Navigating Mortuary Science Scholarships: A Comprehensive Guide

Pursuing a career in mortuary science requires dedication, compassion, and a significant investment in education. Fortunately, numerous scholarships are available to help aspiring funeral directors and morticians finance their education. This article provides a detailed overview of various mortuary science scholarships, their requirements, and valuable tips to maximize your chances of receiving financial aid.

Understanding the Landscape of Mortuary Science Scholarships

Scholarships for mortuary science students are financial aid opportunities specifically designed to support individuals pursuing degrees in funeral service or mortuary science. These scholarships can significantly reduce the financial burden of higher education, making it more accessible for students with a passion for this field.

Who Offers Mortuary Science Scholarships?

Mortuary science scholarships are offered by a variety of organizations, including:

Professional Associations: Organizations like the Funeral Service Foundation, the Michigan Funeral Directors Association (MFDA), and the National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA) offer scholarships to promote excellence in the profession.
Educational Trusts: The Selected Independent Funeral Homes Educational Trust and the New Jersey Funeral Service Education Corporation are examples of trusts dedicated to funding scholarships and educational programs for funeral service professionals.
Funeral Home Groups: Companies like Service Corporation International (SCI) and Newcomer Funeral Service Group provide scholarships to support mortuary science students who demonstrate their core values.
Private Foundations: Various private foundations and memorial funds offer scholarships in memory of individuals who have made significant contributions to the funeral service profession.
Rotary Clubs: Local organizations such as the Dearborn Heights Rotary Foundation also provide scholarships.

Key Scholarship Opportunities in Mortuary Science

Below are some notable scholarship programs available to mortuary science students:

The Funeral Service Foundation Scholarships

The Funeral Service Foundation stands as the philanthropic voice of the funeral profession since 1945 and the charitable arm of the National Funeral Directors Association since 1997. It offers up to 24 scholarships twice a year, ranging from $2,500 to $5,000. These scholarships are available to full- and part-time students pursuing a degree in mortuary science from an ABFSE-accredited program, or accredited Canadian programs. The Foundation's mission involves investing in people and programs to strengthen funeral service and lift up grieving communities.

The Funeral Service Foundation also offers Named Scholarships, which celebrate the legacies and achievements of extraordinary funeral service professionals and their families, while recognizing the profession’s next generation of visionaries and leaders. Some of these Named Scholarships include:

Edward J. Fitzgerald Scholarship: Named in memory of a founding board member of the Academy of Professional Funeral Service Practice (APFSP).
Shipley Rose Buckner Scholarship: Named in memory of Shipley Rose Buckner, daughter of Foundation Trustee Emeritus Ralph Buckner. This scholarship is open to women pursuing a degree in funeral service.
John Carmon Scholarship: Named in honor of Foundation Past Chair and NFDA Past President John Carmon.
Jack Springer Scholarship: Named in memory of Jack Springer, who served many years as the Executive Director of the Cremation Association of North America (CANA).
Funeral Directors Life Memorial Scholarship: Honors the memories of funeral service professionals who were instrumental in the founding and growth of Funeral Directors Life.
Joseph E. Hagan Scholarship: Named in memory of Joseph E. Hagan, who assisted in the funerals of notables including Presidents John F. Kennedy and Dwight Eisenhower, FBI Director J. Edgar Hoover, and Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall.
Bob Horn Scholarship: Named in honor of Foundation Past Chair Bob Horn.
Mark Hornibrook and Harry Pontone Scholarship: Honors their legacies and enduring connection to the funeral service profession.
Tom Johnson Scholarship: Named in memory of Tom Johnson, a visionary leader in funeral service.
Steve Lang Scholarship: Named in honor of Homesteaders Life Company former CEO, and Foundation Trustee Emeritus, Steve Lang.
Stephen M. Mack Scholarship: Named in honor of Stephen M. Mack, who was known as a “giant of funeral service.”
Louis & Josephine Pontone Scholarship: Named in memory of Louis & Josephine Pontone, father & mother of Foundation Trustee Thomas Pontone.
Dennis Schoepp Scholarship: Offered in partnership with the Montana Funeral Directors Association.
Todd Van Beck Scholarship: Named in memory of Todd Van Beck, for his renowned contributions to the funeral profession.

The Selected Independent Funeral Homes Educational Trust Scholarships

The Selected Independent Funeral Homes Educational Trust grants one $5000 scholarship to a student enrolled in mortuary science school in any of the following states: Minnesota, Iowa, Missouri, Wisconsin, Illinois, Kentucky, Michigan, Indiana, Ohio.

The Trust also offers Second-Career Scholarships, which are designed to support the development and growth of apprentices and funeral assistants. Thanks to sponsor Gunderson Funeral and Cremation Care, two $1,500 scholarships will be awarded.

Service Corporation International (SCI) Scholarship Program

The Service Corporation International Scholarship Program supports 50 outstanding mortuary science students annually, with over $80,000 in scholarship awards. The SCI also promotes the Brenda Renee Horn and Steve Mack Memorial Scholarships.

Newcomer Funeral Service Group Scholarships

Newcomer Funeral Service Group annually awards $25,000 in scholarships to mortuary science students who demonstrate their core values of Excellence, Trust, Care, and Growth. Scholarships are awarded in the amounts of $3,500 and $500. This scholarship is open to all students enrolled in a mortuary science program during the next school year, as well as high school seniors who intend to enroll in a mortuary science course of study. Awards are for undergraduate study only and all institutions must be accredited with the American Board of Funeral Service Education (ABFSE).

