2026 M.A.P. Program Participants
FORT SMITH, AR. — The Arkansas Colleges of Health Education (ACHE) College of Health Sciences recently welcomed the fourth cohort of students to its Mentoring and Achievement Preparation (M.A.P.) Program, an initiative designed to prepare students from underrepresented and underserved communities for careers in occupational therapy and physical therapy.
This year’s cohort includes undergraduate students from Fisk University, Langston University, Jackson State University, the University of Southern Mississippi, and Arkansas Tech University. Throughout the immersive program, participants engage in hands-on learning experiences, connect with ACHE faculty and student mentors, and gain valuable insight into graduate education and careers in occupational therapy and physical therapy.
Established in 2023 through a collaboration between the ACHE College of Health Sciences Admissions Department, the School of Occupational Therapy (OT), and the School of Physical Therapy (PT), the M.A.P. Program was created to help diversify the healthcare workforce by providing education, mentorship, and professional development opportunities for aspiring healthcare professionals. The program seeks to address health disparities by equipping students with the knowledge, resources, and support needed to successfully pursue careers in occupational therapy and physical therapy.
“The M.A.P. Program is more than a mentorship program: it’s a bridge to opportunity,” said LaTisha Standokes, EdD. “By investing in students from underrepresented and underserved communities, we’re helping develop future occupational and physical therapists who will bring diverse perspectives, lived experiences, and compassionate care to the communities they serve.”
Following the on-campus experience, participants continue to receive guidance through ongoing mentorship from ACHE OT and PT faculty and students. The program also offers admissions support, professional development opportunities, and continued engagement to help participants navigate the path to graduate school.
Since its launch, the award-winning M.A.P. Program has provided mentorship, and several participants from the program’s first three cohorts have successfully enrolled in OT and PT programs, including eight who chose ACHE.
“One of the most rewarding aspects of this program has been watching our participants grow in confidence while developing meaningful relationships with our faculty and student mentors,” Dr. Standokes said.
The M.A.P. Program continues to strengthen ACHE’s commitment to expanding educational opportunities and preparing future healthcare professionals who are equipped to serve diverse communities through compassionate, patient-centered care.
To learn more about the ACHE M.A.P. Program, visit achehealth.edu/ache-map-program.
