Students Preparing for Academic-Research Careers (SPARC) Award
Forecasted
The SPARC Award supports mentored research and teaching experiences for students pursuing academic-research careers in communication sciences and disorders.
Funder: American Speech-Language-Hearing Association
Due Dates: April 30, 2026: Full application submission deadline
Funding Amounts: $1,000 per awardee; 12 awards annually; 15-month funding period
Summary: Supports students exploring research doctorates and academic-research careers in communication sciences and disorders through mentored teaching, research, and professional development.
Key Information: Application opens February 15, 2026; awardees notified in July 2026; funding disbursed by mid-September 2026.
Description
The Students Preparing for Academic-Research Careers (SPARC) Award is designed to foster interest among students in pursuing a research doctorate (PhD) and a faculty-researcher career in communication sciences and disorders (CSD). The program emphasizes mentored teaching and research activities in areas such as clinical practice research, culture, language and identity, implementation science, interprofessional education and practice, and the scholarship of teaching and learning. Awardees receive financial support, structured networking opportunities at the ASHA Convention, and formal recognition to help develop skills and experience necessary for academic and research roles in CSD.
