New Century Scholars Doctoral Scholarship

Scholarship Sponsored by American Speech-Language-Hearing Foundation

Introduction
The American Speech-Language-Hearing Foundation (ASHFoundation) is accepting applications from doctoral students who have been admitted to, or are currently enrolled in, a research-focused doctoral program to compete for the New Century Scholars Doctoral Scholarship. This program targets promising candidates who intend to pursue a teacher–investigator career on a college or university faculty in the United States. For 2026, the Foundation plans to award up to 15 scholarships of $10,000 each.

Additional funded awards for special research areas
- Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC): In honor of Dr. Joan Bruno’s leadership and clinical contributions in AAC, the newly endowed Dr. Joan Bruno Augmentative and Alternative Communication Research Fund will support one extra New Century Scholars Doctoral Scholarship reserved for a doctoral student conducting AAC research.
- Communication needs of people with severe disabilities: One more New Century Scholars Doctoral Scholarship will be supported by the endowed Drs. McLean, Yoder and Schiefelbusch Memorial Scholarship Fund. This award is for students whose research addresses communication needs of individuals with severe disabilities. The fund commemorates Drs. James McLean, David Yoder, and Richard Schiefelbusch and their influential early-1970s book on language intervention for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Eligibility
Applicants must satisfy all of the following to be considered:
- Be accepted to, or currently enrolled in, a research doctoral program (PhD or equivalent) in communication sciences and disorders. Clinical doctoral programs are not eligible for this award (however, clinical doctoral students may apply to other ASHFoundation opportunities). Candidates who complete their doctoral program before May 2026 are not eligible for the November 2026 funding cycle.
- Preference will be given to students enrolled full time, though part-time students may be considered.
- Hold membership in NSSLHA or ASHA at the time the application is submitted.
- Demonstrate commitment to a teacher–investigator career in communication sciences and disorders within the United States.

Note: The ASHFoundation intends these scholarships to promote faculty careers that combine teaching and research in U.S. higher-education programs. If a recipient cannot meet the stated eligibility commitments, the Foundation may require repayment so the award can be reallocated consistent with the program’s original purpose.

Application requirements
Complete the online Student Information Form and upload the following materials as PDFs via the application portal.

1. Student Information Form (online submission)

2. Letter of Application and Modified Vitae Appendix (combined into one PDF)
- Letter of Application: Address your letter to the “Scholarship Review Committee.” Limit is 3 pages, 12-point font, single-spaced. In the letter, address:
- Why you are pursuing a doctoral degree and what influenced your decision to follow this career path.
- Your planned course of academic study.
- Your career objectives following the doctorate, including teaching interests.
- An overview of your research interests and relevant activities to date (for example, coursework, seminars, interdisciplinary experiences, independent studies).
- Any obstacles you foresee in reaching these goals, if applicable.
- Modified curriculum vitae (appendix; not included in the 3-page limit): Provide a CV organized with the following headings, as applicable and in this order: Research Interests; Research Experience and Projects; Teaching Interests; Teaching Experiences; Presentations; Publications; Awards and Honors. Do not repeat education history here—education is covered on the Student Information Form.

3. Department Information Form (PDF)
- The doctoral program chair or director must complete and sign the Department Information Form (PDF). After the chair/director signs it, upload the final PDF to the online system.

4. Transcript(s) (PDF)
- Provide a transcript from your current university. A student copy is acceptable. If your GPA is not shown on the transcript, include official documentation from the university or department that verifies your GPA.

5. Two Confidential Letters of Recommendation (PDFs)
- Submit two confidential recommendation letters; at least one must come from someone in your department. The second may be from another individual acquainted with your academic record and potential. Recommenders should address items not already covered in your application and should comment on:
- Your suitability for doctoral study.
- Attributes that will support successful completion of the doctoral degree.
- Your commitment to a teacher–investigator career.
- Other factors that predict career success (professionalism, leadership, etc.).
- Any additional information not present in your vitae.
- Requesting recommendations: Through the online application, enter the names and email addresses of your two recommenders. Recommenders will receive an email with submission instructions from foundationprograms@asha.org and will upload their letters as PDFs. It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure recommenders submit letters before the deadline.

Funding use
Scholarship awards are intended to cover educational expenses (for example, tuition, books, and living expenses). Funds are not to be used for travel—personal or professional.

Award announcements
All recipients will be announced and recognized in November. A list of past New Century Scholars Doctoral Scholarship recipients and information about their work is available for review.