HearUSA, a major provider of hearing care, announced the opening of applications for the “Jill Botkin Hearing Health-Care Accessibility Scholarship” Wednesday. The scholarship honors the late Jill Botkin, supports audiology students dedicated to improving access to hearing health services in underserved communities.
The scholarship will be awarded to one full-time audiology student enrolled in a U.S. university who demonstrates a strong commitment to expanding hearing-care access, particularly in geographically underserved areas. Applicants must have successfully completed their first year of a doctor of audiology (AuD) program and provide a resume, personal statement, and supporting materials aligned with the program’s evaluation rubric.
The program addresses a critical gap in the medical field: the shortage of audiologists in remote and low-income areas, which leaves many people with hearing disabilities without proper support.
“Ensuring that all communities regardless of geography have access to quality hearing healthcare is vital to the future of our field,” added Patrick E. Gallagher, MBA, Executive Director, American Academy of Audiology. “The Jill Botkin Hearing Health-Care Accessibility Scholarship supports that mission while paying tribute to someone whose career embodied service, leadership, and a deep commitment to patient care.”
Once applications close, all submissions will be reviewed and all eligible applications will be forwarded to the scholarship task force for evaluation. Applicants will be notified of their status by August 15, 2026. The selected recipient will receive a $5,000 scholarship to support their AuD education and sponsors will be informed after the recipient formally accepts the award.
