Students Help Grow Awareness of OT Through the Promote OT Challenge

More than 700 occupational therapy (OT) and occupational therapy assistant (OTA) students spent the 2025–2026 academic year helping introduce new audiences to the OT profession. Through the Promote OT Challenge, students and faculty across a number of states conducted 485 outreach visits, reaching more than 14,800 individuals with information about OT, career pathways, and the impact OT and OTA practitioners have on the lives of people of all ages.

Participants served as ambassadors for the profession, presenting at schools, career fairs, community events, healthcare organizations, youth programs, and other venues to spread the word on a career many had never considered before.

The Promote OT Challenge supports the Why Choose OT?® campaign, a national initiative focused on increasing awareness of occupational therapy, strengthening the future workforce, and inspiring the next generation of practitioners. Together, these efforts reflect the growing impact of student-led advocacy across the profession.

“I greatly valued this challenge, and our students were equally enthusiastic about engaging with learners across various educational levels to discuss occupational therapy. Many students gained valuable experience in public speaking, developed skills in effectively engaging both youth and adult audiences, and strengthened their confidence in their knowledge of the profession.”

Dr. Aricka Schweitzer, EdD, MSOT, OTRL, C/NDT

Saginaw Valley State University

“The Promote OT Challenge provided a meaningful opportunity to advocate for occupational therapy while connecting with middle and high school students and the community members. It allowed us to increase awareness of the profession, share our experiences as OTD students, and highlight the impact OTs can have across diverse populations and settings. We are proud to represent South College and help promote the future of OT.”

OT Students

South College

“I believe we contributed to raising awareness by sharing small but meaningful pieces of information about what occupational therapy is. The word ‘occupational therapy’ spread throughout the entire school. Even if some students weren’t familiar with the field beforehand, they at least left having heard of it. Some students asked questions and wanted to learn more, which showed their growing interest.”

Damien Gonzalez Tucker, OTA Student

Durham Technical Community College

“Participating in the Why Choose OT? challenge was a rewarding and valuable experience, as it allowed me to share what OT is and the role it has in making an impact in the lives of many people. Alongside that, it gave me the opportunity to share why I am passionate about OT and what I want to do to help others.”

Joaquin Chavez Martinez, OT Student

Des Moines University

Survey responses from attendees showed increases in both awareness of occupational therapy and interest in pursuing an OT or OTA career after Promote OT Challenge presentations. The findings underscore how students are helping build awareness of the profession one conversation at a time.

“Occupational therapy has an incredible story to tell, but many people still don’t fully understand what OT and OTA practitioners do or the impact they have on people’s lives. The students and faculty who participated in this challenge are helping change that. Their enthusiasm, leadership, and willingness to share their experiences introduced thousands of people to a profession that helps individuals participate more fully in the activities and moments that matter most.”

Angela Macauley, PMP

President & CEO of NBCOT

From a State Initiative to a National Effort

The Promote OT Challenge began as an initiative developed by Allison Ellington, OTD, OTR/L, in Virginia to encourage students to share their passion for occupational therapy with their communities. What began as a state-level effort has grown into a multi-state initiative engaging OT and OTA programs across the country.

“The Promote OT Challenge truly exemplified the idea of working together to strengthen our profession for the future. It has been tremendously rewarding to see the incredible number of young people who have heard about OT and OTA careers and to also hear the reflections from current students describing how professionally impactful it was to complete these Challenge visits. From participants who shared their OT journey at their own middle or high school to participants who were told ‘you helped me know what I want to do with my life,’ the Promote OT Challenge created an incentive for us all to shine a spotlight on our amazing profession!”

Allison Ellington, OTD, OTR/L

Creator of Promote OT Challenge

Founding Director, Doctor of Occupational Therapy Program at University of Virginia

NBCOT recognizes Dr. Ellington’s dedication and partnership in helping expand the Promote OT Challenge nationally and creating opportunities for students to share the value and impact of occupational therapy with thousands of individuals each year.

Recognizing Outstanding Participation

As demand for occupational therapy continues to grow, expanding awareness of the profession is increasingly important. NBCOT congratulates every student, faculty member, school, and state advisor who participated in this year’s Challenge and thanks them for helping inspire future OT and OTA practitioners.

The schools listed below are being recognized based on the percentage of eligible students and faculty who completed a Promote OT Challenge visit during the academic year. Several additional programs earned recognition for exceptional participation rates and commitment to promoting the profession.

2025–2026 Promote OT Challenge Winning Schools

The following programs earned top honors in their states:

Massachusetts (Tie)

• Western New England University
• MGH Institute of Health Professions

Pennsylvania

• Chatham University

New York

• Stony Brook University

Oregon (Tie)

• Linn-Benton Community College
• Western Oregon University

California

• Clovis Community College

Illinois

• Rush University

New Jersey (Tie)

• Stockton University
• Monmouth University

Indiana

• Indiana State University

North Carolina

• Durham Technical Community College

Iowa

• Des Moines University

Georgia (Tie)

• Chattahoochee Technical College
• South College

Michigan

• Saginaw Valley State University

Virginia

• South University, Richmond

Prolific Promoters

The following schools achieved participation rates exceeding 50% of eligible students and faculty:

• Alvernia University
• Elizabethtown College
• Moravian University
• Parkland College
• Durham Technical Community College
• South University, Richmond

Special Supporters

The following schools achieved participation rates between 25% and 49% of eligible students and faculty:

• Carlow University
• Harcum College
• Drexel University
• Temple University
• Keck Graduate Institute
• Lincoln Land Community College
• Midwestern University
• Wingate University
• St. Ambrose University