RISE Pathways Program
The Recruitment, Inclusion, Sustainability, and Education (RISE) Pathways Program aims to increase access and remove barriers within the occupational therapy (OT) profession. The program, made possible by a generous donation from The Sandra Hoskins Legacy Foundation, will focus on exposure to OT through a comprehensive approach involving recruitment, education, mentorship, leadership development, and career support.
RISE Pathways Program addresses access to the OT field
The purpose of the RISE program is to address limited representation, barriers to entry, and impacts on client care. By establishing a network of leader-scholars trained to advocate and embody the core values of the profession, the program will help create a workforce that meets the communities' needs.
What is RISE?
The RISE Pathways Program, a national initiative designed to increase access and opportunities for impact in the OT profession by developing leader-scholars across the United States. This program will strategically identify, recruit, and support individuals from underrepresented communities, equipping them with the knowledge, skills, and leadership necessary to excel in the field of occupational therapy and drive future growth and innovation.
Educational and Financial Outreach
The Educational and Financial Outreach component of the RISE program provides an opportunity for academic institutions to encourage access to the profession through targeted recruitment and support for current and potential OT/OTA students. This outreach assists with reducing obstacles and enhancing access through the development of mentoring programs with OT professional and students, offer financial support for students, and incorporate relevant content and examples into occupational therapy curricula. Stay tuned for more information.
AOTA recognizes the first DLP cohort
The 2022 DLP cohort offered its Scholars the opportunity to learn from experts within and outside the occupational therapy profession and explore current and emerging issues through an inclusive and effective leadership lens. These leader Scholars are critical to guiding the profession in the future, including efforts to attract and engage practitioners.
Committing to a bright future of the profession
As the professional association representing and supporting occupational therapy, the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) is committed to developing Occupational Therapist (OT) and Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) leaders who will guide the profession into a dynamic future. Those who will engage and empower others to dream more, think bigger, and act boldly.
Sandra Hoskins Legacy Foundation
The mission of the Sandra Hoskins Legacy Foundation (SHLF) is to provide intentional support for effective charitable nonprofit organizations engaged in projects and activities that are consistent with the philanthropic interests of its Founding Director.
Founding Director, Sandra "Sandy" Hoskins, an occupational therapy practitioner, has committed more than 40 years of her life to the field of occupational therapy and her foundation focuses on providing quality housing and employment opportunities for individuals who have barriers to economic independence.
