Community Engagement

The Florida A&M University (FAMU) Master of Science Occupational Therapy (MSOT) program has maintained a strong and collaborative relationship with Senior Services, Inc., in Leon County for over a decade. This partnership, particularly through the Tallahassee Senior Center, has provided students with invaluable opportunities to build foundational skills essential for becoming competent occupational therapy practitioners while simultaneously offering meaningful services to senior participants. The OT Department remains committed to strengthening this partnership through continued collaborations, including fieldwork experiences and community-based initiatives.

Through this relationship, the FAMU MSOT program actively promotes health and wellness among older adults while fostering experiential learning for students. At the Senior Center, OT students, guided by faculty, facilitate mental health groups during the summer that focus on stress management, coping strategies, and social connection. These groups create a supportive environment for seniors to share experiences, acquire practical tools for mental well-being, and enhance their quality of life.

Additionally, the program participates in community health events, such as successful aging fairs, where students and faculty engage seniors in health screenings, wellness education, and resource promotion for independent living. This collaboration not only benefits the senior community but also allows students to develop practical skills in community-based care and preventative health strategies. Together, this partnership bridges academia and practice, empowering both students and seniors to thrive.

The MSOT program also has a close partnership with FAMU Developmental Research School (FAMU DRS) where students partner with teachers and staff to address student success by performing level I and Level II fieldwork placements that address both physical and mental health challenges for students.