Massage Envy Schools Grant Update: Three Schools Share Their Success

10/16/25

Each fall and spring, AMTA announces five recipients of the Massage Schools Grants, funded by Massage Envy to support the future of the massage therapy profession. The Schools Grants are $10,000 awards given with the goal of helping massage schools attract, train, and graduate future generations of highly qualified massage therapists.

We recently sat down with three Massage Schools Grant recipients to learn about the positive ways this grant has impacted their school community. Explore how three schools from different parts of the country have utilized these grants to enhance their learning environments and support their students.

The Fall 2025 Application for the Massage Schools Grant is open until October 31—apply today for the chance to make a huge impact on your school.

Apply Today!

Bodycraft Wellness & Massage Center- Rockford, IL
Spring 2025 Recipient

AMTA was thrilled to speak with Jamie Fanaro, owner of Bodycraft Wellness & Massage Center, a Spring 2025 recipient of the Schools Grant. “This could not have been more perfect timing,” Jamie shared, as the massage program had just celebrated its 10th anniversary in partnership with Rock Valley Community College—an occasion that coincided with renovations to the Health Science building. As a result, the grant arrived just as the massage program was moving into a brand-new space.

Jamie explained that part of the grant was used to purchase new bolsters, stools, muscle charts, and slates for under the tables—updating their resources to match the freshly renovated facility. One of the most significant improvements, she noted, was replacing much of their paper use with iPads. This new technology will help students streamline their work with clients, empower them to take initiative, and simulate the digital tools they’ll use as licensed therapists.

The grant will also enhance student learning through the addition of a clay skeleton model for kinesiology and tactile study, as well as expanded experiential opportunities in their spot-work clinic, which offers free therapeutic services to student athletes.

Although the grant was recently awarded and some of its impact is still unfolding, Jamie shared how the upgrades have already energized students. “They’re really jazzed about the school investing in them and their program,” she said. With the new resources and renovations, students feel inspired to learn and proud to be part of a program that values academic integrity and embraces innovation.

Jamie’s advice to other schools considering applying for these grants is simple: “Apply—and keep applying!” She believes every school is deserving of this support and encourages her colleagues to take advantage of the opportunity.

“These grants truly make a difference. They help schools better serve their students and strengthen the future of massage therapy education.”

Fort Hays State University- Hays, KS
Fall 2024 Recipient

Ceena Lund of Fort Hays State University, a Fall 2024 Schools Grant recipient, shared that the grant has supported a wide range of initiatives. From establishing a scholarship and implementing an “Owl” smart video conferencing system to purchasing percussion tools and medical-grade essential oils, the grant has helped the program better equip both the school and its students for success.

Most importantly, Ceena highlighted how the grant has supported their Holistic Safe Space—a quiet, private sanctuary where massage therapy students, faculty, and staff can decompress and recharge.

She explained that the grant has positively impacted the program by enhancing learning opportunities and supporting wellness initiatives. The improved resources have strengthened the foundation for both students and instructors, increasing engagement and enriching the overall learning environment.

When asked what advice she would offer to other schools considering applying for a similar grant, Ceena shared:

“Be clear on your vision with great goals that may help the community, students, and program. Don’t be afraid to try—dream BIG!!”

Sabai Professional Massage Academy- Stevensville, MT
Fall 2024 Recipient

Sabai Professional Massage Academy, a Fall 2024 recipient of the Schools Grant, made remarkable strides with its $10,000 award. Owner Rachel Smead shared how the grant supported three key initiatives designed to modernize the learning environment and expand the school’s reach:

“First, we replaced our old projector and whiteboard setup with a large, touch-screen television, which dramatically improved visibility and interactivity. We also purchased new chairs and desks with built-in power supplies, allowing students to comfortably work on their devices throughout the day.

Second, the grant was crucial in establishing our LMS platform. We’re currently using it to deliver content and resources to our in-person students, and we’re actively developing it to serve as the foundation for our upcoming online program.

Finally, we invested in targeted marketing and outreach efforts, which have been incredibly successful—nearly doubling enrollment for our next incoming class.”

Rachel explained that the grant’s impact has been both significant and multi-layered, directly elevating the student learning experience while supporting the school’s long-term growth. She noted that the investments not only enhanced the appeal of Sabai Professional Massage Academy to prospective students but also created a more effective and engaging learning environment. Reflecting on the experience, Rachel shared, “It really has helped to position us for sustained growth and long-term stability.”

When asked what advice she would give to other schools considering applying for a grant, Rachel encouraged them to think strategically and long-term:

“Think of meaningful and impactful ways to use the funds to innovate and move your school forward—whether that’s through technology, curriculum, or outreach. It’s not just about what you buy, but what you build. Don’t build for today’s learning experience; build for the learning experience you want to provide in ten years. Doing so will directly improve your students’ outcomes, increase enrollment, and create sustainability.”

AMTA's Commitment

AMTA is proud to support massage therapy schools and students through the Massage Envy Schools Grants. These grants can have a significant and lasting impact on student experience, educational success, and the future of massage therapy. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to improve your school and enhance student learning! 

Apply Today

About Massage Envy 

Massage Envy, based in Scottsdale, Arizona, is a national franchisor and does not independently own or operate any of the Massage Envy franchised locations nationwide. The Massage Envy franchise network, through its franchise locations, is a leading provider of premium skin care offerings and massage services. The Massage Envy brand was founded in 2002 and began offering skin care services in 2008. The brand has franchise locations in 49 states that have together delivered more than 225 million services across its skin care and body care offerings.