Arlington, VA – June 12, 2026 – Today, the Board of Registered Polysomnographic Technologists (BRPT) announced the winner of its A-STEP/STAR Educational Grant Program for individuals interested in pursuing a career in sleep technology and/or those who are currently working as sleep technicians who would like to become a registered polysomnographic technologist (RPSGT). Sierra Redd, a sleep technologist in Hilo, Hawaii was selected out of 58 applications. Applicants came from the United States and spanned the globe, including Australia, Canada, China, India, Pakistan, the Philippines, the United Arab Emirates and the United Kingdom.
“Sierra stood out because of her deep commitment to patient-centered care and her thoughtful understanding of the role sleep health plays in overall well-being,” said Board member, Kayla Sidorski, MBA, RPSGT, Chair of the Scholarship Committee. “Her essay demonstrated not only a strong foundation in sleep technology, but also a genuine desire to serve her community through both clinical excellence and cultural understanding.”
Sidorski added, “The committee was particularly moved by her description of viewing patients through the ‘kaʻao lens’—seeing the whole person and their unique story. That perspective reflects the compassion, professionalism, and dedication that are hallmarks of exceptional sleep technologists. We are proud to support Sierra as she takes the next step toward earning her RPSGT credential and advancing sleep care in Hawaii.”
Sierra received a grant of up to $800 towards an A-STEP or STAR designated educational program.
“Receiving this scholarship is both an honor and an opportunity,” said Sierra Redd. “It brings me one step closer to earning my RPSGT credential and continuing my growth as a sleep technologist. Every day, I meet patients whose lives are affected by sleep disorders in ways that impact their health, their families, and their quality of life.”
Redd explained, “I want to be able to provide the highest level of care possible while honoring each person’s individual story and experience. The A-STEP program will help me build the knowledge and skills needed to strengthen my clinical expertise and better serve my community in Hilo. As a Native Hawaiian, I am passionate about bridging cultural understanding and evidence-based care, and I am grateful to BRPT for investing in my professional journey.”
The application window was open from March 1 through April 1. The BRPT’s Scholarship Committee reviewed all applications through a carefully crafted rubric to determine the best qualified applicant.
About The BRPT
The Board of Registered Polysomnographic Technologists (BRPT) is an independent, nonprofit credentialing board dedicated to advancing excellence in sleep technology and clinical sleep health. Since administering its first credentialing examination in 1979, BRPT has credentialed nearly 25,000 Registered Polysomnographic Technologists (RPSGTs) worldwide and today administers the CPSGT, RPSGT, and CCSH credentialing programs. To learn more about all of our programs and offerings, visit www.brpt.org.