Financial Sustainability Analysis for VSHA

The Vermont Speech Language Hearing Association (VSHA) seeks to enhance its financial transparency and diversify its revenue streams as part of its 2024–2026 Strategic Plan. This project offers students in the MS Financial Engineering Capstone course the opportunity to apply their advanced financial skills to assess VSHA's current financial health. The primary goal is to model various revenue strategies and provide data-driven recommendations for long-term sustainability. Students will collaborate with key VSHA personnel, including the Treasurer, President, and Membership Chair, to incorporate live data on membership, programming, and expenses into their financial models. The project aims to optimize the financial impact of VSHA's programs and services, ensuring the organization can continue supporting speech-language pathologists, audiologists, and communication science professionals across Vermont.

Innovative Fundraising Strategies for VSHA

The Vermont Speech Language Hearing Association (VSHA) aims to sustain its high-impact programming while keeping member dues low. To achieve this, VSHA is seeking innovative strategies to diversify its revenue streams through strategic fundraising and sponsorships. This project challenges students to research and develop creative fundraising ideas that align with VSHA's mission and values. Students will explore various revenue options, evaluate their feasibility, and propose actionable strategies. The goal is to identify sustainable fundraising methods that can be implemented by VSHA's volunteer-led executive board (ideally VSHA Treasurer, Public Relations Chair or additional interested board members) to enhance its financial stability without compromising its core services. This project provides an opportunity for students to apply their knowledge of fundraising principles and strategic planning in a real-world context.

Enhancing Medical Professional Engagement for VSHA

The Vermont Speech Language Hearing Association (VSHA) is seeking innovative strategies to boost membership engagement among medical-based professionals, such as Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs) and Audiologists, who work in hospitals, home health, skilled nursing facilities, and private practices. The project aims to identify barriers that these professionals face in participating actively with VSHA and to develop tailored outreach strategies that resonate with their unique work environments. Students will conduct research to understand the specific challenges and preferences of these medical professionals in Vermont. By applying their classroom knowledge of communication, marketing, and healthcare systems, students will design initiatives that foster a stronger connection between VSHA and its medical-based members. The ultimate goal is to recommend actionable engagement initiatives that can be implemented by VSHA to enhance its value proposition and increase active participation among its members in medical settings.

SLPA Licensure Support and Strategic Outreach Initiative

The Vermont Speech Language Hearing Association (VSHA) is committed to advancing the licensure of Speech-Language Pathology Assistants (SLPAs) at the state level. This project aims to support the SLPA Liaison's objectives by conducting comprehensive outreach, research, and strategic planning. The project will involve gathering data on current licensure requirements in other states, identifying key stakeholders, and developing a strategic outreach plan to engage these stakeholders effectively. The team will also research best practices for SLPA licensure and compile a report that outlines potential pathways for implementation in Vermont. By aligning with the SLPA Liaison's goals, this initiative seeks to enhance the professional recognition and regulatory framework for SLPAs, ultimately contributing to improved speech-language services across the state.