The Successful Hands Grant Programme will award more than US$15,000 (€14,276, £12,000) in grants and product prizes to massage therapy students this year.

Created to support US-based massage therapy students, recent graduates (within six months) and their schools, programme sponsors Arizona-based Massage Envy and Performance Health brands Biofreeze and Bon Vital will award eight US$1,000 (€951, £803) grants to massage therapy students.

In addition, each winner’s school will receive a US$500 (€475, £401) grant and a US$500 (€475, £401) product package. Since its inception in 2014, the grant programme has awarded over US$40,000 (€38,000, £32,000) to students and their schools.

To apply, students must complete a 200-word essay on “What being a successful massage therapist means to me.” A committee of industry representatives will review the submissions and choose eight winning essays.

“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,” said Jen Bonfilio, divisional vice president, employee brand at Massage Envy.

“That’s why we are excited to sponsor this grant programme and support the passionate community of professional therapists who bring wellness to millions of people.”

Lynda Solien-Wolfe, vice president massage and spa, Performance Health, added: “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.”