LEWISTON — The Master of Occupational Therapy program at USM’s Lewiston-Auburn College recently announced that three returning and nine entering students have received Special Education Scholarships which will cover the majority of the costs for their occupational therapy education.

The scholarships total more than $300,000. The scholarships are awarded by the Department of Education and are supported by Goal 1 of a State Personnel Development Grant, which is to increase the percentage of highly qualified special education and related services personnel employed in the state of Maine. Occupational therapy is a related service in Maine schools, working with children with a number of disabilities, supporting them to be more successful in their academic, home and social settings. Recipients of these scholarships will be expected to work in Maine schools for one or two years following graduation.

“These students are part of a vibrant, growing master’s degree program in occupational therapy, which has been recognized nationally and internationally for its cutting-edge curriculum and innovative pedagogical learner-centered teaching approach," said Dr. Roxie M. Black, the director of the Master of Occupational Therapy Program. "The program is highly appreciative of the opportunity these scholarships provide our students, and the faculty look forward to working with them.”

The MOT program at USM LAC is welcoming its largest class this fall, with 30 new entering students. Ninety-five percent of entering students graduate from the MOT program, one of the highest percentages of all graduate programs at USM, and 95 to 98 percent of graduates obtain jobs within the first few months of graduation.

More information may be found at www.usm.maine.edu/ot or by calling 753-6523.