Congratulations to the SDSLHA 2026 Scholarship Recipients!


Jaden Heidt

Hi! My name is Jaden Heidt. I recently graduated from Augustana University with a degree in Communication Disorders and a minor in American Sign Language. This fall, I will begin the next chapter of my academic journey at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, where I will pursue a master's degree and work toward a career as a Speech-Language Pathologist. Outside of academics, I enjoy spending time with my family, traveling, hiking, and cooking. I am incredibly grateful to receive this scholarship and appreciate its support as I continue my education.

 
Elizabeth Johnson
Hello! My name is Elizabeth Johnson, and I am originally from Hartford, SD. This spring, I graduated from the University of South Dakota with my bachelor's degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders. During my undergraduate education, I served as the 2025-2026 NSSLHA President and 2024-2025 Event Chair. In the fall, I will be continuing my education at the University of South Dakota in the speech language pathology master’s program. I will also be serving as the Vice President of our NSSLHA chapter. I hope to one day be a speech language pathologist that makes everyone feel loved, cared for, and help them reach their individual goals, whatever that may look like for them!

 

 2026 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 2026.

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 2026
  • 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 2026

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
    • 1 letter of recommendation

Application materials may be submitted by:

  • All completed forms and documentation must be submitted on the SDSLHA website by May 1st,  2026.