NSA Graduate Student Research Award
Supporting the Next Generation of Stuttering Research
The National Stuttering Association is proud to offer the Graduate Student Research Award, a $5,000 funding opportunity for graduate students conducting impactful research on stuttering. Formerly known as the NSA Research Fund Award, this grant has been awarded annually since 2022 through the generosity of the NSA community.
The award is presented in loving memory of Diane Games, honoring her legacy and lasting contributions to speech-language pathology and stuttering research.
Who Can Apply?
We welcome proposals from graduate students whose work supports the NSA's mission to advance understanding, support, and treatment related to stuttering.
To be eligible:
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The project must focus specifically on stuttering research
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The principal investigator must be a graduate student in good academic standing
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The principal investigator must be affiliated with a U.S.-based nonprofit or public or government institution
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The NSA cannot award funding directly to individuals
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IRB approval must be submitted within 45 days of award notification
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Applications for non-research activities, including curriculum development, professional development, or capital projects, will not be considered
Award Details
We welcome proposals from graduate students whose work supports the NSA's mission to advance understanding, support, and treatment related to stuttering.
Funding amount:
Up to $5,000
Project timeline:
Must be completed within two years
Indirect costs:
Not permitted
One active award per student:
Graduate students may hold only one active NSA research grant at a time
New research only:
This award may not be used to extend a project that already has external funding
Evaluation Criteria
Applications will be reviewed based on:
Significance and contribution
Contribution to stuttering research
Innovation and originality
Novel approaches in the field
Alignment with NSA's mission
Relevance to the stuttering community
Methodological rigor and feasibility
Research design quality
Investigator potential
Researcher qualifications
Institutional resources and support
Available facilities and environment
Strength and clarity of the proposed budget
Budget justification
Key Dates
APPLICATIONS OPEN
February 17, 2026
SUBMISSION DEADLINE
March 17, 2026
AWARD NOTICIFATION
Early May 2026
How to Apply
Applicants must submit a single-spaced PDF with the following materials in this order:
1. Abstract
Summary of objectives, methods, and alignment with the NSA mission
2. Research Plan
Specific aims, significance, methodology, participants, data collection, analysis, and available resources
3. References and Appendix
May include surveys, interview guides, or other research tools
4. Management Plan
Timeline, deliverables, and dissemination plan
5. Itemized Budget
Detailed budget with justification
6. Biographical Sketch
NIH-style sketch
7. Human Subjects Section
Required if IRB approval has not yet been finalized and should include participant, consent, risk, and safeguard information
Additional Required Documents
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Unofficial transcripts showing current enrollment
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IRB approval, if already available
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Optional cover letter, including any reviewer inclusion or exclusion requests with justification
Incomplete or incorrectly formatted applications will not be reviewed.