Welcome to the ASL Honor Society’s Scholarship and Grant page! Here, we celebrate academic excellence and dedication to American Sign Language by offering opportunities for our members to pursue their educational and professional goals. The ASLHS is more than just a society; it’s a movement to promote ASL inclusivity, break down communication barriers, and reframe misconceptions about the Deaf community and its rich culture. We are proud to offer two funding opportunities annually for both ASL students and their teachers. We believe in fostering the growth of future ASL leaders and are committed to providing financial assistance to deserving individuals. Explore the various scholarships and grants we offer to see how the ASL Honor Society can support your journey.

Embark on your ASL adventure today! Explore our scholarship and grants below to discover ways ASLHS can empower your journey. 

Nathie Marbury was an ASL instructor, linguist, and researcher—a true pioneer. She was the first Black Deaf woman to enter the National Leadership Training Program for the Deaf at CSUN and the first Black Deaf female instructor at Kendall Demonstration Elementary School for the Deaf (1978-1986). A member of the NAD, she was the first Black Deaf woman appointed Member-at-Large. Her inspiring contributions fostered appreciation for ASL, and she was known for her dedication to the Deaf community and her students. Beyond her teaching and presentations, she was also known for her humor. The ASLHS and ASLTA are honored to offer annual scholarships in her name.

The ASLHS and ASLTA proudly sponsor the first nationwide scholarships for high school seniors and current college/university students majoring or minoring in American Sign Language (ASL), Deaf Culture/Studies, Deaf Education, or ASL/English Interpreting. Deaf students are also encouraged to apply, regardless of their major.

For the 2025-2026 academic year, two $1,000 scholarships will be awarded in memory of Dr. Nathie Marbury, a valued member of our community.

These scholarships are available to high school students entering college in the fall and to currently enrolled college/university students. Applicants must be members of an active ASLHS chapter on their school campus.

The ASLTA and ASLHS will provide up to $1,000 in ASL Teacher Mini-Grants for the 2024-2025 academic year. To qualify, teachers must have an active ASLHS chapter at their institution and current ASLTA and ASLHS memberships.

These Mini-Grants can help teachers fund exceptional ASL education and Deaf cultural experiences. Examples include hosting a Deaf community ASL storytelling event, inviting a guest speaker, purchasing DVDs, video equipment, or ASL curriculum, supporting student participation in Deaf community events, or buying supplies for Deaf Awareness Week activities.

For 2024-2025, the ASLHS, in collaboration with the ASLTA, will award four (4) Mini-Grants. The application deadline is December 20, 2024. Winners will be selected based on project quality, potential impact on ASL instruction, and benefit to the Deaf community.

These grants offer funding for a wide range of educational purposes, empowering you to enhance the ASL learning experience. Whether you need to cover guest speaker honoraria, acquire DVDs and video equipment for classroom use, support low-income students’ participation in Deaf events, or create impactful signs and banners for Deaf Awareness Week activities on campus, the ASLHS Grants have you covered.

The allocation of grants depends on the number of applications received throughout the school year, allowing the ASLHS to support either a single project or contribute to multiple requests. The awarded amount may or may not match the initial request, as each application is assessed individually. With a rolling application process, there is no fixed deadline, providing flexibility for interested applicants.

The screening committee thoroughly reviews applications, ensuring that decisions are based on the project’s quality, scope, and anticipated impact. Take advantage of this valuable opportunity to bring your innovative ideas to life and make a lasting difference in ASL education. Apply for an ASLHS Grant today and embark on a journey of educational excellence!