May 1st Deadline to Apply for SLIG Scholarships

Applications are now being accepted for several scholarships available to participants in upcoming SLIG events. The deadline for each SLIG-specific scholarship is May 1, 2023. 

In this video interview SLIG's scholarship chairperson, Kathleen Carter, talks about opportunities to win a scholarship for a course from SLIG. 

For information about specific available SLIG scholarships, look over the summaries below and click on each scholarship title for links to additional details and application procedures.

SLIG Scholarship for First-Time Institute Attendees

The SLIG Scholarship for First-Time Institute Attendees provides a guaranteed seat and full tuition to one course of choice at SLIG 2024. Applicants should meet these qualifications: (1) never have attended, nor will be attending, any of the national genealogical institutes prior to SLIG 2024; (2) have previously sought to improve their genealogical education through formal or informal means; (3) have an intermediate or above level of research knowledge and skills, and are ready for an in-depth learning experience; and (4) have identified a SLIG 2024 course that meets their ongoing educational objectives.

Watch this interview with Scott Magoon, last year's First-Time Institute Attendee scholarship winner, as he talks about his experience:

SLIG Intermediate Foundations Scholarship

The SLIG Intermediate Foundations Scholarship provides a guaranteed seat and full tuition to the Intermediate Foundations course offered at SLIG Fall Virtual 2023. For more information about the Intermediate Foundations course, click this link. Applicants should meet these qualifications: (1) have a strong working knowledge of basic genealogical research principles and have had several years of experience applying those principles using a variety of record sources to identify ancestors and confirm relationships; (2) have utilized a variety of formal and informal educational opportunities to obtain and strengthen knowledge, and now feel ready for an in-depth, curriculum-based learning experience; (3) have time available each week during the course to spend at least three hours in class sessions plus five to ten hours to complete homework; and (4) have reviewed the course description and outline to identify how this course will help meet their educational objectives.

Watch this interview with last year's Intermediate Foundations Scholarship winner, Taralyn Trost Parker, as she talks about her experience:

UGA Jimmy B. Parker Scholarship

The UGA Jimmy B. Parker Scholarship provides a guaranteed seat and full tuition to one course of choice at either SLIG 2024 or SLIG Spring Virtual 2024. This scholarship will be awarded to an individual who has demonstrated commitment to genealogical excellence and community involvement.

Laura G. Prescott Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy Scholarship

The Laura G. Prescott Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy Scholarship provides a guaranteed seat and full tuition to one course of choice at SLIG Fall Virtual 2023, SLIG 2024, or SLIG Spring Virtual 2024. Applicants may be of any age or skill level but should exhibit a passion for genealogy, appreciate the importance of education and standards in our field, and serve the community through volunteerism.

MyHeritage Chris Darrington Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy Scholarship

The MyHeritage Chris Darrington Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy Scholarship provides a guaranteed seat and full tuition to one course of choice at SLIG 2024. Applicants may be of any age or skill level (most SLIG courses require at least an intermediate level of skill) and have a genuine passion for family history, a strong desire to improve their research skills through quality education, and an enthusiasm for serving the genealogical community.

Applications for each of the above SLIG scholarships are due by May 1, 2023.

Other Scholarship Opportunities

In addition to SLIG-specific scholarships, several other scholarships are available for institute education: the American Society of Genealogists Scholar Award and three institute scholarships offered by the Board for Certification of Genealogists, including the Paul Edward Sluby Sr. African American Scholarship. Each has its own provisions, requirements, application procedures, and deadlines.

Welcome Francine Griffis as the New SLIG Director

We are pleased to announce that Francine Griffis will serve as the new director of the Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy (SLIG), effective February 1, 2023.

Francine joined the SLIG Committee in May 2021 as the SLIG Technical Coordinator. The entire SLIG community has benefitted from her organization, patience, and kindness in that role. Anyone who has had a tech issue can attest to her ability calmly to help them resolve the problem and get them smoothly back to class. SLIG will be in excellent hands under Francine's leadership.

Francine resides in Massachusetts with her husband, Paul, and is a Certified Genealogist® specializing in forensic heir, real estate, and land court research.

She credits her genealogical and lifelong learning interests to her mother. Francine is enrolled in the MSc Genealogical, Palaeographic & Heraldic Studies Programme through the University of Strathclyde, Glasgow. She is also seeking New England region accreditation through ICAPGen.

Francine expresses gratitude to Amberly and UGA for the confidence to serve as SLIG's director.

Please join us in welcoming Francine to her new role as SLIG director!

SLIG 2023 Course Sponsor: FamilyTreeDNA

The Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy wishes to thank FamilyTreeDNA for its generosity in sponsoring the DNA Dreamers: Integrating DNA Evidence to Resolve Complex Cases course, coordinated by Karen Stanbary, MA, LCSW, CG, during SLIG 2023.

Founded in 2000, FamilyTreeDNA pioneered the field of genetic genealogy and is the first company to offer direct-to-consumer DNA testing for genealogical purposes. FamilyTreeDNA offers the world's most comprehensive matching database, helping to unlock family history and find DNA matches across the globe.

With a simple cheek swab, their advanced suite of tests provides interactive tools for users to further their research, determine ethnic and geographic origins, and discover shared ancestry across all lines. Testing through FamilyTreeDNA will help you break through brick walls and connect more dots on your family tree!

They also offer free-to-join volunteer-led group projects covering genealogical topics such as surnames, geographical regions, haplogroups, and more. FamilyTreeDNA strives to continue bringing genealogy to life with innovation and exceptional user experiences.

Click here to learn more about the DNA Dreamers: Integrating DNA Evidence to Resolve Complex Cases course.

Thank you, FamilyTreeDNA!