Your investment today can transform the future for countless children, and more. Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs) and Speech-Language Pathology Assistants (SLP-A) are vital to students’ academic achievement and social-emotional wellbeing. They provide early identification and intervention that prevents communication and learning disorders from becoming lifelong barriers. Faculty and staff across the College of Medicine are choosing to participate in this shared mission by supporting Speech and Hearing Sciences students and programs. Participation, at any level, helps strengthen access for the communities we serve every day.
Speech and Hearing Sciences (SHS) program prepares students to diagnose, treat, and advocate for individuals with communication disorders ensuring that everyone has the ability to express themselves and lead fulfilling lives. Continued support helps us meet Washington’s acute shortage of speech-language pathologists serving youth in schools across the state.
Washington ranks 45th in the nation for certified speech-language pathologists per capita.*
Children in Washington wait an average of 12–24 months for autism spectrum disorder evaluations, access to speech therapy, and other services. †
Continued support invests in highly trained SLPs and SLP-As to ensure every child can access the resources they need to learn, thrive and reach their full potential, no matter where they live. Together, our support advances student scholarships, community-based clinical experiences, and student and faculty research initiatives.
“You don’t have to give a lot, but if a bunch of people give a little, it becomes a lot.” – Julie Eastlund, WSU Health
Together, we can build the next decade of impact in Speech and Hearing Sciences. Learn more about the impact of your investment at the College of Medicine.
*American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, 2023
† U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2025
