Advancing Academic-Research Careers (AARC) Award Application

Application Instructions

1. Access the online application system. (opens February 15, 2025)
2. Complete the online application form; upload required materials as PDF documents.
3. Submit the entire application package by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time, April 30, 2025.
4. Add aarcsparc@asha.org to your contact list to ensure that you receive communications regarding your application.

Application Components

The required application package includes the following components (See AARC Application Tips for guidance):

• Cover letter (limit 1 page)
  • Explain how this award will facilitate advancement of your academic-research career.
  • The teaching and research goals should be achievable within the award’s time frame, but should also move you beyond the basic requirements of your position.
• Mentored Teaching Plan (limit 3 pages; references do not count toward the page limit)
  • The plan must consist of up to five measurable goals. If you are selected for an award, you will be required to submit interim and final reports on your progress toward these goals.
  • List the specific mentored activities in which you will engage to accomplish each goal-and the type and frequency of interaction you will have with your teaching mentor(s).
  • Specify how the plan is a logical next step in the development of your teaching/mentoring skills.
  • Describe the mentor's qualifications and how they will contribute to the aims of your proposal.
  • The timeline of the plan should run from September 1, 2025, through February 28, 2027.
• Mentored Research Plan (limit 3 pages; references do not count toward the page limit)
  • The plan must consist of up to five measurable goals. If you are selected for an award, you will be required to submit interim and final reports on your progress toward these goals.
  • List the specific mentored activities you will engage in to accomplish each goal and the type and frequency of interaction you will have with your research mentor(s).
  • Specify how the plan is a logical next step in the development of your research skills or program.  
  • Describe the mentor's qualifications and how they will contribute to the aims of your proposal.
  • The timeline of the plan should run from September 1, 2025, through February 28, 2027.
• Budget Proposal for the 18-Month Funding Period
  • Justify all expenditures. Funds must be directly related to implementing the goals proposed in the application.
  • There are no requirements concerning how to divide funds between the teaching and research activities.
  • Examples of acceptable uses of funds include, but are not limited to:
    • purchasing equipment/supplies/books,
    • paying assistants or research participants,
    • paying the awardee's registration fees and/or travel expenses for a training course, conference, or other professional development and learning opportunity.
    • If you request funds to attend a course, conference, or other professional development opportunity, you must provide a rationale for how that particular event supports the goals of your teaching plan and/or research plan.
  • Funds may not be used for:
    • indirect costs,
    • teaching buyout,
    • awardee's salary,
    • ASHA membership dues or SIG affiliation fees,
    • coverage of travel expenses for anyone other than the awardee (you may use funds for mentor visits to the awardee's lab).
  • The timeline of the budget should run from September 1, 2025, through February 28, 2027.
• Curriculum vitae (CV)
  Include education; employment history; publications (peer-reviewed and non-peer-reviewed, listed separately); presentations (invited and contributed, listed separately); courses taught; service; theses and dissertations directed (if applicable); funding history (list both funded and unfunded applications); and honors/awards/affiliations.
• Letters of Recommendation (limit 1 page each)
  • Include a letter from each member of your mentoring team.
  • Each letter should include the mentor's assessment of your potential as an academic-researcher and the author's commitment to mentor you as defined in your plan.
• Letters of Support (limit 1 page)
  • Include a letter from your department chair (or equivalent) expressing support of your proposed activities for the full 18-month duration of the award.
  • If your chair is one of your mentors, one letter from that individual is sufficient. It is recommended that the letter discloses both roles.