Second Career Scholarship

Scholarship Sponsored by Selected Independent Funeral Homes Educational Trust

Second-Career Scholarship — Overview and Key Dates

The Second-Career Scholarship supports individuals who are transitioning into funeral service as a new profession. Each award is $1,500. Up to four scholarships are distributed annually: two awards in late June and two awards in late December.

Applications are currently closed. The next application window opens in Spring 2026; completed applications for that cycle must be submitted by May 31, 2026.

Eligibility Requirements

At the start of the online application you must complete the Eligibility Questionnaire confirming that you meet all of the following conditions:

- You are actively enrolled (part-time or full-time, in-person or online) in a Mortuary Science program accredited by the American Board of Funeral Service Education (ABFSE).
- You are pursuing funeral service as a new career and can document prior full- or part-time employment in at least one other field.
- You are not related to an owner of a funeral home currently operating in North America.
- You can provide documentation showing:
- previous full- or part-time employment in a career other than funeral service;
- outstanding tuition/fees and any financial aid you have received or are currently receiving;
- which mortuary science courses you have completed and which courses you are now taking;
- your current Mortuary Science GPA.
- You are able and willing to complete and sign the online application and upload all required supporting documents by the stated deadline.
- You have not previously received a Second-Career Scholarship.

Application Requirements and Checklist

Completed online applications must be received by May 31 for the Spring cycle or October 31 for the Fall cycle. The application package must include all of the following:

- Personal essay (maximum 1,500 words)
- Financial Needs Assessment Form, completed and signed by an authorized representative of your academic institution
- Coursework and GPA Assessment Form, completed and signed by an authorized representative of your academic institution
- One letter of recommendation from a faculty member at your academic institution
- One letter of recommendation from a current or former employer

Only fully completed applications (including all forms and letters) will be considered.

How to Apply / Preview

Visit our Online Scholarship Application system to review the application steps or to begin your submission when the application window opens. Make sure the Eligibility Questionnaire is completed at the beginning of the application.

Program Deadlines (FAQ)

- Spring Cycle deadline: May 31, 11:59 p.m. CT (completed applications)
- Fall Cycle deadline: October 31, 11:59 p.m. CT (completed applications)