Student Membership

The American School Health Association (ASHA) values university and college students, and their contributions. Students experience numerous benefits as ASHA members, whether they are just beginning an undergraduate academic program or preparing to graduate with an advanced degree. As a student member, you can conveniently access materials for school projects; build your resume, network with other national and international students, professionals, and organizations; and earn financial assistance to help fund your education.

If you are interested in improving the health of children and youth, ASHA is an interdisciplinary organization for you. For just $50 a year, you can be a part of the ASHA experience; it's an affordable investment in your future. Join now!!

Membership Benefits


Undergraduate and graduate students receive the same benefits as professional members of ASHA, but at a significantly reduced cost. Membership benefits assist students with their academic endeavors, professional development, and career goals. Student involvement in ASHA can lead to a greater understanding of the disciplines represented in ASHA and issues related to coordinated school health. Access more information and forms (when applicable) regarding the membership benefits ASHA offers by clicking on the links provided.

  • The Journal of School Health (JOSH) and The Pulse
    The Journal of School Health is ASHA's peer reviewed, indexed professional journal that members receive monthly. Issues include: Special Reports, General Articles, Research Papers, Commentaries, school Health Policy, Legal Issues in School Health, Teaching Techniques, and Health Service Applications. Special issues of JOSH are dedicated to cutting-edge topics or special reports. The Pulse, ASHA's newsletter, is published to keep members informed and current about ASHA activities.

     
  • Membership in 1 Section and 2 Councils
    ASHA Sections and Councils provide opportunities to identify, communicate, and work with others who share common interests, goals, and skills.

    There are Sections for Health Educators, Mental and Social Health professionals, Physicians, School Nurses, and School Health Coordinators.

    Councils are issue oriented groups, and include: Administrative Support for School Health; Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drugs; Early Childhood Health Education and Health Services; Food and Nutrition; Health Behaviors; Indigenous Health; Injury and Violence Prevention; International Health; Physical Education and Physical Activities; Research; School Health Instruction and Curriculum; and Sexuality Education and Reproductive Health.

     
  • Discounts on ASHA publications
    ASHA offers a variety of publications for sale. Published sporadically, Health In Action is a practitioner oriented publication that provides in-depth coverage of single health topics as they relate to coordinated school health programs. JOSH Topical Packages are compilations of JOSH articles on a particular topic, and provide "packaged" information for student papers and projects. ASHA also offers a variety of texts. Visit the ASHA online Bookstore for more information on ASHA publications.

     
  • Discounted Registration for Annual Conference
    Student members receive a significantly discounted registration fee for the annual conference where they can attend sessions, business meetings, exhibits, and student activities.  These opportunities facilitate resume building, professional development, and involvement in ASHA. ASHA also negotiates costs for hotels and other services related to sponsored activities so that members can experience ASHA events at reasonable costs.

     
  • Continuing Education Contact Hours
    Continuing education contact hours for state and national certification/ licensure current are offered at the annual conference. Contact hours are available at the conference for nurses, health educators, physicians, social workers, and counselors. Contact hours also are available through self-study opportunities.

     
  • Access to the School Health listserv
    All members of ASHA can subscribe for free to our members-only School Health listserv. Through the listserv, members receive timely news about resources, grant and job opportunities, and research findings, as well as links to other relevant school health web sites and information.


    Resume-Building Opportunities
    Undergraduate and graduate students can build their resume for employment or graduate school. As an ASHA member, you can submit applications to present at the ASHA conference and submit articles to the Journal of School Health (JOSH) for publication. Even attendance at a professional meeting demonstrates your commitment to growth and professionalism. Attending the conference gives you opportunities to meet professionals who might have jobs to offer or know of job openings. Access more information and forms (when applicable) for resume building opportunities ASHA offers by clicking on the links provided.

     
  • Networking with Other Professionals and Students
    ASHA's annual conference allows students to meet and network with other professionals, students, and organizations from around the country. Students can learn about their professions from nationally recognized professionals, discuss collegiate and career opportunities with others, and attend events specifically designed for students at the conference.

     
  • Presentations at the Annual Conference
    The applications to present at ASHA's annual conference are available in the fall semester, and are due in early spring semester. Students can submit proposals individually, with other professionals, or with other students for Independent Sessions, Roundtable Discussions, Poster Sessions, Teaching Technique Sessions, or a Pre/Post-Conference Workshop. Proposals are peer reviewed, so applying does not guarantee acceptance.

     
  • Publication in the Journal of School Health (JOSH)
    The Journal of School Health is ASHA's peer reviewed, indexed professional journal. Student Members receive online access to 12 monthly issues of the journal annually. Students can submit General Articles, Research Papers, Commentaries, School Health Policy, Legal Issues in School Health, Teaching Techniques, or Health Sservice Applications individually, with other professionals, or with other students. Just follow the guidelines for authors when submitting. Because the journal is peer reviewed, submitting a manuscript does not guarantee it will be published.

     
  • Leadership or Service in an ASHA Council, Section, or Committee
    Members can participate in ASHA's Councils, Sections, and Committees, and some students have assumed leadership roles. Each member selects one Section that is discipline oriented - Health Educators, Mental and Social Health professionals, Physicians, School Nurses, and School Health Coordinators. Each member also selects 2 Councils which are issue oriented: Administrative Support for School Health; Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drugs; Early Childhood Health Education and Health Services; Food and Nutrition; Health Behaviors; Indigenous Health; Injury and Violence Prevention; International Health; Physical Education and Physical Activities; Research; School Health Instruction and Curriculum, and Sexuality Education and Reproductive Health. Students can write or sponsor resolutions for Councils; these resolutions define the Association's stand on specific school health issues or concerns. Students also can be appointed to committees or be elected to ASHA's board. 


    Financial Assistance
    ASHA provides several modest forms of monetary assistance to help college students who are preparing to work in or with schools in health related programs. Access more information and application forms for the financial assistance ASHA offers by clicking the links provided. Information for each monetary award is posted on ASHA's web site during the semester noted.

     
  • Student Research Grants 
    Students may apply for financial support to help fund their research in areas related to ASHA's mission. Students receiving student research grants must be ASHA members. ASHA awards a limited number of grants annually to undergraduate students of up to $500, Master's students up to $750, and Doctoral students up to $1,000.
     
  • Student Scholarships 
    Students specializing in school health education, school nursing, school social work, school mental health services, or pediatric or adolescent medicine or dentistry can apply for a $500 scholarship if their professional goals include the health of students. ASHA awards 3 scholarships annually. In addition, scholarship recipients receive a complimentary conference registration and a one year ASHA membership. The annual scholarship deadline is the first week of April.
     
  • Student Monitoring at the ASHA Annual Conference (Fall Semester)
    Students can volunteer as monitors to assist presenters, attendees, and ASHA staff during four sessions at the annual conference. Students interested in monitoring must be a Student Member prior to applying for volunteer service. Conference attendance allows student monitors to attend sessions, business meetings, exhibits, and student activities, as well as network with others. Available slots for this benefit are limited and students are accepted on a first-come basis.