Congratulations to the SDSLHA 2025 Scholarship Recipients!

Grace Drietz, Graduate Student at the University of South Dakota
Hi! My name is Grace Drietz. I am a senior at Augustana University, graduating with a double major in Communication Disorders and Special Education Studies. In the fall, I plan to continue my education by attending the University of South Dakota to become a Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP). Outside of academics, I enjoy spending time with loved ones, running, riding horses, going to the lake, reading, and just relaxing. Receiving this scholarship is an incredible honor and one that brings me one step closer to becoming an SLP!

Emersyn Netten, Graduate Student at the University of South Dakota
My name is Emersyn Netten, and I am from a small town in northwest Iowa. I completed my undergraduate degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from the University of South Dakota. This fall, I will be continuing my education at the University of South Dakota in the Speech-Language Pathology Graduate Program. While at USD, I was involved in NSSLHA, which allowed me to expand my knowledge of the field of speech-language pathology and meet many friends. I am eager to continue learning about this wonderful occupation!

2025 SDSLHA Scholarship Application is Now Closed

The South Dakota Speech-Language and Hearing Association annually awards up to $1,200.00 in scholarships to eligible students for financial academic assistance.  

A disbursement of $500.00 each will be awarded to two undergraduate seniors who are currently enrolled in a Communication Sciences and Disorders program at a South Dakota College or University. Eligible applicants will be enrolled in graduate school for an advanced degree in either audiology or speech-language pathology starting in the Fall of 2025.

A disbursement of $200.00 will be awarded to a student who is enrolled in a South Dakota speech-language pathology assistant program. Preference will be given to students who are enrolled in their second year of study. In addition, preference will be given to students who plan to work in South Dakota following graduation.

Specific criteria for application:

For Graduate Students 

• Be pursuing a graduate degree in either audiology or speech-language pathology in the Fall of 2025
• Show proof of acceptance to a graduate program accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation (CAA) for audiology and/or speech-language pathology

For Speech Language Pathology Assistant Students

• Be attending a speech-language pathology assistant program in the Fall of 2025

For ALL

• All application materials must be submitted as instructed including:
  • Proof of acceptance to your program
  • Completed application
  • Personal statement indicating why you chose audiology or speech language pathology
  • Unofficial transcript
  • 3 letters of recommendation

Application materials may be submitted by:

• All completed forms and documentation must be submitted on the SDSLHA website by May 1^st,  2025.
  

Congratulations to the SDSLHA 2024 Scholarship Recipients!

Amber Johnson, SLPA Student at Mitchell Technical College
Hi! I'm Amber Johnson. I live in Rapid City, SD with my four children, husband, and a cat. I am currently a paraeducator in the Communication Preschool at South Canyon Elementary. I love working with the preschoolers and helping them with language and articulation! We have fun every time we have class and I am so excited to carry that over into my future as a Speech-Language Pathology Assistant. I have had the privilege of working closely with three different SLP's and one SLPA and I've worked in the same building as two different SLP's. They have all encouraged me to go back to school and get my Associate's Degree at Mitchell Tech, they have also encouraged me as I study and learn and apply my new knowledge in my part time job.

 
Laura Petik, SLP Graduate Student at University of South Dakota
My name is Laura Petik and I am from the beautiful Black Hills of South Dakota. I am extremely excited to start the SLP Graduate Program at the University of South Dakota this fall. There, I will continue to be an active student involved in SDSLHA, NSSLHA, and other groups within the community. 

Baylie Shearer, SLP Graduate Student at University of South Dakota

Hello, my name is Baylie Shearer. I am from Randolph, Nebraska, a small town in the northeast corner. I completed my undergraduate education at the University of South Dakota with a degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders. I became extremely interested in this field of work when I received a hearing aid, upon starting coursework, I discovered that speech language pathology was my calling in life. I absolutely loved all my speech courses in undergrad. I will be continuing my education at the University of South Dakota in the Speech Language Pathology program there. Thank you so much SDSLHA for this scholarship opportunity, I cannot wait to begin this next journey in my educational career!