Fort Smith, AR. – The Arkansas Colleges of Health Education (ACHE) proudly announces the first recipients of its new Adopt-A-Scholar Recruitment Scholarships, created to support exceptional incoming medical students at the Arkansas College of Osteopathic Medicine (ARCOM) whose goals align with ACHE’s mission to improve access to quality healthcare. Each scholarship is made possible through a $100,000 donation, pledged over four years, demonstrating a significant investment in the future of healthcare.
The Adopt-A-Scholar program was established to provide both financial and personal support to future physicians. Through this initiative, donors have the opportunity to “adopt” a medical student by funding a recruitment scholarship that helps reduce the financial burden of medical education. Beyond tuition assistance, the program fosters a meaningful connection between students and donors, allowing community partners and advocates to invest directly in the next generation of physicians who will serve Arkansas and beyond.
“These partnerships are about more than just scholarships. They’re about mentorship, encouragement, and investing in the health of our communities,” said ACHE President & CEO Kyle D. Parker, JD. “Our Adopt-A-Scholar recipients represent resilience, compassion, and a deep commitment to service, which are the very values ACHE stands for.”
The inaugural scholarships were awarded to two incoming students in the ARCOM Class of 2029.
The First National Bank of Fort Smith Adopt-A-Scholar Recruitment Scholarship has been awarded to Deborah Jandebeur.
“Becoming a physician has always felt like my calling, and I’m thrilled to be training at an institution whose values mirror my own,” Jandebeur said. “ARCOM’s focus on healthy living and improving lives speaks to the very core of my aspirations.”
Raised in Decatur, Arkansas, Jandebeur was inspired by the kindness of her local physician, Dr. Webb, and overcame health challenges, financial struggles, and family responsibilities to pursue medicine. Now an empty-nester with her son in graduate school and twin daughters in college, she works in a hospital emergency department and plans to serve as a rural community physician.
“First National Bank of Fort Smith is grateful to have the opportunity to financially support ACHE Adopt-A-Scholar recipient Deborah Jandebeur,” said Sam T. Sicard, First National Bank of Fort Smith President and CEO and member of the ACHE Board of Advocates. “This partnership represents an investment in the future healthcare of families in the communities we serve.”
The Brenda and Anthony Altman Adopt-A-Scholar Recruitment Scholarship has been awarded to Mary “Adi” Young.
“After graduating, I am prepared to contribute to ARCOM’s mission as a student and beyond, promoting equitable, compassionate healthcare and creating lasting change in the communities I serve,” Young said.
Young’s passion for medicine began at age five after a life-threatening illness led to hospitalization at Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital in Memphis. Growing up in a rural community with limited healthcare access, and volunteering in pop-up clinics in underserved areas of Costa Rica, strengthened her commitment to improving healthcare accessibility for rural and underserved populations.
“Anthony and I are thrilled to adopt Mary “Adi” Young as our scholar from the ARCOM Class of 2029,” said Brenda Altman. “Her drive to succeed, her dedication to volunteerism, and her passion for providing compassionate care to rural communities makes her a perfect Adopt-A-Scholar recipient and a strong embodiment of the mission of the Arkansas Colleges of Health Education. It is a genuine honor to support the education of this outstanding young leader!”
The Adopt-A-Scholar program represents a unique opportunity for donors—whether individuals, families, or organizations—to directly impact the future of healthcare in Arkansas. By supporting a student, donors not only help relieve the financial burden of medical school but also encourage students as they prepare to serve where they are most needed.
For organizations and individuals interested in becoming an Adopt-A-Scholar partner to contact Director of Advancement Jarred Rego at jarred.rego@achehealth.edu or visit achehealth.edu.