RISE Pathways to Diversity Program
The Recruitment, Inclusion, Sustainability, and Education (RISE) Pathways to Diversity Program aims to increase diversity in the occupational therapy (OT) profession by 20% over the next 25 years. The program, made possible by a generous donation from The Sandra Hoskins Legacy Foundation, will focus on exposing diverse populations to OT through a comprehensive approach involving recruitment, education, mentorship, leadership development, and career support.
RISE Pathway to Diversity Program addresses diversity challenges in occupational therapy
The purpose of the RISE program is to increase diversity in occupational therapy by addressing limited representation, barriers to entry, and the impact on client care due to a lack of diverse perspectives. By establishing a network of diverse leader-scholars trained to advocate for and embody the values of diversity and inclusion, the program will help create a more inclusive and culturally intelligent workforce that meets the needs of diverse communities nationwide.
What is RISE?
The RISE Pathways to Diversity Program, a national initiative designed to increase diversity in the OT profession by developing diverse 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.
Watch livestream recording of RISE program announcement
Review program announcement slide presentation
Educational and Financial Outreach
The Educational and Financial Outreach component of the RISE program provides an opportunity for academic institutions to encourage diversity through targeted recruitment and support for current and potential OT/OTA students. This outreach assists in actively targeting students from Historically Black Colleges and Universities, rural institutions, and Minority Serving Institutions, developing mentoring programs with OT professional and diverse students, offering financial support for underrepresented communities, and incorporating culturally 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 from diverse backgrounds.
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.
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.
