Donation will Also Fund Scholarships for Graduate Students in Speech-Language Pathology who are Interested in Working in the EKU Service Region
RICHMOND, KY — Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) will be expanding community programs and support services at its Corbin Regional Campus and within the service region, thanks to a $50,000 donation from the Kentucky Association of Health Plans (KAHP). KAHP is the trade association representing Medicaid managed care organizations and commercial insurers in the Commonwealth.
The gift from KAHP supports a Word Detective summer camp for children with dyslexia, providing educational and therapeutic resources to boost learning and confidence. The donation will also fund scholarships for graduate students in speech-language pathology who are interested in working in the EKU service region, as well as operational support for students and faculty providing in-person clinical services within the EKU service region. With May being National Speech-Language-Hearing Month, the KAHP donation helps raise awareness about communication disorders and the professionals who provide services and treatment to those affected.
“EKU is dedicated to breaking down barriers to education and empowering students of all ages to reach their fullest potential,” said EKU President David McFaddin. “The generous support from the Kentucky Association of Health Plans exemplifies this commitment by providing essential resources to children and advancing the training of future speech-language pathologists. We are deeply grateful for this investment, which will make a lasting, positive impact on both the children we serve and the professionals who will continue to support this region for years to come.”
The camp will run for three consecutive summers at the EKU Corbin Campus beginning in 2025, offering individualized instruction and structured literacy skill-building activities. All instruction will incorporate evidence-based interventions, including reading exercises, writing activities and interactive games. EKU will collaborate with local school districts to identify elementary school students who would benefit the most from participating in the camp.
“The Word Detective program is a powerful collaboration that benefits both young learners and future educators,” said Senate President Robert Stivers, R-Manchester. “This investment builds a strong foundation for children, equipping them for lasting success in school and beyond. Thank you, Kentucky Association of Health Plans, for your generous $50,000 donation.”
Graduate students in EKU’s Speech-Language Pathology program will staff the camp under the supervision of a licensed and certified speech-language pathologist, providing valuable clinical training for future professionals while ensuring high-quality instruction and intervention for the children enrolled.
“At KAHP, we believe access to quality healthcare and education go hand in hand,” said Tom Stephens, president and CEO of the Kentucky Association of Health Plans. “By supporting EKU’s Word Detective summer camp and speech-language pathology program, we are investing in the future of Kentucky’s children and the professionals who will serve them. This initiative not only provides crucial literacy support for students with dyslexia but also helps develop a stronger pipeline of speech-language pathologists who will make a lasting impact in communities across Southeast Kentucky.”
The addition of scholarships for students studying speech-language pathology aims to increase access to education for aspiring speech-language pathologists and provide enhanced skill within the profession. The funding to support clinical externships seeks to expand intervention services available and increase the number of graduate students providing these services in healthcare and educational settings in Southeast Kentucky.
The summer camp initiative, scholarships and support for externships—made possible through KAHP’s donation—represents a crucial step in increasing healthcare and educational services available throughout the region.
KAHP is focused on building an effective, affordable and accountable healthcare system for the Commonwealth. EKU offers bachelor’s and master’s degrees in communication disorders, preparing students for careers in speech-language pathology. U.S. News and World Report lists EKU among the nation’s Best Graduate Schools for Speech-Language Pathology.
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