KOSCIUSKO COUNTY — Disability Awareness Month is celebrated in March. Questa announced a new program, in partnership with AWS Foundation, to support the need for speech-language pathology services in public schools. Questa Education Foundation and AWS Foundation will provide funding to help students complete a master’s degree in speech language pathology at Purdue University Fort Wayne or Trine University.

Selected scholars can receive up to $20,000 over two years in loan funds through Questa. When scholars graduate and work in northeast Indiana public schools as a speech-language pathologist for five years, 100% of their loan is forgiven. Applicants must be residents of northeast Indiana, accepted or enrolled in a Master of Science in a speech-language pathology program at PFW or Trine, and intend to work in northeast Indiana public schools.

“Speech-language pathologists play a critical role in helping students with disabilities improve communication skills to achieve full and meaningful lives,” said Patti Hays, CEO of AWS Foundation. “We are proud to partner with Questa and reduce financial barriers for more individuals to pursue this rewarding career path.”

Questa and AWS Foundation also partner to provide financial support for individuals pursuing a certification, licensure and/or degree in special education. Now in its fourth year, the AWS special education program has funded nearly 40 students and, to date, 100% of graduates are working as special education teachers in northeast Indiana public schools.

“We are fortunate for the support of AWS Foundation and their long-term commitment to solving the need for special education teachers and speech-language pathologists in our schools,” said Liz Bushnell, executive director of Questa Education Foundation. “Questa is focused on meeting the talent needs of our region and partners, like AWS Foundation, help make it possible.”

More information and applications for both programs are available at www.questafoundation.org/aws. The speech-language pathology application deadline is March 25; the special education application is open year round.