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7 Shocking Facts About The American Sign Language Honor Society (ASLHS) That Will Change Your College Application Strategy

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The American Sign Language Honor Society (ASLHS) is rapidly gaining recognition as a premier academic distinction, moving far beyond a simple club to become a powerful credential for college-bound students. As of December 2025, the society, administered by the American Sign Language Teachers Association (ASLTA), continues its mission to encourage and celebrate exceptional academic achievement in American Sign Language (ASL) studies and a deep commitment to the Deaf Community.

This exclusive honor society is not just about having a high GPA; it signifies a profound understanding of Deaf Culture, a commitment to service, and proven leadership. For students looking to stand out in the competitive landscape of college applications, understanding the latest, specific requirements and the national benefits of the ASLHS is crucial for leveraging this unique academic advantage.

The Exclusive Requirements and Application Process for ASLHS Membership

Gaining entry into the American Sign Language Honor Society is a rigorous process designed to filter for the most dedicated students. While local chapters may have slight variations, the national standards set by the ASLTA are non-negotiable, focusing on the four pillars of scholarship, leadership, service, and character.

Current Academic Benchmarks: Beyond the A-Grade

The "scholarship" requirement for ASLHS membership is highly specific and often more demanding than for other language honor societies. Students must demonstrate sustained excellence in their visual-gestural language coursework.

  • ASL Coursework Completion: Prospective members typically must have completed a minimum of two years of American Sign Language study (e.g., ASL 1 and ASL 2), though many high school and college chapters require enrollment in ASL 3 or ASL 4.
  • ASL GPA: The minimum required GPA in ASL coursework generally ranges from 3.5 to 3.8 on a 4.0 scale.
  • Overall GPA: A strong academic record outside of ASL is also required, with most chapters mandating a minimum cumulative overall GPA of 3.0.

The focus on a high ASL GPA ensures that members have mastered the linguistic components of ASL, including its unique grammar, syntax, and non-manual markers (NMM).

The Service and Leadership Mandate

Membership requires active participation in the Deaf Community, emphasizing the bilingual-bicultural (Bi-Bi) approach that the ASLTA promotes. This service component is what distinguishes the ASLHS from a standard academic honor roll.

  • Required Service Hours: Students must complete a minimum number of service hours, often five or more per semester, dedicated to the Deaf Community.
  • Acceptable Service Activities: These activities include tutoring younger ASL students, volunteering at Deaf-related events, participating in ASL storytelling sessions, or organizing Deaf Awareness Week activities on campus.
  • Character and Leadership: Candidates must also demonstrate exemplary character, which often involves a faculty review of their respect for Deaf Culture and their ability to lead and mentor peers.

National Benefits and Honors That Boost Your Profile

The true value of the ASL Honor Society lies in the exclusive, national opportunities it provides, which are highly recognized by university admissions offices and employers in fields like interpreting and Deaf Education.

1. The Prestigious Dr. Nathie Marbury ASLHS Scholarship

One of the most significant benefits is access to national scholarships. The Dr. Nathie Marbury ASLHS Scholarship is a key award, specifically designed to support ASLHS members pursuing higher education.

  • Scholarship Focus: This award is targeted at students who are majoring or minoring in ASL, Deaf Studies/Education, or related fields.
  • Current Award Amounts: The general ASLHS scholarships are among the few national awards in the United States for ASL students, with recent amounts ranging between $1,750.00 and $2,500.00 each.

This scholarship not only provides financial assistance but also honors the legacy of Dr. Nathie Marbury, a beloved Deaf storyteller and educator, reinforcing the society's deep connection to Deaf History.

2. The Highest Honors: Clerc and Cogswell Medals

The ASLHS recognizes outstanding achievement with two highly prestigious medals named after foundational figures in American Deaf history:

  • The Laurent Clerc Medal: This is considered the highest honor in ASL studies, open to both high school and four-year college students. Laurent Clerc, a Deaf teacher from France, co-founded the first permanent school for the Deaf in North America (now the American School for the Deaf—ASD) with Thomas Hopkins Gallaudet.
  • The Alice Cogswell Medal: This medal is named after Alice Cogswell, the young Deaf girl who inspired Thomas Gallaudet to travel to Europe and bring sign language education back to the U.S.

Earning either of these medals signifies a level of dedication and excellence that is directly linked to the historical and linguistic roots of the language.

3. ASLTA Connection and Professional Development

As a program of the ASLTA, the honor society provides a direct pipeline to professional development and networking. The ASLHS Teacher Grant program, for example, offers mini-grants to teachers to support projects relating to the study of ASL, ensuring that the learning environment remains fresh and well-funded.

Furthermore, the ASLTA regularly hosts events, such as the upcoming 2025 National Professional Development Conference, where ASLHS members and sponsors can connect with interpreters, administrators, and leading ASL educators, including faculty from institutions like Gallaudet University.

ASLHS and Topical Authority: Key Entities You Must Know

To truly understand the depth of the ASL Honor Society, one must appreciate the key organizations and figures that shape the field of ASL Linguistics and Deaf Culture. Integrating these entities into your knowledge base is a hallmark of topical authority in this field.

The ASLHS curriculum and service requirements are heavily influenced by the work of pioneers who fought for the recognition of ASL as a true language. William Stokoe, for instance, was instrumental in establishing ASL Linguistics as a formal academic discipline in the mid-20th century.

Organizations like the National Association of the Deaf (NAD), established in 1880, have continually championed the rights of the American Deaf Community to use sign language, making them a crucial partner in service and advocacy for ASLHS chapters.

Topical Entities for Deeper Understanding:

  • Foundational Figures: Laurent Clerc, Thomas Hopkins Gallaudet, Alice Cogswell, Dr. Nathie Marbury.
  • Linguistic Pioneers: William Stokoe (who proved ASL is a true language).
  • Key Organizations: ASLTA (American Sign Language Teachers Association), NAD (National Association of the Deaf), Gallaudet University (the world's only university for Deaf and hard-of-hearing students), American School for the Deaf (ASD).
  • Core Concepts: ASL Linguistics, Deaf Culture, Bilingual-Bicultural (Bi-Bi) Education, Manual Alphabet (fingerspelling), Non-Manual Markers (NMM).

In essence, the ASL Honor Society is a testament to the rich history and vibrant future of the Deaf Community. Membership signifies not just a high grade in a class, but a commitment to a unique cultural and linguistic world. For any student considering a career in interpreting, education, or any field that requires cross-cultural communication, the ASLHS is an indispensable credential that signals a deep, current, and respected level of involvement.

7 Shocking Facts About the American Sign Language Honor Society (ASLHS) That Will Change Your College Application Strategy
american sign language honor society
american sign language honor society

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