[American Speech-Language-Hearing Association](https://www.asha.org)

June 2026 (Full application deadline, projected)

Up to three grants of $4,000 each; one-year projects; no indirect costs or travel expenses allowed.

Supports graduate student research advancing early childhood language development, particularly for children with language delays or hearing loss.

--- ## Description This grant, supported by the Arlene M. and Noel D. Matkin Memorial Fund and administered by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Foundation (ASHFoundation), is designed to promote innovative research in early childhood language development. The program specifically targets research that addresses children at the preschool or earliest school developmental levels, with an emphasis on early verbal language production and use. Projects may include children with hearing impairment. The ultimate goal is to advance the field of communication sciences and disorders by supporting rigorous and feasible student-led research with the potential for significant clinical impact. --- ## Due Dates - June 2026 (anticipated/projected full application deadline) *All dates are projected based on the annual cycle; check the program page for updates.* --- ## Funding Amount - Up to three grants of $4,000 each are available in the 2026 cycle. - Funding is for a one-year project period. - Indirect costs and travel expenses for meetings or conventions are not allowed in the budget. --- ## Eligibility - Applicants must be master’s or doctoral (research or clinical) students enrolled in, or accepted for, graduate study in speech-language pathology or speech-language science at a U.S. academic program. - Students must be enrolled full-time for the entire academic year. - Master’s degree candidates must be in a program accredited by, or in candidacy status from, the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (ASHA). - Research proposals must focus on early childhood language development, with preference for studies involving early verbal language production and use. Projects may include children with hearing impairment if relevant. --- ## Application Process - Submit a single PDF containing all required sections, in order, with page numbers and 12-point uncondensed font, 1-inch margins. - Required sections: - Biographical sketch (max 1 page) - Abstract (max 1 page) - Research plan (max 10 pages): specific aims, significance, design/methods, facilities/resources - Management plan and budget (max 2 pages) - Human subjects statement (max 3 pages) with IRB support or equivalent signed statement - Bibliography (max 2 pages) - Letter of support from academic adviser and/or research mentor - Proposals are evaluated on importance, rigor/feasibility (weighted most heavily), and investigator expertise/resources. - Study start date is expected to be December 1, 2026. --- ## Additional Information - The grant honors the legacies of Arlene and Noel Matkin, both leaders in early identification and intervention for children with language delays or hearing loss. - Preference is given to projects that are tightly designed, feasible, and likely to be completed within one year. - For detailed proposal guidelines and evaluation criteria, refer to the program page. --- ## External Links - [Program page: Student Research Grant in Early Childhood Language Development](https://www.ashfoundation.org/apply/student-research-grant-in-early-childhood-language-development) - [ASHFoundation Endowment Funds](https://www.ashfoundation.org/ways-to-give/endowment-funds/) - [ASHA Grants & Awards](https://www.asha.org/students/awards/) --- ## Contact Information | Type | Details | |-----------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------| | Funder Website | [https://www.asha.org](https://www.asha.org) | | Program Contact | [ASHFoundation Contact Page](https://www.ashfoundation.org/contact/) | | Phone | 800-638-8255 |

Student Research Grant in Early Childhood Language Development

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