[American Speech-Language-Hearing Foundation](https://www.ashfoundation.org)

April 1, 2026 | April 22, 2026

Up to three awards of $4,000 each; one-year project period.

Supports graduate student research on early childhood language development, especially in preschoolers and children with hearing impairments.

--- ## Description This grant supports master's or doctoral students conducting research in early childhood language development, with a focus on preschool-aged children and those at the earliest school levels. Projects may investigate language acquisition, communication processes, and developmental trajectories, with special emphasis on early verbal children and those with hearing impairments. The goal is to advance scientific understanding and foster innovative research that impacts the assessment, intervention, and knowledge of language development and communication disorders in young children. --- ## Due Dates - April 1, 2026: Full application deadline - April 22, 2026 --- ## Funding Amount - Up to three grants of $4,000 each will be awarded in 2026. - Funding supports a one-year research project. - Indirect costs and travel expenses for meetings (including the ASHA Convention) may not be included in the budget. --- ## Eligibility - Applicants must be full-time 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. - 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 of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. - The proposed research must focus on early childhood language development, preferably involving early verbal children; projects may include children with hearing impairment. - Enrollment must be full-time for the entire academic year. --- ## Application Process - Submit a single PDF containing all required sections, following the prescribed order and format: - Biographical Sketch (1 page) - Abstract (1 page) - Research Plan (up to 10 pages) including specific aims, significance, methods, and resources - Management Plan and Budget (2 pages; include activity timeline and budget justification) - Human Subjects (up to 3 pages; include IRB statement or protocol description) - Bibliography (2 pages) - Letter of Support from academic adviser or research mentor - Adhere to formatting guidelines: 12-point, uncondensed font; 1-inch margins; page limits strictly enforced. - The proposed study should be feasible to complete within one year, starting December 1, 2026. - Applications are evaluated on importance, rigor/feasibility (most heavily weighted), and investigator expertise/resources. --- ## Additional Information - Preference is given to projects addressing early verbal language production. - The review process considers the potential for clinical impact and innovation. - The study's start date is December 1, 2026. - Final report requirements must be incorporated into your project timeline. --- ## External Links - [ASHFoundation Grant Program Page](https://www.ashfoundation.org/apply/student-research-grant-in-early-childhood-language-development/) - [ASHFoundation Main Grants Page](https://www.ashfoundation.org/apply/#Grants) --- ## Contact Information | Type | Details | |-----------|----------------------------------------------| | Email | foundationprograms@asha.org | | Phone | +1 301-296-8700 | | Address | 2200 Research Boulevard, Rockville, MD 20850, USA |

Student Research Grant in Early Childhood Language Development

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