Frequently Asked Questions
I am taking a certification exam this spring. Am I eligible for a scholarship?Yes. Scholarships are awarded just once each year, but if you sit for the exam in the same calendar year, you may apply for a certification scholarship to reimburse you for certification expenses. (You must also meet the other eligibility criteria.) For example, if you take the certification exam in May, you may apply for a scholarship in July of the same year.
Are local chapter members eligible to apply for a scholarship?
Regardless of local affiliation, applicants must have a current SHRM membership with a valid membership ID number as of July 16 to be eligible. If individuals have joined the local chapter but not SHRM, they are not eligible to apply.
Can a chapter or state council apply for scholarship funds?
Yes. A chapter or state council may apply for an award to support local SPHR, GPHR, PHR or California certification efforts.
Can I apply for a scholarship to attend a SHRM conference or seminar?
No. Academic scholarships will be awarded only to individuals pursing a graduate or undergraduate college degree. Academic scholarships may not be used to attend conferences, seminars or certificate programs. However, certification scholarships may be used to cover the cost of test preparation, including seminars.
I am attending a community college, but plan to transfer to a 4-year college to complete my degree. Am I eligible for an academic scholarship?
Yes. If you are working towards a 4-year degree, but currently attending a community college, you are eligible to apply. (You must also meet the other eligibility criteria.) Please be sure to explain your situation in your application essay.
I am working on my Ph.D. Am I eligible to apply for a scholarship? Yes, as long as you meet the other eligibility requirements, you may apply for an academic scholarship. The SHRM Foundation also offers doctoral dissertation awards. Application information.
Am I required to have SHRM volunteer experience to apply for a scholarship?
No. Experience as a SHRM volunteer leader is preferred but not required. Judges will consider all factors as a whole when evaluating applicants. Strength in one area could outweigh deficits in another.
My degree program is not in human resources. Am I still eligible to apply?
If you meet the other eligibility requirements, yes. HR is a very broad field, so many degrees are related to HR in some way, including management, law, business, psychology, organizational development, industrial and labor relations, leadership, and others.
How do I apply for a scholarship?
Visit this website after April 1 to apply online. Only electronic applications will be accepted. Scholarships are awarded once each year. Application deadline is July 16.
Return to Scholarship and Awards website.
The SHRM Foundation does not discriminate against individuals on the basis of race, color, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, religion, disability, age, veteran status, ancestry, national origin or citizenship in the administration of its grant and scholarship programs.
Employees or board members of SHRM, HRCI or the SHRM Foundation and members of their immediate family are not eligible to apply for SHRM Foundation grants, awards or scholarships.