UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — The fields of audiology and speech-language pathology have not traditionally attracted a diverse set of professionals. In 2019, the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association reported that just over 8% of its more than 200,000 members identified as racial minorities.
To help improve diversity in these professions, researchers in Penn State’s Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders (CSD) are undertaking multiple initiatives, including a collaboration with North Carolina A&T State University, America’s largest Historically Black College or University (HBCU); an inclusion-focused training grant; and the BRIDGE project, a new mentoring initiative for undergraduates who are from underrepresented minority groups or are first-generation college students.
“Our field needs professionals who are more representative of the people we serve,” said Diane Williams, professor and head of communication sciences and disorders. “This is especially true especially given the interrelationship between culture and communication.”
Speech and hearing professions require advanced degrees. Speech-language pathologists and audiologists — the most common occupations of CSD students — must hold graduate degrees to be licensed. CSD trains undergraduates from underrepresented groups, but few enter graduate programs upon graduation.
Williams explained that the Building Resources to Increase Diversity in Graduate Education (BRIDGE) project, launching in the spring 2022 semester, will provide the resources students need to succeed as undergraduates. Additionally, the program aims to create a sense of belonging for the students involved and lay a foundation for success in graduate school. Faculty will seek feedback from undergraduate participants about what support is most needed and useful.