The Foundation promotes research, innovation and the use of research-based knowledge. With an annual budget of approximately $1 million, it funds major research projects that have a direct and practical impact in advancing the HR profession.

Objective 1: The SHRM Foundation will be a preeminent broker/source of valued research knowledge.

Objective 2: The SHRM Foundation will broaden the understanding and application of research-based knowledge and techniques to the HR professional.

Objective 3: The SHRM Foundation will make research-based knowledge accessible and actionable for the HR profession.

The SHRM Foundation will award a total of $100,000 in scholarships to national SHRM members, chapters and state councils in 2008.

Applications are now being accepted for the following scholarships. Deadline to apply: July 15, 2008.

All national SHRM members pursuing a college degree in human resources or working towards SPHR, GPHR or PHR certification are eligible to apply. (Note: SHRM professional, general or associate members may apply; however student members and local-only members of chapters are not eligible for this scholarship program.) In addition, chapters and state councils are eligible to compete for the scholarship money to fund programs that promote SPHR, GPHR or PHR certification locally.

SHRM members outside the U.S. are eligible to apply. In place of a SHRM region, they should write 'international' on their applications. International applications will be distributed among the five regions for judging.

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 (2008) then you are eligible to apply for a 2008 certification scholarship. If you sat for the exam prior to 2008, 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 HRM. 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 no later than October 10. This will occur prior to a general announcement of the winners to the public.

How will winners get their money?
Funds will be mailed directly to the recipients with a letter of recognition at the address provided in their scholarship application.

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

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.