The Austin Kang Sibling Scholarship, established by Behind the Scenes, is a unique opportunity designed to support siblings of individuals with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). The scholarship will do so by providing access to the 31st Annual IOCDF Conference in Seattle, Washington from July 9 to 12, 2026. This scholarship reflects a growing recognition that siblings are often overlooked in the mental health space, despite playing a critical role within families affected by OCD.
This scholarship is named in honor of Austin Kang, who has dedicated significant time and effort to advocating for OCD siblings and ensuring they receive the support they deserve. As the founder of Behind the Scenes, the first North American support group specifically created for siblings of individuals with OCD, Austin has worked to build a safe, welcoming space where siblings can share experiences, learn coping strategies, and connect with others who understand their unique challenges. As part of this initiative, all applicants to this scholarship will automatically be added to the Behind the Scenes mailing list, providing access to ongoing resources and monthly meetings.
Scholarship Details & Benefits:
Selected recipients will be awarded $500 to help offset costs associated with attending the 31st Annual IOCDF Conference, including but not limited to airfare, conference registration, lodging, and meals. The goal of this funding is to reduce financial barriers and make this experience more accessible to siblings who may not otherwise have the opportunity to attend. Through this conference, recipients will gain exposure to educational sessions, connect with mental health professionals, and build meaningful relationships with others in the OCD community.
Application Deadline: Sunday, May 10 at 5:00 PM PST
Review Process: Applications will be carefully reviewed by members of Behind the Scenes and will receive input from our partners from OCD SoCal.
Notification: Recipients will be notified approximately one week after the application deadline
Recipient Expectations & Requirements: By submitting an application and accepting the scholarship, recipients agree to the following:
1. Conference Participation: Recipients are expected to attend and actively engage in the 31st Annual IOCDF Conference experience.
2. Social Media Acknowledgment: Recipients must post at least one photo from the conference on a personal social media account and include a brief acknowledgment or “shoutout” recognizing the Austin Kang Sibling Scholarship and OCD SoCal.
3. Post-Conference Reflection: Recipients must complete a short post-conference feedback form. This form will assess overall satisfaction and personal impact.
These requirements are essential to help demonstrate the scholarship’s impact, ensure continued funding, and expand opportunities for future siblings.