The American Board of Funeral Service Education (ABFSE) National Scholarship Program

The National Scholarship Program of the American Board of Funeral Service Education was established to provide financial awards to students enrolled in funeral service or mortuary science programs to assist them in obtaining their professional education.

OFDA Scholarships

Each year, OFDA awards scholarships to students enrolled in mortuary school. Most recently, approximately $15,000 was awarded to deserving students. To qualify, applicants must be currently enrolled in a mortuary science program or registered in a mortuary science program during the upcoming fall semester. Students are strongly encouraged to practice as a licensed funeral director in Ohio. Recipient of scholarship is selected by the OFDA Scholastic Assistance Committee, following review of application and a personal interview if selected.

Michigan Mortuary Science Foundation (MMSF) Scholarship

The Michigan Mortuary Science Foundation's Scholarship Committee is now taking applications for the mortuary science scholarship program. MMSF's primary objective is the advancement, encouragement, promotion, improvement, and benefit of training in mortuary science and allied fields.

Dearborn Heights Rotary Club Endowed Scholarship in Memory of William A. "Biff" Querfeld

The Dearborn Heights Rotary Foundation established The Dearborn Heights Rotary Club Endowed Scholarship in Memory of William A. "Biff" Querfeld to recognize respected Dearborn funeral home director Biff Querfeld.

OGR Awards of Excellence scholarships

OGR provides Awards of Excellence scholarships to students nearing the completion of their mortuary science degree. Applications are due annually by January 31st.

Journey to Serve Academic Scholarship

The Funeral Service Foundation, in partnership with the ICCFA Educational Foundation, offers academic scholarships to United States and Canadian military veterans, as part of the Journey to Serve initiative.

Hunter M. St. Clair Memorial Scholarship

The $2,500 scholarship, awarded twice a year, is named in memory Hunter M. St. Clair.

NYS Tribute Foundation

The NYS Tribute Foundation supports mortuary science students who are residents of New York State.

AAMI Scholarship

AAMI is proud to support students pursuing meaningful, purpose-driven careers in funeral service.

General Scholarship Opportunities

In addition to mortuary science-specific scholarships, students can also explore general scholarship opportunities based on:

Financial Need: These scholarships are designed for students who demonstrate a significant financial need.
Merit: Merit scholarships are awarded to students who have shown high academic, athletic, or extracurricular achievement.
Career-Specific Interests: Scholarships for students who know they want a career in a specific industry.

Eligibility Requirements and Application Process

Each scholarship has its own unique eligibility requirements and application process. However, some common requirements include:

Enrollment: Applicants must be enrolled in a mortuary science program accredited by the American Board of Funeral Service Education (ABFSE) or a similar accrediting body.
Academic Standing: Students must maintain a good academic standing, typically a minimum GPA.
Residency: Some scholarships may be limited to residents of specific states or regions.
Essays: Many scholarships require applicants to submit essays discussing their career goals, financial need, and reasons for pursuing a career in funeral service.
Recommendations: Letters of recommendation from teachers, counselors, or funeral service professionals may be required.
Interviews: Some scholarship programs may require finalists to participate in personal interviews.

Tips for a Successful Application

To increase your chances of winning a mortuary science scholarship, keep the following tips in mind:

Meet the Eligibility Requirements: Before applying, carefully review the eligibility requirements to ensure that you qualify.
Craft a Compelling Essay: Your scholarship essay is your opportunity to showcase your passion for funeral service and your unique qualifications. Follow the prompt, answer the essay question completely, and write from your experience. Talk about your financial need and what you would use the scholarship money for if you won.
Request Strong Recommendation Letters: Choose recommenders who know you well and can speak to your academic abilities, character, and commitment to funeral service.
Prepare for Interviews: If you’re invited to interview for a scholarship, dress to impress in a professional outfit. And do your research! Look into how/why the scholarship was created. Try to bring up why it’s meaningful to you.
Meet Deadlines: Keep track of all the deadlines for the scholarships you’re applying to.
Apply for Multiple Scholarships: Absolutely not, so apply for as many as you can to increase your chances of winning free money.
Don’t Underestimate Smaller Awards: Pro tip: Don’t pass up on funeral services scholarships that have smaller award amounts.

Additional Resources for Mortuary Science Students

High School Guidance Office: Your high school guidance office is a great place to start when looking for local scholarships.
College Financial Aid Office: Contact the financial aid office at the colleges you are interested in attending to learn about scholarship opportunities.
Online Scholarship Search Engines: Utilize online scholarship search engines to find a wide range of scholarships for mortuary science students.

The Dr. George Poston Memorial Library and Learning Resource Center

The Dr. George Poston Memorial Library and Learning Resource Center features collections to support Commonwealth Institute’s Funeral Services education program with texts, eBooks, and videos. Bibliographic information about the library’s material collection, including links to full-text materials, is available 24/7/365 via an online public access catalog. Special archive collections, available for in-house research, include early mortuary periodicals, rare early trade catalogs, and other data. The Library provides computer assisted instruction to both students and faculty via information literacy sessions, orientations, and one-on-one instruction.

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