Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the SPARC Award
What is SPARC?
SPARC stands for Students Preparing for Academic Research Careers. The goal of SPARC is to foster interest in getting a PhD and pursuing an academic research career. Currently there is a shortage of PhD level faculty in communication sciences and disorders. The SPARC award is designed to provide opportunities for enhanced educational mentorship experiences that prepare students for successful PhD education and academic careers, travel to enhance teaching and research exposure, and teaching and research experience under a mentor.
Who sponsors the award?
ASHA sponsors this award in support of its 2012 strategic objective to Improve the Science Base.
How much is awarded?
As many as 10 students will be awarded up to $1,000 for teaching and research activities.
How can SPARC Award funds be used?
Examples of appropriate uses of funds include
- Purchasing necessary supplies for the teaching and mentoring plans (e.g., books, software)
- Attending the ASHA Convention and/or other relevant conventions, meetings, or conferences
- Traveling for a visit to an off-campus site that provides learning opportunities in a research lab and/or a college classroom setting
- Registration for special workshops, at conference or elsewhere, to support the mentoring plan outlined in the application
Am I eligible?
You are eligible to apply if your current education status is
- Junior or senior undergraduate student enrolled in a CSD program
- First year master's student enrolled in a CAA Accredited Program [PDF] CSD program
- First and second year entry level clinical doctoral (e.g., AuD) student enrolled in a CAA accredited program [PDF]
- First and second year clinical doctorate SLP student
- Hold BA degree and have an offer of admission for enrollment in a master's CSD or AuD program for the 2012-2013 academic year
- National NSSLHA member at the time of award allocation
You are not eligible to apply if you are enrolled in a PhD program or if you already have a PhD degree. The goal of the SPARC award is to foster students' interest in the pursuit of PhD education and careers in academia. The award is, therefore, limited to undergraduate, graduate students, and first and second year entry level clinical doctoral students per eligibility criteria above.
You are eligible to receive the award if your education status in academic year 2012–2013 will be
- Senior undergraduate
- First or second year master's speech language pathology
- First, second, or third year entry-level clinical doctorate (e.g. AuD)
- Enrolled part-time or full-time in a CSD program in the United States (CAA accredited, as described above)
How can I apply?
- Use the application form (will be available shortly).
- Announcements/calls for applications are distributed to all academic programs.
Eligible candidates must submit the following:
- Completed application form (will be available shortly)
- CSD Career Mentoring Plan to include a Teaching Plan and a Research Plan
- Five hundred-word response to the essay question, "What are your goals for teaching and research in higher education and how would this award help you achieve these goals?"
- Letter of recommendation from the primary mentor
- Commitment statement [PDF] from the primary mentor who is a member of the CSD teaching and research faculty at applicant's institution
- SPARC applicants must have an offer of admission from the institution they will be attending during the 2012-2013 academic year and have letter of recommendation and commitment from the primary mentor at that institution.
- Budget proposal for the 15-month funding period with accompanying justification
Who determines the SPARC Award winners?
SPARC applications are reviewed and rated by CSD faculty who volunteer to review. Each application is evaluated by three raters who assess the teaching and research plan. Applications are rated on many variables like feasibility of plan, organization, learning objectives as well as clarity and writing style. SPARC Award reviewers look at the proposed budget you submit, its details, and justification. Reviewers also consider how your proposed plan meets the goals of the SPARC Award to promote academic/research careers.
Examples of teaching plan activities:
- Meeting with a member of your mentoring team to identify teaching objectives and learner outcomes for a CSD course
- Assisting with preparation of course materials
- Guest lecturing under direction of faculty mentor
- Participating in activities or courses that develop teaching skills
Examples of research plan activities:
- Visiting research facilities at your institution or other institutions
- Assisting with or conducting a research project
- Preparing a manuscript
- Contributing to a presentation or poster at a conference
- Preparing a grant application
When is the application due?
Applications must be received by May 15, 2012.
If I have been selected, when will I be notified?
Award recipients will be notified in August 2012.
If I receive the award, is it taxable?
Yes, this award is considered taxable income by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
- You may choose to apply for the award through your university's grants/awards office or apply directly as an individual. The award funding will be provided directly to you or to your university depending upon the method of application you select. Seek information from your personal tax advisor about which option would be best for you.
- You or your university will be given a W-9 to complete before you receive the award.
- If you received the funds directly from ASHA, your award amount will be reported to the IRS on Form 1099, and a copy of the form will be sent to you. If ASHA disburses the award directly to your university, you will need to find out their tax reporting practices.
ASHA does not provide tax advice. For information about tax information and forms, visit the IRS website.
What if I still have questions?
Contact ASHA's Academic Affairs and Research Education team at academicaffairs@asha.org.