Description:

The David A. Martin (1966-2022) Legacy Scholarship is dedicated in honor of David A. Martin, who faithfully served the Deaf community as an ASL instructor, Deaf community activist, leader, innovator, and advocate of ASL instruction, and a member of the Maryland chapter of ASLTA. David demonstrated his commitment to serving the Deaf community as an American Sign Language Teachers Association board member. He was passionate about his contributions and served as President of the ASLTA’s Frederick chapter, later known as ASLTA’s Maryland chapter.

David further provided excellent leadership in motivating and promoting the efforts of the Maryland chapter by hosting many workshops, presentations, and annual fundraising events: the Vaudeville show and the MDASLTA statewide conference, conducted twice during his presidential terms.

Following David A. Martin’s example, this scholarship seeks to recognize and honor the Legacy Scholarship recipient who serves as an ASL instructor, one who makes a significant contribution to the field of ASL instruction and faithfully promotes students to maintain excellence in their professions of interpreting, working within the Deaf community, and creating in a more robust alliance for advocacy.

The David A. Martin Legacy Scholarship is a prestigious scholarship recognizing an individual who has displayed extraordinary service to the Deaf community and the ASLTA profession.

Eligibility:

Any current member of ASLTA who is a first-time applicant for ASLTA certification, specifically applying for master’s level certification, may be recognized for this scholarship.

Criteria:

The purpose of this guideline is to assist in selecting a worthy recipient who has been recognized in their efforts toward obtaining an ASLTA certification based on the following stipulations:

A Successful candidate is one who:

1. Has maintained ASLTA membership in Good Standing for at least one year.
2. Has met the pre-requirements for ASLTA’s Master-level certification. For more details, click here
3. Demonstrates excellent fluency in ASL (minimum of ASLPI: 4 / SLPI: Adv Plus)
4. Demonstrates commitment to professional training and development in Deaf-related issues.
5. Currently teaches full-time in a public or private K-16 system and has experienced more than four years in teaching.
6. Demonstrates immersion into the Deaf culture and Deaf community.
7. Advocates for more vital bilingual development in ASL and English for Deaf/hard-of-hearing children.
8. Demonstrates passion and commitment to inclusiveness, interacting with people from diverse backgrounds, and showing acceptance and respect for the differences within the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community, demonstrating Community-building relationship skills.
9. Demonstrates support and advocates for activities and policies that address concerns of the Deaf community.
10. Demonstrates excellent preparation, presentation, and organizational skills.

Application Process:

Scholarship recipients will be accepted from ASLTA members throughout the United States and Canada.

The established criteria for applications are:

1. Applications will be accepted only by and from ASLTA Members.
2. Applications must be submitted with the following:
   1. A completed application form.
   2. Applicants must provide two references to answer the question, “Why do you (reference) feel I (the applicant) am worthy of this scholarship?”
   3. Applicants must provide an ASL video introducing themselves. Each Video must be 3 minutes at maximum.
   4. The David A. Martin Scholarship Committee will review all applications.

Recipient:

This scholarship will be given to one qualified recipient biennially during the year of ASLTA’s National Professional Development Conference. *The certification award depends on the recipient’s ability to complete the application and interview process.

Description:

The ASLTA is excited to announce the launch of an American Sign Language Teachers Association scholarship award for attendees of the upcoming National Professional Development Conference at Gallaudet University, July 9-13, 2025. Five (5) individuals who have demonstrated a commitment to advancing the ASL teaching field. This scholarship award will be granted in five (5) separate $500 awards. These awards are to be given across all levels of experience.

Eligibility:

Any current member of ASLTA who is active in the ASL education field and available to volunteer during the conference.

Criteria:

The purpose of this guideline is to assist in selecting a worthy recipient who has been recognized in their efforts toward obtaining a $500 scholarship based on the following stipulations:

A Successful candidate is one who:

1. Be a current member in good standing with the ASLTA
2. Be involved in or pursue ASLTA certification or in the ASL-related teaching field.
3. Be willing to demonstrate your commitment to innovation, education, research, and leadership by contributing 10 hours of conference service to ASLTA in various capacities as needed.

Application Process:

Scholarship recipients will be accepted from ASLTA members throughout the United States and Canada.

The established criteria for applications are:

1. Applications will be accepted only by and from ASLTA Members.
2. Applications must be submitted with the following:
   1. A completed application form.
   2. Applicants must provide an ASL video introducing themselves. Each Video must be 3 minutes at maximum.
      1. Your interest in attending the conference.
      2. How would your attendance align with your personal goals and benefit your career or professional development?
      3. What, as a result of attending this conference, would you be willing to contribute to the ASL profession and/or the ASL.
3. Application Deadline is April 30, 2025

Recipient:

The scholarship committee members of the ASLTA will review all applications.

1. Recipients will be selected based on criteria/rubric such as aligning with conference goals.
2. All applicants will be notified of their status between May 15-21, depending on the number of applications. We ask you to be patient until we announce the recipients. Those applicants who didn’t get selected will also be notified privately.

Recipient:

This scholarship will be given to five (5) well deserving recipients biennially during the year of ASLTA’s National Professional Development Conference. *Failing those who intentionally fail to meet the volunteer requirement will be barred from the remainder of the conference. 

Description:

The ASLTA’s Dr. Barbara Kannapell Project is excited to announce two fantastic opportunity for Deaf Queer ASL educators to seize full registration scholarship award for National Professional Development Conference attendance. Two (2) individuals have demonstrated a commitment to advancing the ASL teaching field and elevating diversity awareness in and out of classrooms. These awards are to be given across all levels of experience.

Eligibility:

Any current member of ASLTA who is active in the ASL education field and available to present one workshop session.

Criteria:

The purpose of this guideline is to assist in selecting a worthy recipient who has been recognized in their efforts toward obtaining a complete registration waiver scholarship based on the following stipulations:

A Successful candidate is one who:

1. Maintain active membership in good standing with the ASLTA.
2. Participate in the Queer, ASL and Deaf Studies field.
3. Meet and greet with Dr. Barbara Kannapell Project committee members.
4. Demonstrate your commitment to innovation, education, research, and leadership by presenting one workshop on a topic of your choice that is suitable for our conference attendees.

Application Process:

Scholarship recipients will be accepted from ASLTA members throughout the United States and Canada.

The established criteria for applications are:

1. Applications will be accepted only by and from ASLTA Members.
2. Applications must be submitted with the following:
   1. A completed application form.
   2. Applicants must provide an ASL video introducing themselves. Each Video must be 3 minutes at maximum.
      1. Do you identify as a member of one or more marginalized or underrepresented groups? (e.g., Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC), LGBTQA+, Deafblind, disabled, neurodivergent (such as autism spectrum disorder or ADHD, etc.)
      2. Why do you desire to attend the conference and how will you contribute? Your interest in attending the conference.
      3. How would your attendance align with your personal goals and benefit your career or professional development?
3. Application Deadline is April 30, 2025

Recipient:

The scholarship committee members of the ASLTA will review all applications.

1. Recipients will be selected based on criteria/rubric such as aligning with conference goals.
2. All applicants will be notified of their status between May 15-21, depending on the number of applications. We ask you to be patient until we announce the recipients. Those applicants who didn’t get selected will also be notified privately.

Recipient:

This scholarship will be given to five (5) well deserving recipients biennially during the year of ASLTA’s National Professional Development Conference. *Failing those who intentionally fail to meet the volunteer requirement will be barred from the remainder of the conference.