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Foundational Firsts

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CSHA Foundation is proud to launch:
Foundational Firsts Scholars Program

One of the foundation’s goals is to increase access to graduate school for students who don’t always have a pre-determined path to follow. We are committed to supporting traditionally underrepresented students as they explore graduate school options in our professions. Through mentorship, guidance, and resources for undergraduate students in their junior and senior year, we will create a more equitable future for our field and support students as they achieve their full potential. We have set a goal of supporting 20 students with mentorship opportunities throughout their junior and senior year, including attendance at Convergence 2025.

What will Foundational Firsts offer?

The program begins with mentorship opportunities in January and later includes webinars, participation in Convergence, and hands-on experience staffing the CSHA Foundation Table and connecting with CSHA students and leaders.

Foundational Firsts offers personalized guidance on navigating the convention and insights into the grad school experience. Beyond the convention, participants will receive ongoing support from CSHA’s Foundation, such as assistance with GRE preparation and application fees. Foundational Firsts reflects CSHA Foundations commitment to empowering first-generation students and fostering their academic and professional growth.

CSHA student members who are currently enrolled (at the application deadline) in a California undergraduate degree program in Speech-Language Pathology, Communication Sciences and Disorders, Communicative Disorders, Speech-Language and Hearing Sciences (or related programs) are eligible to apply.

Yes. The scholarships are for CSHA student members who are attending undergraduate degree program in Speech-Language Pathology, Communication Sciences and Disorders, Communicative Disorders, etc. in the State of California.

Yes. In order to be considered, an applicant must be a current student member at the time of application.

Complete and submit the application online.

The link to the application goes live in September.

Completed applications must be submitted electronically by 11:59 P.M. (PST) on December 20 of each year.

Scholars are notified in January each year.

Applicants must submit all information required on the application in order for the application to be considered complete. Applications are evaluated based on the following criteria:

  • Depth of answers to five key application questions
  • GPA – a 2.7 GPA is required to be considered for Foundational Firsts.
  • First Generation college status: this is not a requirement of this program, but due to the nature and goals of the program, first generation students will receive priority consideration.
  • Bilingualism: this is also not a requirement for consideration, but as we strive to make an impact in our future, CSHA Foundation recognizes the need to increase bilingual service providers in this state and will give priority consideration to students who are bilingual.

Students who are selected for this program and participate in all required aspects are considered Foundational Firsts Scholars until they graduate.

No, students who participate will not receive a formal scholarship, but funding will be provided to help students attend Convergence 2025.  Participants who complete all requirements may be eligible to receive financial support in those activities that have costs when applying to graduate school.

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Foundational Firsts Applications are open until 12/31. Undergraduate Students: Click Here to Apply Now!