Program Overview
The SHRM Foundation will be awarding a total of $100,000 to SHRM members, chapters and state councils. This program is generously underwritten by the J. J. Keller Foundation. Note: 2009 application materials will be available in late February.
Application deadline: July 15, 2009.
- 60 Certification Scholarships of $750 each
- 40 Academic Scholarships of $1375 each
The scholarships are awarded through the local SHRM regions. Applications will be judged in the following five groups:
- Northeast Region
- Southeast Region (and former Caribbean Atlantic Region)
- North Central Region
- Southwest Central Region
- Pacific West Region (and former Asia Pacific Region)
Each group has a total of $20,000 to distribute in scholarships annually which guarantees that there will be scholarship winners in every region. Applicants compete only with other candidates in their region, and applications are judged by teams of SHRM volunteers. Twelve certification scholarships ($750 each) and eight academic scholarships ($1,375 each) will be presented in each group.
Eligibility
All national SHRM members pursuing a college degree in an HR-related field or working towards SPHR, GPHR, PHR or California certification are eligible to apply. In addition, chapters and state councils are eligible to compete for the scholarship money to fund programs that promote SPHR, GPHR, PHR or California certification locally.
Note: only SHRM professional, general or associate members may apply. Student members and local-only members of chapters are not eligible for this scholarship program. Student members, please click here for information on the Student Scholarship Program.
SHRM members outside the U.S. are eligible to apply. In place of a SHRM region, please write 'international' on the application. International applications will be distributed among the five regions for judging.
Timeline
July 15, 2009: Postmark deadline for applications.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are local chapter members who are not national SHRM members eligible to apply for a scholarship?No. Applicants must be national SHRM members in order to receive a SHRM Foundation regional scholarship.
I have already taken the certification exam, am I eligible to apply for a certification scholarship?
If you took the certification exam in this calendar year (2009) then you are eligible to apply for a 2009 certification scholarship. If you sat for the exam prior to 2009, you are not eligible for a certification scholarship unless you are working towards a new certification.
If I am not currently in school, may I use scholarship money to pay off past student loans?
No. Individuals must be currently enrolled in a degree program or starting a program in the fall to be eligible for an academic scholarship. Scholarship money should be used for current university expense only, not for past student loans.
Can a chapter or state council apply for scholarship funds?
Yes. A chapter or state council can apply for scholarship funds for a program that promotes SPHR, GPHR or PHR certification.
How will potential applicants find out about the scholarship program?
Scholarship brochures are available from the Foundation. A flyer will also be mailed to all SHRM members in the spring member mailing. Information regarding this program is posted on the SHRM Foundation website and will be promoted in various SHRM publications. Chapters and state councils are encouraged to promote this scholarship program at meetings, on their websites and in their newsletters.
May applicants apply for an education scholarship to attend a seminar or continuing education program, such as the SHRM Academy or Generalist Certificate Program?
No. Education scholarships will be awarded only to individuals pursing a college degree, either graduate or undergraduate, in an HR-related field. Education scholarships may not be used for seminars or certificate programs.
How do applicants find out whether or not they have won?
All applicants will be notified of the results by SHRM staff. This will occur prior to a general announcement of the winners to the public.
How will winners get their money?
Scholarship recipients will be asked to return a form providing their Social Security number or tax ID for income tax purposes. Once the form is received, funds will be mailed directly to the recipients. Checks are made out to the individual, not the university.
Where should the scholarship applications be sent?
Applications should be mailed to:
SHRM Regional Scholarship Program
Member Relations Department
1800 Duke Street
Alexandria, VA 22314-3499
Selection Criteria
Scholarship winners are selected by teams of SHRM volunteers in each region based on the following criteria:
Certification Scholarships
Individuals
40% Work experience/progression & HR career plans
40% Volunteer activity
20% Financial need
Chapters and State Councils
50% Plan for use of funds; program depth, reach & impact
30% Financial need
20% Matching funds available
Academic Scholarships
Scholarship recipients will be selected based primarily on merit.
50% Work experience/progression (HR involvement & future career plans) 20% Volunteer activity
20% Financial need
10% Letters of reference
Questions?
Contact Melissa Flores at mflores@shrm.org.