations such as The Arc New York. The scholarship commemorates his contributions to public administration and disability services.
- Named in honor of Dr. Arthur W. Pense, a long-serving state mental hygiene leader.
- Recognizes his role in developing community mental health services for people with disabilities.
- Reflects a legacy of administrative leadership and partnership with The Arc New York.