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 PhD students who are pursuing a research doctoral degree. 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.

Eligibility Requirements

• Undergraduate seniors, master's, and AuD students must be enrolled in communication sciences and disorders programs in fall 2018 and not be members of ASHA.
  • Preference will be given to students who are members of racial/ethnic minority groups historically under-represented within ASHA, including American Indian or Alaska Native, Asian, Black or African American, 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. PhD students must be enrolled in a research doctoral degree program, and may be an ASHA member.

Meet members of the class of 2017 as well as past recipients of the MSLP.

How to Apply

The 2018 MSLP application period is March 12–May 7. Applicants must complete an online application form, upload several PDF documents, and submit the entire package by the established deadline. 

Check out the MSLP frequently asked questions to learn more. Still have questions? E-mail mslp@asha.org, contact Melanie Johnson at mjohnson@asha.org, or call 301-296-8681.