AFA Events Encourage Students, Raise Funding for Programs

Lafayette, IN - At the October annual convention of the Academy of Doctors of Audiology (ADA), the Audiology Foundation of America (AFA) and ADA joined forces to bring Au.D. students to the Clearwater Beach, FL, convention through the ADA Mentoring Program. The AFA also concentrated efforts on raising money for student programming, scholarships and other projects in support of its ongoing mission to transform the profession of audiology for the future.



Au.D. students and their mentors shared experiences at a special mentoring breakfast at the ADA Convention.

Twenty-eight third- and fourth-year Au.D. students were competitively selected from programs across the nation to attend the ADA Convention, and participate in convention activities, but also to take part in a special track of AFA sessions directed at students interested in future careers in private practice. Students were paired with successful audiology practitioner mentors for the duration of the convention, with the intent that the relationship continue as the students go on to develop their own careers.

Student mentoring participant on-site surveys showed the importance of this convention, and its educational offerings, to their professional development. Comments included:

• Thank you so much for such a great opportunity to meet and network with fellow Au.D. students and amazing audiologists at the ADA conference. This conference, by far, was my favorite to attend.
  
  
• This inspired me beyond expression. I am again re-energized and excited to help patients and become a successful business person.
  
  
• As a student, this was an opportunity that I wouldn't have had without the support of AFA. It was such an honor being in the presence of some of the most successful practitioners in the profession of audiology and is an experience I won't soon forget.
  
  
• I have made contacts for future employment opportunities. I ultimately now want to own my own practice.

In addition to AFA funding, financial support for the 2009 Student Mentoring Program was provided by Starkey, the program's Silver Sponsor.



The 2009 AFA Auction featured a new "bucket auction" format with over 70 items.

In other fundraising activities at ADA, the AFA raised over $20,000 through its annual auction and from contributions to student scholarship programs. This year's auction included a traditional live auction, as well as a new "bucket auction." Major auction sponsors included Audigy Group, Oticon, ESCO and Oaktree, with additional sponsorships provided by Vertigo Associates of New Jersey, Rayovac and Auricle Ink. ADA was the generous host sponsor and embedded the auction into its convention Beach Party with dinner, dancing and other activities.