Minority Student Leadership Program (MSLP)   

Purpose

The MSLP is a leadership development program established for undergraduate seniors, master's students, AuD students who are enrolled in communication sciences and disorders programs, and post-entry level SLP students who are enrolled in a clinical or research doctoral degree program. Up to 40 students will be selected to participate in the Minority Student Leadership Program which takes place during the ASHA Convention. The purpose of the MSLP is:

• To recruit and retain racial/ethnic minorities that have been historically under-represented in the professions of audiology and speech-language pathology
• To provide focused educational programming and activities to build and enhance leadership skills
• To provide an understanding of how the association works
• To provide an opportunity for program participants to interact with leaders in the professions of audiology, speech-language pathology, and speech, language, and hearing sciences

In addition, the MSLP offers its participants the chance to network with ASHA leaders, university faculty, and clinicians who can offer educational and career opportunities and who have continuously supported the success of the Minority Student Leadership Program. Participants will also get a chance to meet and talk to MSLP alumni as well as other young leaders. All of these networking opportunities give participants exclusive access to learn about in-demand resources to move their careers forward.

Program Dates

The 2020 Convention dates are November 19–21. However, the Minority Student Leadership Program will take place November 16–22.

Award Package

The Minority Student Leadership Program offers many opportunities including:

• Complimentary ASHA 2020 Convention registration in San Diego, California 
• ASHA Closing Party ticket
• Up to six nights lodging at one of the ASHA Convention hotels
• $150 Meal stipend
• Program materials

Program participants are responsible for transportation expenses to and from the Convention city and personal incidentals.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must meet the following criteria to participate in the MSLP.

• Undergraduate seniors, master's, and AuD students must be enrolled in communication sciences and disorders programs in fall 2020. ASHA members are not eligible.
  • Preference will be given to students who are members of racial/ethnic minority groups historically under-represented within ASHA, including Asian, Black or African American, Native American  or Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander, and/or Hispanic/Latino.
  • Students who are not U.S. citizens but who are enrolled in a Council of Academic Accreditation (CAA)-accredited program are eligible to apply. You must meet all other eligibility requirements.
• Graduate study—students must be enrolled in, or accepted for, graduate study in a communication sciences and disorders program in the United States. Master's degree candidates and AuD candidates must be enrolled in a CAA-accredited program. Post-entry level SLP students enrolled in a clinical or research doctoral degree program, and may be an ASHA member.

Participation Requirements

• Must be enrolled as an undergraduate senior, master's, or AuD student in a communication sciences and disorders programs in fall 2020.
• Must belong to national NSSLHA to participate in the program and to receive the student registration fee. PhD students or clinical doctoral students may be graduate student members or ASHA members.

How to Apply

Applicants must do the following:

• Complete an online application
• Upload required PDF documents
• Submit the entire application package by the deadline

The MSLP Award application period is open March 11–April 29. See the application requirements and convention details for additional information.

If you have questions about applying, please contact MSLP at mslp@asha.org, or call Melanie Johnson at 301-296-8681.