Student Encouragement Award
The Australian Voice Association (AVA) and the Australian Dysphonia Network (ADN) are thrilled to announce the reignition of the organisation's collaborations to present the 2024 Student Encouragement Award. The award exists to acknowledge the efforts and outstanding achievements of students studying speech pathology, singing, or other vocal specialities (e.g., singing coaching/vocal coaching) whose focus is a career that contributes to the promotion of vocal health.
The Award Comprises:
Grand Prize
A $1000 bursary for the overall winner to help further fund the education of the recipient.
Winner & State Finalists
Free AVA student membership for 1 year for each state finalist.
Submission Criteria
The criteria for the 2024 Student Encouragement Award includes at least two of the following:​
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Exemplary attitude and commitment to their particular program of study
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Sound academic achievement
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A genuine interest in learning about voice
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Leadership in some manner with reference to vocal issues (e.g., mentoring other students, leading/teaching classes, representation on committees, developing new initiatives)
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Research achievement in voice
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Vocal performance worthy of support
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Note that students can be either undergraduate or postgraduate and must be enrolled for the 2024 academic year.
Application Process
Institution Nomination:
Institutions can nominate one student from within their voice-related programs. In the nomination form below, please describe in no more than 300 words the manner in which your nominee is outstanding and fits the criteria. Please be as specific as possible in addressing the criteria in order to fully demonstrate your student’s abilities and achievements.
Self Nomination:
Students can nominate themselves to receive this award. They will need to address the above criteria as well as provide supporting documentation including a letter of recommendation, official transcript, and current student ID.
Decision Process:
Applications close 5pm September 6th, 2024. The AVA board will consider all nominations and announce six finalists, one from each state. Finalists will be notified directly as well as to all institutions by email, and the names of the six finalists will be posted on the AVA and ADN websites and social media platforms.
We look forward to announcing the winner of the award at the 2024 National Australian Voice Association Conference in Melbourne on the weekend of the 5th and 6th of October 2024.