Scholarships for S-LP and Audiology Students

Table of Contents

  1. General Information
  2. How to Apply for a Scholarship – Step-by-Step
  3. Eligibility Requirements
  4. Evaluation Criteria
  5. Helpful Documents
  6. FAQ
  7. Cycle 1 Scholarship Descriptions
  8. Past Scholarship Recipients

 

Opening Doors to Education: SAC Scholarships

Speech-Language & Audiology Canada (SAC)’s Scholarship Program was established to recognize and appreciate the academic excellence of SAC student associates who demonstrate a drive to succeed and contribute to the professions of speech-language pathology and audiology. The scholarships can help students with their tuition, childcare, food, shelter and/or travel, or in any way that will help offset the financial burden in pursuit of their education.  

There are 29 scholarships available for the 2021-2022 academic year, funded by donations from SAC members, partners and generous supporters such as the Elks of Canada, KIDSPEECHTM and the Beach Family Foundation. Each scholarship is unique in its history, purpose and eligibility requirements. Read more about each scholarship below.

To make a donation, contact membership@sac-oac.ca. 
 

General Information

There are two scholarship cycles each academic year: Cycle One runs from the end of August and closes on October 30 and Cycle Two runs from the end of November and closes on February 1. A single scholarship application allows students to apply for multiple scholarships offered each Cycle.

Scholarships range from $1,000 to $2,500 and are only available to SAC student associates in good standing. Not a member? Join today!

The scholarship application deadline is October 30, 2021.
 

How to Apply for a Scholarship – Step-by-Step

  • Step 1: Review the scholarships available
  • Step 2: Verify your eligibility for the scholarships of interest
  • Step 3: Review the scholarship descriptions for any special criteria
  • Step 4: Check the deadlines
  • Step 5: Get organized 
  • Step 6: Start your application
  • Step 7: Don’t miss the deadline (October 30, 2021)

For more details on each step, refer to our application guide.
 

Eligibility Requirements

The following are the eligibility requirements for all scholarship applicants in cycle one:

  • Canadian citizen or a permanent resident of Canada.
  • Full-time student in their final year of a master’s program in speech-language pathology or audiology.
    • Students enrolled in their final year of a full-time doctorate degree program (AuD), who have not previously completed a master’s degree program in audiology, may also apply)
    • Please Note: Students in a combined master’s/PhD program may apply in their second year provided that they have completed clinical hours with patients.
    • **Exception for the KIDSPEECH™ Leadership Scholarship, and Audiology Leadership Scholarship: applications will be accepted from students in a master’s degree program or applicable higher education program.
  • SAC Student Associate in good standing. Not a member? Join today before submitting your application!
     

Evaluation Criteria*

Students applying for a scholarship must include the following with their application:

  1. Evaluation References: Students must provide two references, one clinical and one academic.
  2. Academic Transcripts: Students are asked to provide a copy of their official transcript in letter-grade form (A, B, C…)**.
  3. A short personal essay.

* Please note that specific criteria varies by scholarship. Further details on specific evaluation criteria can be found in the application guide.

** Academic transcripts with pass/fail grades may be accepted on a case-by-case basis. Please email membership@sac-oac.ca if your academic transcripts are in pass/fail format. 
 

Helpful Documents

FAQ

  1. Can I apply for more than one scholarship?
    1. You can apply for multiple scholarships. Make sure you meet the criteria for the scholarships you select. 
       
  2. Do I need to submit a separate application for each scholarship?
    1. No, you can use one application form. Some scholarships have special criteria that you must submit with your application.
       
  3. Can I include the evaluation references with my application?
    1. No, the evaluation forms must be emailed to SAC by your reference, or they will not be considered as part of your application. 
       
  4. Do I need to submit official transcripts?
    1. You can submit digital copies of your transcripts; however, SAC reserves the right to request a physical, official transcript if deemed necessary.
       
  5. Can I submit a printed application?
    1. Unfortunately, we are unable to accept printed applications at this time. If you are unable to apply online please contact membership@sac-oac.ca for further assistance.
       
  6. How many scholarships cycles are there?
    1. SAC has two scholarship cycles. The application period for CYCLE ONE is August 26, 2021 to October 30, 2021. The application period for CYCLE TWO is November 25, 2021 to February 1, 2022.
       
  7. Can I use the same references and transcripts I used in CYCLE ONE to apply for CYCLE TWO scholarships?
    1. Yes, you can.
       
  8. When will the scholarship recipients be announced?  
    1. SAC will announce the recipients in late Spring 2022.
       
  9. Do I need to be a member of SAC to apply for a scholarship?
    1. Yes, the scholarship program is only open to current SAC Student Associates. Not a member? Join today before submitting your application! In addition to scholarship eligibility, you will receive excellent benefits that will help you with your career.
       
  10. Do I need to be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident?
    1. Yes, scholarship recipients must provide proof of citizenship or permanent resident status.  
       

Cycle 1 Scholarship Descriptions

* For information on specific criteria for the following scholarships, read our scholarship application guide.
 

The Elks & Royal Purple Fund for Children Scholarships

The Elks of Canada is a Canadian volunteer organization of men and women serving communities across the country, with speech and hearing disorders as a main area of focus. Thanks to the Elks of Canada, individuals across Canada have received hearing aids, cochlear implants, therapeutic treatment sessions and more. A large part of Elks & Royal Purple Fund for Children efforts is directed to the communication health and needs of children. Learn more about becoming a member of the Elks of Canada. 

