Second Career Scholarship

Our Second-Career Scholarship Program is for individuals who aspire to work as a funeral director as a second career. Each scholarship is worth $1,500, with up to four scholarships awarded each year— two in late June and two in late December.

Applications are currently closed.

The next round of applications will open in Spring 2026 and applications will be due May 31, 2026.

Applicant Eligibility Requirements

You must complete the Eligibility Questionnaire at the beginning of the online application confirming that you meet the following requirements:

• You are enrolled and attending classes (in-person or online) either on a part-time or full-time basis at an ABFSE-accredited Mortuary Science Program.
• You are not related to an owner of a funeral home currently operating in North America.
• You can provide proof of the following:
  • You have previously worked full or part-time in at least one career other than funeral service and that funeral service will be a new career for you.
  • Tuition and fees owed and any financial assistance you have already or are currently receiving.
  • What mortuary sciences courses you have completed to date and what courses in which you are currently enrolled.
  • Your current Mortuary Science GPA.
• You can and will complete and sign the online application form and submit all the required documents by the deadline identified.
• You are not a former recipient of a Second-Career Scholarship Award.

Application Checklist

Applicants must submit a completed online application on or before May 31 (for the Spring cycle) or October 31 (for the Fall cycle) each year. The application includes:

• Personal essay (not to exceed 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
• Letter of recommendation from a member of the faculty of your academic institution
• Letter of recommendation from a current or previous employer

Go to our Online Scholarship Application system to preview the process or begin your application. Only completed applications will be considered.

Scholarship Program FAQs

What are the program deadlines?

The deadline for completed applications for the Spring Cycle is May 31st (11:59 pm., CT). the deadline for completed applications for the Fall Cycle is October 31st (11:59 p.m., CT).