NSA Scholarship Recipients: Where They Are Now
- National Stuttering Association
- 7 hours ago
- 5 min read
The Krishnan and Yegneswaran Family College Scholarship from the National Stuttering Association (NSA) provides financial assistance to college students who stutter, supporting their educational goals while advancing our mission. This scholarship recognizes students who demonstrate academic commitment, leadership potential, and a connection to the stuttering community.
Staying connected with scholarship recipients and following their journeys is one of the most meaningful parts of this program. We are proud to share updates from several recent recipients and highlight the incredible work they continue to do!
Aspen Jester (2025 Scholarship Recipient)
When Aspen Jester received her NSA scholarship, she was pursuing her Master of Science in Clinical Speech-Language Pathology at Northern Arizona University. Since then, Aspen has continued expanding her impact on the stuttering community through advocacy, education, research, and leadership.
How has receiving the NSA scholarship impacted your college experience or career journey?
The scholarship gave me the freedom to focus more fully on stuttering advocacy, education, and clinical growth without added financial stress. It encouraged me to pursue opportunities I may not have stepped into otherwise, like presenting to undergraduate students, starting campus initiatives, and connecting with professionals.
What accomplishments are you most proud of during college or since graduation?
Over the past year, I presented to undergraduate Communication Sciences and Disorders students about supporting people who stutter and participated in research and therapy related to stuttering. This fall, I’m launching an NSA Adult Chapter, one of the most meaningful projects I’ve taken on.
Were there opportunities this scholarship opened up for you that you didn’t expect?
This scholarship gave me the chance to build meaningful connections with people who stutter all over the country through NSA Chapter meetings, podcasts, and research studies. Those relationships have shaped my confidence and vision for the future. It also gave me the support I needed to take on leadership roles I didn’t anticipate so soon.
How has being part of the NSA community shaped your perspective or goals?
The NSA community has shown me the power of connection and storytelling. I’ve seen how sharing experiences as people who stutter builds understanding and community. This has shaped my goals beyond clinical work by helping create spaces where people who stutter feel heard and supported.
What advice would you give to future NSA scholarship applicants?
Be open to the unexpected ways this support can shape your journey. The scholarship is more than financial help; it’s encouragement to share your story and pursue opportunities that align with your passions.
Looking back, what does receiving this scholarship mean to you personally?
To me, the scholarship represents trust and belief, not only in my potential, but in the future impact I hope to make as both a person who stutters and as a clinician. It gave me the space to grow, connect, and move forward with more confidence and purpose.
Eddie Brown (2025 Recipient)
Eddie Brown received his NSA scholarship while pursuing his PhD in Speech and Hearing Science with a focus on stuttering neurophysiology, variability, and treatment effectiveness. Eddie continues to make meaningful contributions through research, teaching, and leadership.
How has receiving the NSA scholarship impacted your college experience or career journey?
The scholarship provided financial relief and a sense of affirmation at a critical time in my academic journey. It has allowed me to dedicate more energy to research, teaching, and professional development. It has also been a moral reminder that the NSA community believes in and supports the future of people who stutter.
What accomplishments are you most proud of during college or since graduation?
I am currently a fifth-year PhD student in Audiology & Speech Pathology at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center. In 2025, I received my college's Dean Award, which recognizes a graduate student who has excelled academically and has either overcome tremendous odds to be successful or has consistently made contributions that benefit others. In 2023, I was named to Knoxville’s 40 Under 40, a recognition awarded to young professionals making significant contributions to their communities, which was especially meaningful.
Were there opportunities this scholarship opened up for you that you didn’t expect?
The scholarship gave me the confidence to pursue opportunities that felt “bigger than me” at the time. It encouraged me to apply for travel awards to conferences and collaborate with leaders in the field. That initial recognition from the NSA pushed me to believe my voice and contributions matter in both research and clinical practice.
How has being part of the NSA community shaped your perspective or goals?
The NSA community has been a foundation of belonging for me. It has shown me that stuttering is a diverse human experience. This perspective shapes my research, teaching, and therapy program design. My goal is to carry that same empowerment forward to others who stutter through both science and clinical practice.
What advice would you give to future NSA scholarship applicants?
I would encourage them to apply even if they feel hesitant or unsure if their story is “enough.” The NSA values authenticity, not perfection. Share your journey, your goals, and how the scholarship would make a difference.
Looking back, what does receiving this scholarship mean to you personally?
It means validation that my identity as a person who stutters is not a limitation but a source of strength. The scholarship was one of the first moments I felt seen, not just for my academic potential, but for my lived experience. It continues to remind me that I am part of a community that believes in supporting each other’s dreams. It pushes me to work harder for those whose voices have been overlooked or diminished. It also pushes me to be the best Chapter Leader that I can be.
Kaela Coye (2024 Recipient)
Kaela Coye received her NSA scholarship while completing her Bachelor of Arts in Language, Speech, and Hearing Sciences and is now pursuing her Master’s in Speech-Language Pathology at the University of South Florida. Kaela continues to pursue her goal of becoming a clinician who helps create positive and empowering experiences for people who stutter.
How has receiving the NSA scholarship impacted your college experience or career journey?
As a low-income student with lofty goals, my education has relied on grants and scholarships. As a person who stutters and an aspiring speech-language pathologist, the scholarship made it possible for me to continue my education.
What accomplishments are you most proud of during college or since graduation?
The scholarship was given to me for my BA in Language, Speech, and Hearing Sciences. Thanks to the NSA, I am happy to say that I finished my degree and have moved on to pursuing my MS in Speech-Language Pathology.
Were there opportunities this scholarship opened up for you that you didn’t expect?
I was able to attend the University of South Florida, home to an incredible speech clinic and knowledgeable and supportive professors. Without this support, I would not have had the opportunity to participate in such a rigorous and enriching program.
How has being part of the NSA community shaped your perspective or goals?
Each year at the NSA Conference, I hear about how many people who stutter have been hurt and disappointed by SLPs. I hope to be the SLP who changes this track record, inspires people who stutter to advocate for themselves, and speak openly and fearlessly.
What advice would you give to future NSA scholarship applicants?
Go for it. The NSA is here to empower students who stutter to reach their fullest potential because we are capable of achieving everything we dream of.
Looking back, what does receiving this scholarship mean to you personally?
Receiving the scholarship from the NSA has helped me realize that there are people who not only believe in me but also believe in people who stutter around the world and their ability to succeed and flourish in anything they put their minds to.
Aspen, Eddie, and Kaela are just a few examples of what becomes possible when students who stutter are supported, believed in, and empowered.
If you are a college student who stutters, learn more about the scholarship and how to apply at WeStutter.org/kyfcs.