The Elks & Royal Purple Fund for Children Scholarships have specific criteria – review the application guide for more information. 

  • Elks & Royal Purple Fund for Children: Susan Lane Scholarship    
    • Named in honour of the long-time director of the BC Family Hearing Resources Centre, this scholarship is awarded annually to a student who has been involved in one of the Elk’s provincial programs.
    • Value: $2,000.00
    • Number of scholarships awarded: 1  
       
  • Elks & Royal Purple Fund for Children: Deborah Kully Scholarship    
    • Deborah Kully was the co-founder and long-time (retired) Executive Director of ISTAR, the Institute for Stuttering Treatment and Research. Deborah is an honorary member of the Grand Lodge of the Elks of Canada.  
    • Value: $2,000.00
    • Number of scholarships awarded: 1
       
  • Elks & Royal Purple Fund for Children: William J. Blake Scholarship    
    • Named in honour of William Blake, National Executive Director and Executive Administrator of the Elks of Canada for 28 years (1987 – 2015). This scholarship is awarded annually to a student who, in addition to meeting the general criteria, is a member or a relative of a member of the Elks of Canada.
    • Value: $2,000.00
    • Number of scholarships awarded: 1  
       
  • Elks & Royal Purple Fund for Children: Gordon Leslie Memorial Scholarships    
    • Named in honour of Mr. Gordon Leslie, a benefactor from Marwayne, Alberta, who left a bequest to the Elks & Royal Purple Fund for Children. These scholarships are awarded annually to students enrolled in a full-time master’s program.
    • Value: $1,000.00
    • Number of scholarships awarded: 10

KIDSPEECH™

KIDSPEECH™ has been serving both children and adults since 1988. The founder and long-time member of SAC, Maria Scaringi, is a registered Speech-Language Pathologist and a certified Canadian Life Care Planner who has worked with thousands of clients over the past three decades.

The KIDSPEECH™ Leadership Scholarship has specific criteria and preferences – review the application guide for more information. 

  • KIDSPEECH™ Leadership Scholarship    
    • The KIDSPEECH™ Leadership Scholarship will be offered to a promising S-LP candidate who demonstrates philanthropic initiative, motivation and a vision for the future. It will identify and support young people who have the integrity and determination to make positive change in their communities. Student applications can include a wide range of areas and activities including arts, technology, community development, humanitarian efforts and more. 
    • Value: $1,000.00
    • Number of scholarships awarded: 1    

SAC Scholarships

  • SAC Research Scholarship    
    • SAC recognizes that students are a vital part of our membership and the future of the professions we represent. The SAC Research Scholarships and the SAC General Scholarships are funded through rebates from our insurance carrier and affinity partner, BMS Group. The SAC Research Scholarship is intended for a student who conducts a research project during his/her master’s degree in audiology or speech-language pathology.  
    • Value: $1,000.00
    • Number of scholarships awarded: 2  
       
  • SAC General Scholarship    
    • The SAC General Scholarship is open to any full-time student enrolled in a recognized audiology or speech-language pathology program. 
    • Value: $1,000.00
    • Number of scholarships awarded: 2    
       
  • Grace Margaret Harris Scholarship    
    • Grace Margaret Harris was a charter member of SAC and received the honours of the Association in 1977. In 1992, she was appointed to the Order of Canada for contributions. She left a bequest to SAC to fund an annual scholarship in support of a student enrolled in a Canadian university.
    • Value: $1,000.00
    • Number of scholarships awarded: 1  
       
  • Isabel Richard Scholarships    
    • Isabel Richard was a founding member of the Canadian Speech and Hearing Association (now known as SAC). As the association’s first President, her dedication and vision helped establish the association and bring together professionals from across Canada.  This scholarship honours her contributions to the professions.
    • Value: $1,000.00
    • Number of scholarships awarded: 3
       
  • Audiology Leadership Scholarship *NEW    
    • The Audiology Leadership Scholarship will be offered to a promising audiology candidate who demonstrates philanthropic initiative, motivation and a vision for the future. It will identify and support young people who have the integrity and determination to make positive change in their communities. Student applications can include a wide range of areas and activities including arts, technology, community development, humanitarian efforts and more. 
    • Value: $1000
    • Number of scholarships awarded: 1  
       

Past Scholarship Recipients

Below you will find video and written testimonies from past recipients of the SAC Scholarship Program. 

To view a list of past scholarship recipients, visit our recipients webpage.

"I would again like to express my heartfelt thanks for the SAC's support in helping to realize my plans for future participation in professional issues. Thank you again for financially contributing to my research and personal development through this generous award."
- Marie Shuman, Msc. Speech-Language Pathology (Graduating 2020)

"I was thrilled and honoured to learn that I was awarded an Elks and Royal Purple Fund for Children Scholarship. It is a great feeling to receive this recognition from the Elks and SAC- two organizations that do so much both for their members and for the community. Meanwhile, as I enter the home stretch of my academic program, this scholarship will help to alleviate some financial burden and allow me to focus more closely on future academic and clinical endeavours."
- 2019 Scholarship Recipient