Grant Earmarks Funding for Four Scholarships to Black Students
SOMERSET, NJ August 3 – Oticon, Inc. has announced plans to expand the company’s donation to the American Academy of Audiology Foundation Empowering Students Scholarship Program to support Black students on their journey to becoming audiologists. The $30,000 donation will fund scholarships for the 2021–22 academic year, with up to $20,000 in scholarships to be awarded to Black students. Oticon has supported the Foundation’s scholarship program for nearly 10 years, funding scholarships to graduate students earning AuD or PhD degrees in audiology. With the newest donation to the scholarship fund, Oticon joins with the American Academy of Audiology Foundation to become a change agent in supporting Black graduate students as they pursue their audiology degrees and move into careers in audiology.
“Oticon is proud to partner with the American Academy of Audiology Foundation to empower students who represent the future of Audiology," said Oticon President Gary Rosenblum. "Supporting the success of Black audiology graduate students is an important step to creating a profession that draws on the strengths of all segments of our population. A more inclusive and diverse profession brings a broader perspective to hearing healthcare that improves our ability to provide life-changing benefits to patients from all backgrounds.”
The American Academy of Audiology Foundation raises funds and supports programs of excellence in education, promising research and public awareness in audiology and hearing science. The Foundation offers targeted opportunities to students across the country through scholarships and grants. The programs are designed to help students maximize their learning experiences through leadership, educational, and humanitarian opportunities.
“The Foundation is thrilled to be able to offer the Empowering Students Scholarships again in 2021, and we are grateful for Oticon’s continued support and partnership in this endeavor,” said AAA Foundation Chair Helena Solodar, AuD. “The expansion of the program to designate funds for Black students aligns with the Academy Enterprise’s goal of supporting diversity in the field of audiology, and the Foundation is pleased to play a role in that mission.”
Applications for the Empowering Students Scholarships for the 2021-22 academic year will be available in January 2021, and the application deadline is April 30, 2021. For more information on the AAA Foundation Scholarship Program, visit https://www.audiologyfoundation.org/scholarships-grants/general-education-scholarships-grant
