Laughlin Trust Scholarship

Scholarship Sponsored by Nebraska Funeral Directors Association

APPLICATION DEADLINE
Applications must be received at the Nebraska Funeral Directors Association (NeFDA) office by June 15 each year; all submissions will be date-stamped upon receipt.

ELIGIBILITY
To be considered, an applicant must satisfy each of the following:

A. Intend to pursue a career in mortuary science.
B. Be a resident of the State of Nebraska.
C. Be a graduate of a Nebraska high school.
D. For applicants planning a one-year mortuary science program: submit the scholarship application and complete a personal interview with the Scholarship Committee prior to enrolling in an accredited mortuary school. All State of Nebraska pre‑mortuary academic requirements must be fulfilled before beginning mortuary college.
E. For applicants planning a four-year program: submit the scholarship application and complete a personal interview with the Scholarship Committee prior to entering the third year of study. All State of Nebraska pre‑mortuary academic requirements must be fulfilled before entering mortuary college.
F. Demonstrate good moral character.
G. Include a letter of recommendation from a member of the Nebraska Funeral Directors Association with the application.
H. Provide a typed application, high school and college transcripts, and a statement from the credentialing division of the State of Nebraska confirming that pre‑mortuary requirements have been met or outlining a plan for completion prior to entering mortuary school.
I. Agree to return to Nebraska and practice in the state for at least three (3) years following graduation. If the recipient relocates outside Nebraska before completing that three‑year period, the full amount of the scholarship must be repaid to the Laughlin Scholarship Fund.

SELECTION PROCESS
- Candidates will be interviewed in person by the Scholarship Committee of the Nebraska Funeral Directors Association. Attendance in person is required; there are no exceptions.
- The Scholarship Committee will make the selection(s), and the NeFDA Board of Directors must approve the decision by July 31 of each year.

USE AND ALLOCATION OF FUNDS
- Scholarship awards may be applied toward mortuary science coursework provided all State of Nebraska pre‑mortuary academic requirements have been completed.
- The number and amount of grants depend on available funds and the Committee’s judgment.
- If a recipient withdraws from school, any portion of the Trust grant that has not been used must be returned directly to the Trust.