Health and Human Development

Improving diversity among audiologists and speech-language pathologists

The BRIDGE project will mentor undergraduate students to bring a more diverse set of professionals to the fields of audiology and speech-language pathology. Credit: Dennis Maney / Penn StateCreative Commons

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.  

In BRIDGE, participating students are paired with a graduate student who provides tutoring, an alumni mentor who provides support, and a research faculty member who trains the student in how to conduct research. BRIDGE program participants also attend monthly presentations about applying for and preparing for graduate school and their future careers.  

“Communication Sciences and Disorders is committed to becoming known for being welcoming, inclusive, and supportive for students from all different backgrounds,” said Williams. “We hope that the BRIDGE program is one step toward this goal.” 

The initial cohort of the BRIDGE program includes nine undergraduate students. The program is possible thanks to funding from Penn State’s Equal Opportunity Planning Committee.  

Last Updated January 24, 2022

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