Message From the Director
Our motto is Knowledge, Justice, Excellence.
We are a program of people with amazing stories of love/justice, art/beauty, truth, service, resiliency, and excellence. People are our greatest resource from the current students, staff, and faculty to families, alumni, and benefactors.
We are one of the most diverse programs on campus with students representing different states and nationalities; races/ethnicities and creeds; sexual orientations and gender spectrum; all learning and abilities; different religions and spiritualities; academic interests and career goals; etc.
Yet we all share in the Myra Kraft Achievers Program experience and have overcome great adversity to gain admission and graduate from Brandeis. We are gifted, talented, and have a great desire to learn. Moreover, we also share in the ability to be resilient, adapt, connect, and overcome challenges.
Hi and welcome to the website of the Myra Kraft Achievers Program (formerly MKTYP)!
The Myra Kraft Achievers Program is more than an academic program. It is a legacy of excellence that has empowered students at Brandeis for over 50 years. Rooted in the pillars of Academics, Advising, and Community-Building, MKAP provides scholars with the guidance, support, and opportunities they need to thrive. Our students are not just navigating Brandeis; they are shaping it, leaving their mark with resilience, curiosity and a shared commitment to growth.
This program was founded to address systemic inequities in the U.S. educational system while fostering a sense of belonging for underrepresented students. That mission remains as vital today as it was at its inception. MKAP continues to evolve, expanding access and strengthening support systems so that every scholar can graduate prepared for a lifetime of purpose and achievement.
MKAP scholars inspire us every day with their academic excellence, leadership, and impact. Many hold leadership roles across campus, earn Dean’s List honors, launch entrepreneurial ventures, and dedicate themselves to service. Beyond the classroom, they pursue research, internships, and global experiences, broadening their perspectives and preparing to make meaningful contributions to society.
The legacy of MKAP is woven together by the extraordinary individuals who have shaped it, from leaders like the late and great Mr. Thompson “Tony” Williams; former director, Dr. Kathryn Bethea-Rivera; to alumni like Reginald “Reggie” Sapp and Vere Plummer, Esq. who were part of the first “TYP” cohort. The unwavering support of the Kraft family continues to propel the program into a new era, and its greatest strength remains its people. The heart of MKAP is found in its students, alumni, faculty, staff, and advisors, each contributing to an ever-growing legacy of Knowledge, Justice, and Excellence.
To be a Myra Kraft Achiever is to embrace something greater than oneself. It means stepping into a community that will change, inspire, and uplift you. It means carrying forward a tradition of resilience, leadership, and excellence.
I am honored to continue this journey with you. Together, we will write the next chapter of the Myra Kraft Achievers Program, ensuring that its impact is felt for generations to come.
Best,
Aprilis Diaz
Program Director, MKAP