The Successful Hands Grant Program supports massage therapy students and their schools and its program’s sponsors Biofreeze, Bon Vital’, and Massage Envy will award eight $1,000 grants to massage therapy students. In addition, each winner’s school will receive a $500 grant and a $500 product package. Since its inception in 2014, this grant program has awarded more than $40,000 to massage students and their schools. “Massage Envy franchised locations are collectively the largest employer of massage therapists and estheticians and partner with accredited schools to nurture and grow the next generation of therapeutic service providers,” says Jen Bonfilio, divisional vice president, employee brand at Massage Envy. “That’s why we are excited to sponsor this grant program and to support the passionate community of professional therapists who bring wellness to millions of people.”
This year’s committee members are:
- Julie Keller Callaghan, editor-in-chief/publisher, American Spa
- Scott Dartnall, president and CEO, One Concept
- Mae Manacap-Johnson, senior editor, Pulse; International Spa Association
- Karen Menehan, editor-in-chief, MASSAGE Magazine
- Michelle Medaris, associate editor, Massage Today
- Leslie Young, vice president of communication, Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals (ABMP)
- The grant application process requires students to complete an essay of 200 words on “What being a successful massage therapist mean to me.” Applications must be received by October 15, 2017 and are accepted online via the Successful Hands Grant Program website. Winners will be notified no later than December 1, 2017.
“I believe this program continues to be successful because of the wonderful support it receives from so many in our profession, starting with the highly respected individuals serving on the selection committee,” says Lynda Solien-Wolfe, vice president of massage and spa for Performance Health. “We are truly grateful for their work on the committee. Last year, we received over 750 applications. And although choosing just eight winners is a challenge, I’ve been told it’s an uplifting experience to read what these students are doing to make our world a better place. We encourage all massage therapy students to participate in this program and wish them all the best of luck.”