Genealogy Scholarships in the U.S. and Canada

Dec 20, 2010
Katharine Garstka

Studying Genealogy at Home - Sergiozambrano

Finding funds to continue formal education in genealogy isn't easy, but several organizations offer scholarships and cash awards for family history studies.

Although several colleges offer degrees and certificates in genealogy, not everyone has the time and resources to take advantage of them. Newcomers to the field of genealogy seeking instruction have a number of options that include formal classroom courses, online genealogy courses, and intensive week-long seminars. Most of these options cost, so here are some genealogy scholarships available to potential students of any age.

The National Genealogical Society (U.S.)

The National Genealogical Society offers two scholarships for those who wish to complete the NGS Home Study Course. This at-home class covers the basics of genealogical research, and includes lessons requiring hands-on experience in libraries, courthouses, and other repositories.

NGS Home Study Course Scholarship Award. This scholarship, which covers the complete cost of the NGS American Genealogy: A Home Study Course, is offered each year. Those wishing to apply must write an essay and have “demonstrated serious interest in genealogy by attending regional and/or local conferences, undertaking genealogical training, and subscribing to genealogical publications." Deadline for applying is January 31; you must be a member of NGS to apply.

Rubincam Youth Award. The Rubincam Youth Award is given each year to two students, one in the Junior category (grades 7-9), and one in the Senior category (grades 10-12). Both awards include a scholarship that covers the NGS American Genealogy home study course and a one-year membership in NGS. Senior winners also receive a $500 cash award. Applicants prepare a three-generation genealogy meeting certain specific requirements. Deadline for applying is January 31; you do not have to be a member of NGS in order to apply.

The ASG Scholar Award

The American Society of Genealogists offers an annual award based on a manuscript or published paper of at least 5,000 words that demonstrates quality genealogical research, analysis, reporting, and documenting of sources. The $500 award can be used for tuition and expenses at any one of three major genealogical programs:

The Institute of Genealogy and Historical Research (IGHR), held one week each June at Samford University in Birmingham, Alabama. The scholarship will apply to any of the advanced courses.

The National Institute on Genealogical Research (NIGR), held one week each July at the National Archives in Washington, D.C. This program offers advanced instruction in using National Archives records.

Certificate Program in Genealogical Research, Boston University. This program consists of five modules, offered on Saturdays in seven-hour sessions at Boston University: Foundations, Technology, Evidence, Forensic, and Ethnic and Geographic Specialties.

National Institute on Genealogical Research

The National Institute on Genealogical Research (NIGR) Alumni Association offers the Richard S. Lackey Memorial Scholarship each year. This $500 award is given to an experienced researcher holding either in a paid or volunteer position in the genealogical community. The scholarship covers full tuition, and partial travel, hotel, and meal costs for the recipient to attend a NIGR program.

Canadian Genealogy Scholarship Award

The Alberta (Canada) Family Histories Society offers the Brian W. Hutchison Genealogical Scholarship, which provides an award of up to $500. Open to Canadian residents, the award can be used for tuition and books for the study of genealogy and family history in a “recognized education or accreditation/ certification program,” or to attend a genealogical conference or seminar, or as a cash prize.

The scholarship is designed to encourage Canadians to pursue formal study of genealogical analysis, research, evaluation, and documentation methodologies and standards. Candidates for this award must complete an application and provide a four-generation family history that will be judged by the Scholarship Committee. Deadline each year is December 31.

Finding Money for Genealogical Studies

Finding money for genealogy classes, workshops, and seminars isn't the same as applying for college scholarships, but some funds are available. Check out these sources, and also see what smaller genealogical societies have to offer in the way of financial support for family history studies.