Ashley Ma, a Doctor of Physical Therapy student, earned the 2026 Crest Scholarship by Rizing Tide, a foundation committed to encouraging diversity and inclusion in physical therapy. The Crest Scholarship supports physical therapy students from underrepresented backgrounds who are excelling in their field and entering their first or second year of study. 

Ma was one of only twenty recipients selected from a competitive pool of more than 500 applicants representing 19 programs across the United States and Puerto Rico. The scholarship, renewable for up to two years, provides $14,000 toward tuition, room and board, textbooks, and fees. Additionally, Crest scholars benefit from mentorship, leadership development, and all-inclusive access to the North Star Summit, Rizing Tide’s annual conference held in Phoenix, Arizona.

“Receiving the Rizing Tide Crest Scholarship is such an honor, and it means a lot to have a foundation and community working to support minority students to close representation gaps in the field,” said Ma. “My goal is to provide inclusive, patient-centered care while staying committed to advocating for my patients, advancing language accessibility, and decreasing barriers to care.”