Grant Writing and Mentorship in Education Research (GAMER) Program

Purpose

The Grant Writing and Mentorship in Education Research (GAMER) program is an interactive workshop co-sponsored by the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), American Council of Academic Physical Therapy (ACAPT), American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), Division of Physical Therapy at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and ASHA.

The GAMER program connects workshop participants in physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech-language pathology, and audiology with a nationally recognized group of mentors, including representatives from potential funding sources. This joint effort addresses a longstanding request and need within our respective disciplines for grant-writing support for those who contribute to (a) scholarship in education research and (b) the scholarship of teaching and learning (SoTL).

In addition to the GAMER program faculty mentors, each participant will also identify an institutional/organizational mentor who is available to guide participants at their home institution while they implement their grant application and funded research project.

The workshop helps attendees to

• develop a compelling “problem/gap/hook,”
• develop a research proposal,
• establish a program of research,
• identify funding opportunities,
• create a professional development plan, and
• improve dissemination/publication.

The 2026 GAMER Workshop will be held January 22–24, 2026, in Charleston, South Carolina.

Get additional information about the history of GAMER, outcomes, testimonials, and a sample agenda.

The GAMER program is part of ASHA’s Academic & Research Mentoring (ARM) Network. The ARM Network offers programs for those who are considering, launching, and advancing academic-research careers in communication sciences and disorders (CSD).

Eligibility Requirements

• The GAMER program is targeted to academic and clinical faculty who are engaged in or planning to engage in education research and SoTL.
• Preference will be given to applicants who
  • have strong potential as a faculty member and researcher and
  • have adequate training and experience to be competitive for intramural or extramural funding.
• A PhD degree is not required for those applying to attend a GAMER workshop.

Program Costs

Registration and Travel

• Registration is required.
• The participant’s institution should cover the registration fee.
• The participant is responsible for their travel expenses.

ASHA Stipend

An ASHA Stipend of $1,500 will be provided to offset travel costs for eligible ASHA members who participate in the GAMER workshop.

How to Apply

The 2026 GAMER application period opens Tuesday, July 1, 2025, and closes at 11:59 p.m., Eastern Time, Friday, August 15, 2025.

(Deadline Extended: The application period closes at 11:59 p.m., Eastern Time, Monday, September 8, 2025)

Get additional information about the history of GAMER, outcomes, testimonials, and a sample agenda.

For general questions about the GAMER program, email academicaffairs@asha.org.

For more specific questions about your application, contact GAMER Program Director Rick Segal: segal@musc.edu.

2026 ASHA Mentees

Laura Arrington, University of Louisiana at Lafayette 

Tim DeLuca, University of Massachusetts–Amherst 

Becky Jones, Oklahoma Baptist University 

Lynsey Keator, Thomas Jefferson University 

Christen Page, University of Kentucky 

Amy Peterson, University of Wyoming 

Carrie Richie, Texas Woman’s University 

Lauren Siemers, Rocky Mountain University 

Karen Whisenhunt Saar, Lamar University

2026 ASHA Mentors

Valarie Fleming, The University of Tennessee Health Science Center 

Jennifer Friberg-Fort, Illinois State University 

Patrick Walden, Monmouth University 

Jennifer Watson, Texas Christian University