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Rizing Tide Foundation Unveils 2025 Surge Scholars

On November 4, 2025, the Rizing Tide Foundation proudly announced the recipients of its 2025 Surge scholarship program. This initiative, focused on facilitating access to physical therapy education, marks a significant step in building a more inclusive workforce within the healthcare industry. The announcements spotlight five exceptional physical therapy students currently navigating their residency programs across the United States. Each recipient will receive substantial financial support aimed at alleviating the burdens of postgraduate education costs.

Dr. Heidi Jannenga, PT, DPT, the founder and CEO of Rizing Tide, expressed her enthusiasm, stating, "As we celebrate the fifth cohort of Surge scholars, I'm continually inspired by the passion and resilience these individuals bring to our profession." She emphasized the importance of residency training in enhancing clinical excellence and leadership in physical therapy. Furthermore, she noted that the financial strains deter many from pursuing this essential next step, hence the foundation's mission to eliminate such barriers through financial aid, community building, and mentorship opportunities.

The Surge scholarship provides targeted financial support focused on early-career therapists aiming to advance in their professional journey. The one-time awards can reach up to $10,000, covering crucial expenses like tuition, professional development, travel, and continuing education. Additionally, the Surge Rizing Star scholarships are available, providing smaller awards of up to $3,500 to assist with similar expenses.

Meet the 2025 Surge Scholars

The recipients have noteworthy backgrounds in physical therapy:

• - Gabriela Rodriguez: A doctorate holder from the University of Central Florida, Gabriela is pursuing her residency at the University of Central Florida and Orlando Health Neurologic Residency.
• - Maya Jones: With a doctorate from the University of Alabama at Birmingham, she is enrolled in the Baylor Scott White Institute for Rehabilitation at Texas Woman’s University for her residency in Women’s Health.
• - Juan Avelino: A graduate from Florida A&M University, Juan is furthering his education at the Brooks Rehabilitation Orthopedic Residency.

The Surge Rizing Star scholars for 2025 include:

• - Zoe Dickerson: Holding a doctorate from the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor, she is pursuing a residency specializing in Oncology at the Baylor Scott White Institute for Rehabilitation.
• - Do Kyung Yun: A graduate from the University of North Texas Health Science Center, she is advancing her career at the Greater Los Angeles VA Orthopaedic Residency.

Selection Process and Future Opportunities

The selection of these deserving individuals was conducted by the Rizing Tide Beachcombers, a panel comprising established leaders in physical therapy and business. They evaluated applications based on academic accomplishments, leadership qualities, character, and dedication to the physical therapy field. Dr. Christopher Nelson, a member of the selection committee, remarked, "We hand-selected these five Surge scholars because we believe they will transform the future of physical therapy. The applicants demonstrated immense dedication and commitment to enhancing care in their respective communities. Supporting these individuals is pivotal in shaping the next generation of PT leaders and fostering a diverse profession."

Looking ahead, the Rizing Tide Foundation invites prospective candidates to apply for the next Surge Scholarship cycle, which will open in August 2026. The foundation also promotes the Crest scholarship, aimed at students from underrepresented racial and ethnic backgrounds pursuing a Doctorate of Physical Therapy (DPT). This scholarship can award up to $14,000 annually and is renewable for three years, with applications opening in April 2026.

For those interested in learning more about the Rizing Tide Foundation or how to contribute to its programs, visit www.rizing-tide.com/engage.

About Rizing Tide

Founded in 2020 by Dr. Heidi Jannenga to address the diversity gap in the physical therapy profession, the Rizing Tide Foundation dedicates itself to providing scholarships to DPT students and residents from underrepresented backgrounds. The foundation has committed $2.2 million to date, reinforcing its mission to foster an inclusive future within the industry. Learn more at www.rizing-tide.com.