SLIG Intermediate Foundations Scholarship

Background:

The Virtual Intermediate Foundations course was developed specifically for SLIG with the "beyond beginning, but not quite intermediate" level researcher in mind. That awkward place so many of us go through, where in spite of years of research and a variety of educational experiences, we have only truly mastered the basics. We have dabbled with more intermediate record sets, but not sufficiently to incorporate them into our work on a regular basis. We have tackled more difficult research challenges, but without resolution. We have a keen desire to produce high quality, reliable research, but fear what we may have missed, or don't yet know. We just sense there are gaps. And we try desperately to fill them through a variety of educational means without feeling success. What we really need is a progressional, in-depth, planned curriculum. This course was built for us.

The Intermediate Foundations Scholarship was created to help one of those individuals described above successfully fill the gaps and build the strong foundation necessary to further their research. To help them prepare for further in-depth education in the future. Without the cost of tuition.

Who may apply:

While any individual who meets the qualifications may apply, the successful candidate most likely has not yet attended an institute, since, with rare exception, to do so requires the intermediate foundation this course provides.

Applicants should meet the following qualifications:

1. They have a strong working knowledge of the basic principles of genealogical research, and have had several years of experience applying those principles, confidently using census, vital, and a variety of other record sources to identify ancestors and confirm relationships.
2. They have utilized a variety of educational opportunities—from conferences to books to webinars—to both obtain and strengthen their knowledge, and feel ready for an in-depth, curriculum-based learning experience.
3. They have available each week three-plus (3+) hours to attend sessions and an additional five (5) to ten (10) hours to complete the required homework for the course.
4. They have reviewed the course description and outline to identify how this course will help them meet their educational objectives. (Full course details are usually posted by early May)

What the scholarship includes:

The successful applicant will receive a pre-reserved seat in the course Fall 2024 SLIG Virtual Intermediate Foundations and a full tuition waiver.

A digital syllabus will be provided. The scholarship does not include the cost of recommended reading or references works if not yet owned, technology or other tools if any required to successfully complete the course.

How to Apply

Applicants should prepare the following and submit using the form below (available January 1, 2024). Questions may be sent to the SLIG Director:

1. A short essay outlining your prior research experience, record-group familiarity, research strengths and perceived weaknesses, educational goals, and how you feel this course will help you meet those goals. (Please submit in PDF)
2. A list of previous genealogy education classes, conferences, or programs attended.
3. A brief statement as to why you feel you should be selected to receive this award.

Deadline: May 1, 2024.

Winners will be announced by July 1, 2024, and the scholarship will apply to the fall 2024 course.