Who should apply?

UMD-REACH (Research Equity and Access in Communication and Hearing) is designed to address the critical need to increase diversity in the field of communication sciences and disorders.  We are particularly interested in training students who are considering going into research-oriented fields or considering a career in speech and hearing, and who come from groups underrepresented in science. This includes students from groups who are underrepresented on the basis of race, ethnicity, disability, or those students coming from first-generation and/or low-income backgrounds.

This program provides under-represented undergraduate students with the opportunity to participate in cutting-edge research and receive mentorship and professional development training via a year-long paid training program. This provides a rich environment for teaching and learning from each other. By participating in REACH, you will be able to:

• Increase your knowledge of communication and communication disorders

• Learn about the wide range of career opportunities in research in communication sciences and disorders, and how to apply and get into graduate programs to support future training

• Gain generalizable skills through hands-on laboratory experience, including skills for asking good questions, data analysis, writing reports, and communicating to diverse audiences

• Access lectures, workshops, and professional development to navigate collaborative work settings, project based planning, and career decision making.

• Develop mentoring relationships and networking opportunities with faculty and graduate and undergraduate students to build supportive, intellectual communities.

If you are interested in applying to UMD-REACH, please complete our application online.  For questions, please email UMD-REACH@umd.edu.