In the third quarter of COTAD’s 10th Anniversary year of celebration, the focus was on OT and OTA students! In the summer of 2023, COTAD Chapters were invited to submit a sustainable and innovative project idea that addresses a need or disparity in their community for the chance to win prize funding to bring their project idea to life!

Five semifinalist teams were selected to advance to the live interview round, and the selection committee then chose the three COTAD Chapters as the winning teams, with a $300 funding prize awarded to each of the top three winning teams to support the execution of their project action plans.

Congratulations to all who participated! The winning Chapters are featured below:

Florida Gulf Coast University: Join us in congratulating Alyssa Chisholm & Zoey Clontz, OT students from the Florida Gulf Coast University COTAD chapter, for being one of the three winning teams of the 2023 COTAD Chapters Innovation Challenge! Their exciting project titled "DOPE Extravaganza" will help empower students with disabilities and intersecting marginalized identities to express themselves in a safe environment through a 3-week youth fashion program utilizing sustainable materials when possible, culminating in a fashion show extravaganza! 

University of South Dakota: Join us in congratulating Kammy Rewitzer & Madison Carlson, OT students from the University of South Dakota COTAD Chapter, for being one of the three winning teams of the 2023 COTAD Chapters Innovation Challenge!! Their exciting project titled "The OT Library - JEDI Strikes Back " will offer readings of children’s books, donated when possible, that highlight underrepresented populations and experiences at a local library in rural South Dakota. Student volunteers will also facilitate associated reading activities. The goal of this project is to expand this community’s awareness of different cultures and identities, promote childhood literacy, and provide a safe space for children in this community to learn and ask questions about JEDI topics. We are so excited to support their project and see it come to fruition!

Seton Hall University: Join us in congratulating Yannis Alejo & Alicia Hylton, OT students from the Seton Hall University COTAD Chapter, for being one of the three winning teams of the 2023 COTAD Chapters Innovation Challenge! Their innovative project titled "Campus Inclusion & Community Center" will create a physical and moderated digital safe space for students, particularly students of color, at Seton Hall University through the establishment of a Campus Inclusion and Community Center complete with a grand opening celebration! The center will allow students to connect with other students and leaders of color on campus, organize inclusive programming, and help cultivate a much needed sense of belonging and community on Seton Hall University’s campus for years to come.