When Karissa Camp’s original college could no longer offer an accredited Physical Therapist Assistant program, she had to find another way to pursue the career she wanted. She found that opportunity at Onondaga Community College, where she is now preparing to help patients recover from injuries, regain mobility, and return to their everyday lives.
Now in her second year at OCC, the 22-year-old Vestal native is one of six students named Patrick P. Lee Scholars, an honor that will help her pay for college. “It took a huge financial burden off my shoulders,” Camp said. “This scholarship was so generous, it was a huge relief.”
Camp’s interest in physical therapy grew out of her own experiences with sports and rehabilitation. Participating in athletics exposed her to the recovery process, while attending a MASH Camp at Binghamton Hospital introduced her to different areas of healthcare. Those experiences helped her envision a career supporting others through their own rehabilitation journeys.
At OCC, she has completed clinical experiences at Van Duyn Nursing Home and SUNY Upstate Community Hospital. Two additional six-week clinical rotations, each requiring 40 hours a week, await her as she works toward completing her associate degree in May 2027.
Support beyond the classroom has also made a difference. Camp participates in OCC’s TRIO program, which provides resources and support to help students succeed. “TRIO’s been great. I really like the open availability - I like the evening hours, being able to use computers, printers. Having someone here to support me is so valuable.”
The Patrick P. Lee Foundation’s Lee Scholarship Program is designed to help students prepare for careers while minimizing the debt they carry into the workforce. The Foundation supports students pursuing engineering and other technical fields, as well as those preparing for careers in mental health, where addressing the shortage of professionals is a priority.
Its scholarship program places particular emphasis on students from middle-income households, who can face significant financial barriers to higher education but may not qualify for enough need-based assistance to cover their costs. Beyond financial support, the Foundation looks for students who embrace innovation, demonstrate entrepreneurial thinking, value public service, and show leadership in and out of the classroom.
Below is a summary of each OCC student's biography which was included with their scholarship application.
Emma Allers - Physical Therapist Assistant
"I wanted a career in healthcare where I could make a meaningful difference in people’s everyday lives. Physical therapy gives me the opportunity to work directly with patients as they regain strength, mobility, independence, and confidence. I especially value that every patient has different circumstances and goals, and that physical therapy allows me to support each person throughout their individual rehabilitation journey. As I continue through my second year of the PTA program, one of my greatest challenges has been balancing the financial responsibilities of college with the demands of my education - I work while attending school and help cover my tuition, transportation, educational expenses, and other financial responsibilities. Being selected as a Patrick Lee Scholar would provide meaningful support during an important year of my education and help me continue working toward a profession that I am passionate about."
Karissa Camp - Physical Therapist Assistant
"Growing up involved in sports allowed me to see firsthand how important physical therapy can be for recovery, healing, and returning to daily activities. Seeing the impact that rehabilitation can have on a person’s life inspired me to pursue a career where I can support others through that process and be part of their healing journey. This scholarship would help lessen the financial burden of tuition and other educational expenses, while also allowing me to stay focused on my coursework and clinical preparation. Receiving financial support would make a meaningful difference in helping me complete my degree successfully."
Anthony Ralph - Nursing
"I chose nursing as my field of study because I have a genuine passion for helping people and serving others. For the past four years, I have worked as a Certified Nursing Assistant. Receiving financial assistance would greatly help reduce my financial burden, and allow me to focus more fully on my education and clinical training. I hope to use my education and experience to provide compassionate, high-quality care to my community and continue making a positive difference in the lives of others."
Nyan Satt - Electrical Technology
"I have always been interested in how electrical systems work and how technical knowledge can be used to solve real-world problems. Financial assistance would reduce some of the pressure of college expenses and allow me to focus more of my time and energy on my classes, labs, and complete my program successfully. I want to use my education to create better opportunities for myself and contribute positively to my community. Receiving this scholarship would mean a great deal to me because it would support me during an important stage of my education."
Ayaan Syed - Computer Science
"I have a strong interest in technology, problem-solving, and understanding how computer systems and software can be used to solve real-world problems. My goal is to complete my bachelor’s degree, strengthen my technical knowledge and skills, and prepare myself for a successful career. Receiving this scholarship would help reduce the financial burden on me and my family and allow me to focus more on my studies rather than worrying about educational expenses. This scholarship would bring me one step closer to completing my bachelor’s degree, achieving my career goals, and building a successful future through education, hard work, and determination."
Ellianna Tavares - Surgical Technology
"I have always been drawn to healthcare and wanted a career where I could make a meaningful difference in people’s lives while also challenging myself. I am especially interested in the operating room because it requires teamwork, responsibility, focus, and attention to detail. I want to create a stable future for myself while building a career that I can be proud of. Receiving financial assistance would not only support my education today but would also be an investment in the healthcare professional I am working hard to become."
The OCC Foundation played a critical role in helping these students earn their scholarships. You can learn more about the outstanding work the OCC Foundation does on behalf of students at its website.
