The Selected Independent Funeral Homes Educational Trust's Second-Career Scholarship Program is designed exclusively for individuals who desire to enter the independent funeral service profession as a second (or third or more!) career.
The scholarship was established in response to an increase in the number of second-career practitioners who aspire to work as funeral directors, a role that is traditionally filled by professionals whose families have owned and operated funeral firms for decades. The Educational Trust desires to support these individuals and to help enhance the independent funeral service profession.
Each scholarship is worth $1,500, with up to four scholarships awarded by the Trust each year; two in December and two in July. All scholarship dollars will be paid directly to the applicant’s school toward tuition and associated expenses of the applicant.
Eligibility
Any individual currently enrolled full-time in a mortuary science program at an accredited school in North America who is not related to an owner of a funeral firm currently in operation is eligible to apply. Previous full-time working experience in an unrelated field to show that funeral service will be a second career choice is required along with details on tuition owed and a demonstration of genuine financial need. Letters of recommendation are required as is proof of enrollment and coursework taken. Full details of all application requirements including a professionally-written essay can be found on the official Scholarship Application Form. Membership in Selected Independent Funeral Homes is not a requirement to apply
While not a requirement, an applicant’s demonstration of current or future employment or involvement with an independently owned and operated funeral home is highly preferred.
Application Deadlines
All completed application materials must be received by the Educational Trust offices on or before December 1 or July 1 each year.
To Apply
To be eligible, a completed application must be submitted to the Educational Trust. An application can be obtained by calling 1-888-70-TRUST or by downloading the form below. All applications will be reviewed by the full Educational Trust Board and voted on, with a majority approval vote by the full Board required. A submitted application is not a guarantee of a scholarship award.
Download the Second-Career Scholarship Application
Recipients
Robert Bogue, awarded September 2010
John Gawronski, awarded November 2010
Donald Bouchard, awarded March 2011
Michael Smith and Cynthia Wells, awarded August 2011
Brianna Kay Vujovich and Scott Bowler, awarded January 2012
Sheila Brisendine and Karl Wilson, awarded July 2012
Lisa Valentine and Bobby Cook, awarded January 2013
School Posters
Schools, download our Second-Career Scholarship Posters to promote the scholarship to your students!
See Also
The Spring Management Summit Scholarship
The Leadership Academy Scholarship
Other Funding Activities