CSRC P.A.C.E. Scholarship
Recognizing respiratory care students in California who demonstrate excellence beyond academics through Professionalism, Advocacy, Commitment, and Education.
Applications open until January 29, 2027
Overview
Four (4) scholarships of up to $1,500 each will be awarded.
- Application period: October 26, 2026 – January 29, 2027 (11:59 p.m. Pacific Time)
- Recipients will be recognized at the CSRC SoCal Conference at Pechanga in April 2027
- CSRC membership is not required
The CSRC P.A.C.E. Scholarship supports students enrolled in California respiratory care programs and licensed respiratory care practitioners residing in California who are pursuing advanced degrees. It recognizes commitment to excellence beyond academic achievement through professional development, personal growth, leadership, and involvement in the respiratory care profession.
What P.A.C.E. Stands For
The scholarship is named for CSRC’s core values:
Professionalism
Upholding the highest standards of practice and ethics in respiratory care.
Advocacy
Speaking up for patients, the profession, and access to quality respiratory care.
Commitment
Dedication to education, lifelong learning, and the respiratory care community.
Education
Advancing knowledge and supporting the next generation of respiratory therapists.
Eligibility Criteria
To be considered, applicants must meet all of the following requirements:
- Program enrollment: Be currently enrolled in a CoARC-accredited respiratory care program in California or a related degree advancement program.
- Residency: Must be a California resident.
- Academic achievement: Have a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher, verified by an official transcript or an unofficial transcript endorsed by your Program Director (PD).
- Letters of Recommendation: Obtain two (2) letters of recommendation from two different individuals. Letters must be written by a current or former Program Director (PD), Director of Clinical Education (DCE), professor, clinical instructor, supervisor, or manager.
- Qualification: Meet at least one (1) of the listed qualifications. All applicable qualifications must be indicated on the application and supported by documentation.
- Personal Essay: Write a personal essay of no more than 1,000 words addressing the prompt below.
Qualification List
Applicants must meet at least one qualification and list all that apply. Supporting documentation is required for each.
Awards and Recognitions
| Category | Examples |
|---|
| Academic Achievement |
Dean’s List, President’s List, Honor Roll, academic excellence awards |
| Honor Societies |
Lambda Beta Society induction, other academic honor societies |
| Employer Recognition |
Respiratory Therapist of the Year, Employee of the Month/Year, Clinical Instructor of the Year |
| Competitions |
Sputum Bowl awards, research or poster competition awards |
| Professional Contributions |
Recognition from CSRC, AARC, hospitals, colleges or other professional organizations |
Community Service / Activities
| Category | Examples |
|---|
| Events |
Health fairs, community clinics, homeless shelters, food banks, blood drives |
| Professional Organizations |
Volunteering at CSRC/AARC events, conferences, workshops |
| Student Activities |
Sputum Bowl participation, respiratory care clubs, student-organized outreach |
| Fundraising & Charity |
Charity walks, fundraising events |
| Mentorship & Tutoring |
Volunteer tutoring, mentoring students, educational workshops |
| Hospital Volunteer Activities |
Community outreach, health screenings, volunteer programs outside regular job duties |
Officer / Leadership Roles
| Category | Examples |
|---|
| Student Leadership |
Class President, Vice President, Student Representative, Student Ambassador |
| Professional Organizations |
CSRC/AARC Board Member, Regional Representative, Committee Chair |
| Hospital Leadership |
Lead Respiratory Therapist, RT Supervisor, Department Manager |
| Clinical Education Leadership |
Clinical Instructor, Student Preceptor, Clinical Educator |
| Community Leadership |
Volunteer Team Leader, Outreach Coordinator, Fundraising Coordinator |
Personal Essay
Write a personal essay of no more than 1,000 words addressing the following prompt:
Reflect on your journey in respiratory care and how your experiences have shaped your personal growth, professional goals, and commitment to the profession.
Guiding ideas could include the following:
- Clinical Experience: A meaningful clinical experience that influenced your perspective on respiratory care.
- Personal and Professional Growth: How your education and experiences have contributed to your development.
- Leadership and Future Goals: How you demonstrate leadership or plan to contribute to the respiratory care profession.
- Scholarship Impact: What receiving this scholarship would mean to you.
Ready to Apply?
Once you have met all eligibility criteria, complete the application and upload all required documents.
Deadline: January 29, 2027 at 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time
Incomplete or late applications will not be considered.
Apply Now
Required Documents
- Current official or endorsed unofficial academic transcript
- Two (2) letters of recommendation from eligible individuals
- Personal essay (maximum 1,000 words)
- Supporting documentation for each listed qualification
Frequently Asked Questions
Is CSRC membership required?
No. Membership is not required to apply.
Can first-year students apply?
Yes, as long as you are currently enrolled in a CoARC-accredited respiratory care program in California (or a degree advancement program) and meet all other eligibility criteria, including the 3.5 GPA requirement.
What if my transcript is unofficial?
Unofficial transcripts must be endorsed by your Program Director.
How many qualifications do I need?
You must meet at least one. List all that apply and provide supporting documentation for each.
When will recipients be announced?
Recipients will be recognized at the CSRC SoCal Conference at Pechanga in April 2027.
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