Minority Student Leadership Program (MSLP) Application and Program Details

Application Requirements

Please submit your completed Minority Student Leadership Program online application documents in PDF format only.

• Complete the online application form.

• Submit a 500-word essay describing: 

  • In what ways have you demonstrated leadership? Please provide examples;
    AND
  • What's missing in your leadership portfolio? Please explain.

• Submit a statement of good standing.

  • For students currently enrolled in a CSD program, your statement must be on your CSD department letterhead and should specify your status in the program. This document can come from the program chair or the registrar. Please do not include your transcript.
  • For students who will begin their graduate program in the fall, please submit a copy of your graduate school acceptance letter. 
• Submit a leadership resume not to exceed 2 pages that includes extracurricular activities and highlights your leadership experiences.

Submission Deadline: The MSLP application will be open March 11 – May 6, 2024.

Please Note:

Due to conflicting awardee requirements on-site at the ASHA Convention, applicants may only apply to one of the following programs per year.  

• Minority Student Leadership Program (MSLP)
• Audiology/Hearing Science Research Travel Award (ARTA) 
• Minority Student Leadership Program (MSLP) 
• Research Mentoring-Pair Travel Award (RMPTA) 

By submitting an application for the Minority Student Leadership Program, you are no longer eligible to apply for the remaining programs.

Selection Process

Up to forty students are chosen to participate. MSLP applications are reviewed by a 3-reviewer panel of ASHA members and rated on the following:

• Essay: Use of description, strong argument/thesis, clarity, organization, and grammar and punctuation
• Resume: Involvement in university/community activities and leadership experience

Applicants are selected and notified in August and September.

Program Expectations

By applying to the 2024 MSLP, you are agreeing to:  

• Participate in a 6-day MSLP program. If there is a schedule conflict with a class or exam, exemptions may be granted by MSLP staff as needed. 
• Receive information from our sponsors, which are committed to supporting CSD students and diversifying the professions.  
• Be a member of National NSSLHA and/or an ASHA graduate student member to receive free ASHA Convention registration for full participation in the MSLP. 
• PhD students ONLY: Attend the MSLP/ARTA Peer Connections Networking event. 

About Convention

Does ASHA provide transportation during the Convention?

Shuttle bus service will be provided Thursday through Saturday.

What is the attire for the Convention?

The attire for the Convention is business casual, but you may be expected to dress professionally depending on the activities you plan to participate in (e.g., interviews with prospective employers or graduate programs). In addition, at least one MSLP activity will require business attire.

What do participants need to bring to the Convention?

• A resume if you are looking for a job. The Career Fair is a great place to start your employment search. To learn more about the Career Fair and to preregister, visit ASHA's Career Portal.
• Preprinted address labels or business cards. You will be asked to complete raffles and surveys and to sign up for mailing lists. Make life easier and have preprinted labels or business cards ready.
• A good pair of walking shoes. You will do a lot of walking. Make sure that you are comfortable.
• A positive attitude. A Convention is a major undertaking and not everything goes as planned. Don't get flustered if you can't find the room for a session or if the hours for a poster session that you are interested in have been changed. Simply locate a NSSLHA or ASHA information booth and someone will direct you to where you want to go.

What is the first thing I should do when I arrive at the Convention?

If you have preregistered for the Convention, you will receive your badge in the mail beforehand. When you arrive at the Convention, you can immediately enjoy the exhibits and other services available to Convention registrants.

Will I have time to explore the Convention city?

There is very little time available to participate in non-Convention activities. The purpose for attending the Convention is to network, learn more about the professions, and gain access to information and opportunities.

For more information, e-mail mslp@asha.org.