SLIG Foundations Scholarship
(formerly the Intermediate Foundations Scholarship)

Background:

The Virtual Intermediate Foundations course was developed specifically for SLIG in 2019 with the "beyond beginning, but not quite intermediate" level researcher in mind. That awkward place so many researchers go through, where in spite of years of research and a variety of educational experiences, they have only truly mastered the basics. They dabble with more intermediate record sets, but not sufficiently to incorporate them into their work on a regular basis. They attempt more difficult research challenges, but without resolution. They desire to produce high quality, reliable research, but fear what they may have missed, or don't yet know. They sense there are gaps. And they try desperately to fill them through a variety of educational means without feeling success.

What is really needed is a progressional, in-depth, planned curriculum. This course was built specifically for people in this situation! And in 2024 it will be expanded into a two-part series that will allow the student to plumb each of the topics previously addressed in even more depth:

• Foundations: The Research Method
• Foundations: Methods and Records

The 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 2024 SLIG Fall Virtual Foundations course 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.