ISELIN, NEW JERSEY — WSA has launched EMPOWERS U, a partnership program designed to support Doctor of Audiology (AuD) students throughout their education and transition into professional practice.
The initiative is intended to complement university education by providing students with additional mentorship, industry exposure, professional development opportunities, scholarships, and career resources while strengthening collaboration between WSA and AuD programs.
By bringing these opportunities together within one program, EMPOWERS U is designed to support students from academic preparation and early career exploration through practical experience, employment, and continued professional development.
“The strength of the audiology profession begins with the exceptional education provided by university programs. EMPOWERS U is designed to complement that work by helping students connect what they learn at their universities with additional industry exposure, mentorship, and real-world professional experience. Together, universities and WSA can give aspiring audiologists a strong, end-to-end foundation for successful and fulfilling careers.”
–Sheena Burks, Chief Clinical Officer, WSA
The EMPOWERS U name reflects the program’s core elements: Educational Programs, Mentorship, Partnership, Outreach, Workforce Training, Engagement, Relationship-Building, and Scholarships.
Together, these elements create a coordinated framework for supporting students and strengthening WSA’s collaboration with AuD programs.
A Dedicated Partnership for AuD Programs
Participating AuD programs will receive a dedicated WSA partner who will work with university leaders to identify opportunities supporting student education, professional exploration, and career readiness.
WSA audiologists will contribute to on-site learning in areas including hearing technology, research, career preparation, and the business of audiology. Participating universities will also receive access to WSA hearing aids for use in university clinics, along with grants and other resources intended to support student research.
Through these partnerships, universities can expand students’ exposure to emerging technologies and industry perspectives while preserving the academic and clinical programs at the center of their education.
Support Throughout the Student Journey
EMPOWERS U is designed to support students as they move through their education and into the early stages of their careers. Students will have opportunities to build relationships with WSA audiologists whose experience aligns with their interests and goals, gaining guidance that can help them better understand the profession and the career paths available within it.
The program also includes training, research opportunities, and career-readiness programming intended to help students deepen their knowledge, explore areas of interest, and connect their university education with practical applications.
Paid externships will give students opportunities to apply what they have learned in clinical settings before graduation, while scholarships are intended to make those experiences more accessible.
As students prepare to enter the workforce, professional matching may connect them with opportunities aligned with their preferred setting, specialty, or location. Events, ongoing communications, and an alumni community are intended to sustain those relationships over time, giving students continued access to peers, mentors, and other professionals as their careers develop.
“EMPOWERS U connects the experiences that shape an aspiring audiologist’s development into one continuous journey. By working alongside universities and remaining engaged with students throughout their education and early careers, WSA is helping build a stronger, more connected audiology community. The lasting measure of the program will be the professionals it supports, the careers it helps launch, and the difference those audiologists make in people’s lives.”
–Sheena Burks, Chief Clinical Officer, WSA
Universities and Students Can Learn More
AuD program leaders interested in bringing EMPOWERS U to their university can visit WSAEmpowersU.com to learn more and inquire about partnership opportunities.
Students enrolled in AuD programs can also visit WSAEmpowersU.com to explore available opportunities and submit a student application.
About WSA
WSA is a global leader in hearing healthcare. WSA helps millions of people with hearing loss regain the joy of hearing through innovative hearing technologies. WSA believes that hearing unlocks human potential – and that sound isn’t just something you hear – it’s something you feel, share, and live through – something truly wonderful. Visit www.wsa.com for more information.
Source: WSA
