Foundation History

Founded in 1997 by the Association of Surgical Technologists, the Foundation for Surgical Technology offers academic scholarships for surgical technology students to cover the burdensome costs of education, missions scholarships for practicing surgical technologists who wish to give back, and military scholarships so those serving can attend AST's Surgical Technology Conference. The Foundation also administers the Constellation Awards, a program that recognizes surgical technology educators in various stages of their careers.

The Foundation for Surgical Technology is designated as a 501c3 organization, making contributions tax deductible.

Partnerships

In 2016 the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) joined the Association of Surgical Technologists (AST) in jointly supporting and underwriting the Foundation's academic student scholarships. Recipients are determined by a combined board representing both organizations. This partnership has allowed the Foundation to increase the number of scholarships for surgical technology students it awards each year.

Awards History

Since 1999, the Foundation has awarded 422 scholarships for surgical technologist students totaling nearly $375,000.

Year Number of Scholarships Scholarship Amount Awarded
1999 13 $4,500
2000 11 $4,200
2001 5 $5,500
2002 7 $7,250
2003 10 $10,500
2004 11 $8,500
2005 8 $7,000
2006 15 $14,000
2007 17 $21,350
2008 18 $19,500
2009 17 $19,500
2010 23 $28,750
2011 16 $14,300
2012 21 $14,985
2013 30 $22,000
2014 18 $12,500
2015 18 $10,300
2016 24 $18,500
2017 36 $31,250
2018 34 $36,500
2019 34 $33,000
2020 36 $30,900
2021 27 $36,000
  449 $410,785