Oticon Funds and Expands Foundation’s Empowering Students Scholarship Program

The American Academy of Audiology (AAA) Foundation’s mission supports education, research, and public awareness in audiology and hearing sciences. It’s many programs and initiatives impact audiologists, audiology doctoral students, consumers, and those with hearing loss and balance disorders.

In the realm of education, the Foundation is committed to doctoral students as they continue their academic career, learn exceptional clinical skills, and explore contemporary avenues of research that will advance treatment for people with hearing and balance problems. The Foundation offers targeted opportunities to students across the country through scholarships and grants. We are thrilled to announce that Oticon, Inc. will continue funding the Empowering Students Scholarship Program in 2021 and has opted to expand the program to offer $30,000 in scholarships, with up to $20,000 being designated for Black students in an effort to support them on their journey to becoming audiologists.

With the expansion of the program, Oticon joins with the 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.”

“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 2021–2022 academic year will be accepted beginning January 15, 2021, and the application deadline is April 30, 2021.

Learn more about the AAA Foundation Scholarship Program.