In the midst of an epidemic of loneliness and social isolation, Temple University College of Public Health is considering a decision that could significantly undermine the future of recreational therapy. The proposal to discontinue the Bachelor of Science in Recreational Therapy is not just a setback for aspiring therapists but a devastating blow to the health and vitality of the Philadelphia community and beyond.

The BS in Recreational Therapy is a beacon of hope for many. It offers a pathway to a fulfilling career in just four years without the burden of excessive student debt that comes with advanced degrees. This program stands as a testament to Temple University's commitment to providing accessible, high-quality education that leads directly to meaningful employment.

As the nation's third-largest employer of recreational therapists, Philadelphia relies on the steady stream of skilled graduates from Temple's program. These professionals play a crucial role in the lives of individuals with disabilities, offering interventions that lead to improved health, recovery, and well-being. Temple rec therapy interns spend 150 hours their junior year and 560 hours their senior year at agencies in and around Philadelphia. Our interns are frequently hired by their internship sites for paid positions immediately after graduation. Some of these sites include Shriners Children's Hospital, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, SPIN, Inglis, Penn Physical Rehab Medicine & Rehabilitation, and so many more. Temple's BSRT program graduates have also gone on to create their own businesses, such as Help-U-Bridge and PACE College Coaching, LLC. By discontinuing this program, we will be creating a void in a field that is essential to the fabric of our Philadelphia community. 

Moreover, reducing the BS in Recreational Therapy to a minor or concentration undermines the depth and quality of education necessary to prepare students for the complexities of therapeutic practice. The comprehensive curriculum, including 13 required courses, elective courses, and internships, is designed to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and compassion needed to excel in this field. Reducing the program to a mere concentration or minor would strip it of its CARTE accreditation and devalue the profession as a whole.

Temple University's mission statement speaks of opportunity, engagement, and discovery. It emphasizes the importance of providing an excellent education that prepares students for active citizenship and creating a community that fosters inclusion. The proposed discontinuation of the BS in Recreational Therapy directly contradicts these ideals. Temple University's College of Public Health's mission is to "prepare our students to become researchers, practitioners, and educators. Collaborating across health-related disciplines, we address community needs, create evidence-based solutions, and deliver effective, compassionate care". RTs are the professionals that TUCPH seeks to create. We call on Temple University to stand by its mission and values by preserving the Bachelor of Science in Recreational Therapy. This program is more than just a degree; it's a lifeline for individuals in need, a source of pride for the university, and a vital contributor to the health and well-being of Philadelphia. 

Join us in urging Temple University to invest in the future of recreational therapy, the well-being of our community, and the aspirations of students dedicated to making a difference. Sign this petition to save the BS in Recreational Therapy and ensure that this essential program continues to thrive.