Selected Independent Funeral Homes Educational Trust

02/03/2026

Patrice Jones, a student at Gupton-Jones College of Funeral Service in Decatur, GA, just received a Second-Career Scholarship through the Trust. "Receiving this scholarship helps to relieve the financial burden of tuition and training, and it also helps me to take the time to focus on mastering my skills and completing my education and furthering my pursuit of certifications to build a strong foundation in the funeral service business."

Watch Patrice's video:

Congrats to Patrice Jones for receiving a Fall 2025 Second Career Scholarship! Learn how it will help her achieve her goals.

01/30/2026

"Leadership matters—especially in independent funeral service.

Through the Chester T. French Memorial Scholarship, the Selected Educational Trust is proud to support professionals who are ready to lead with purpose, compassion, and integrity. Two full-tuition scholarships are available for the upcoming Selected Leadership Academy class.

“The Academy gave me tools and relationships I’ll use for my whole career.” --Wade Overturf, Smith Family Funeral Homes, North Little Rock, AR, past scholarship recipient.

⏰ Don't wait - the deadline is tomorrow, January 31!
🔗 Learn more and apply today: https://smr.to/p106813

01/27/2026

Do you know the next Ambassador of the Year? Each year, the Trust honors two individuals for their outstanding contributions to the mission of the Selected Educational Trust and their commitment to provide lifelong learning opportunities for all who work within this time-honored profession. Nominate yourself or a colleague for this prestigious honor by May 31, 2026. https://smr.to/p94443

01/23/2026

📢 Employment Center: Your Next Funeral Service Job Starts Here!
Looking for your next opportunity in funeral service? The Employment Center connects job seekers with independent funeral homes across the country. Find openings from Selected member firms that value quality and professionalism. Plus, thanks to Global Atlantic Financial Group (tag on LinkedIn), it’s completely FREE to access!

Start your job search today.
🔗 https://www.selectedtrust.org/employment-center/

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01/20/2026

🤝 Meet Your Future Employer at a Virtual Job Fair!

Want to connect with funeral home owners? Introducing our Virtual Job Fair Series, featuring 6 virtual job fairs focusing on different regions of the country. Meet representatives from independent funeral homes looking for top talent. Bring your resume, make connections, and find your next career move. Register today!🔗 https://www.selectedtrust.org/job-fairs-center/

01/16/2026

"Ready to grow as a leader and make a lasting impact within your firm?

The Selected Educational Trust is now accepting applications for two Chester T. French Memorial Scholarships to the Selected Leadership Academy. Each scholarship covers full tuition for the two-year program, plus an annual stipend to help offset program-related expenses.

This is your opportunity to build confidence, sharpen leadership skills, and connect with peers who share your commitment to exceptional funeral service.

🗓️ Applications due January 31.
👉 Apply today and invest in your future as a leader: https://smr.to/p106813"

01/13/2026

Get to know Jennifer Halloran, our newest recipient of a Second-Career Scholarship. “My goal is to become a compassionate, skilled funeral director who serves family with dignity, empathy, and professionalism during some of the most difficult moments of their lives."

Watch Jennifer's video: https://ow.ly/sAvk50XS8W8

01/09/2026

If your firm operates a crematory, donating to the Trust has never been easier. Join the CARE Initiative and your allocated recycling revenues will automatically be converted into tax-deductible donations to the Trust. Then sit back and watch your donations turn into programs that support, educate, and enhance the independent funeral service profession. https://www.selectedtrust.org/show-you-care/

01/06/2026

Congratulations to Jennifer Halloran and Patrice Jones, the Trust's newest Second-Career Scholarship Recipients! Jennifer and Patrice were chosen from a pool of more than 20 impressive applicants and noted for their passion and dedication to the profession. Huge thanks to Chptr for sponsoring this program cycle.

01/02/2026

Ready to take the next step in your leadership journey?

“[Being a funeral director] has been the most rewarding thing I could ever imagine. But in the past few years, I found myself wanting to be more. With the support of the Chester T. French Memorial scholarship, and the opportunity to be a part of the Leadership Academy, I will be better equipped to tackle and take on whatever that more is, so that I can fulfill that role to the best of my ability with the skills that I'll learn.”
--Megan Ott, Funeral Director and Embalmer with Hogan-Bremer-Moore Colonial Chapels in Mason City, IA.

The Trust is proud to offer 2 full-tuition scholarships for the 2026-2028 class of the Selected Leadership Academy.

Apply today! https://ow.ly/4a1l50XKAO0

12/30/2025

To our supporters and donors: thank you. Your commitment fuels every scholarship awarded, every program launched, and every opportunity created. Together, we look forward to continuing this important work in the year ahead.

12/26/2025

2025 was a year of meaningful impact for the Selected Educational Trust.

✔️ New workforce development tools launched
✔️ Ten scholarships awarded
✔️ Five New Trustees welcomed
✔️ Scholarship recipients spotlighted during panel conversation at Selected's Annual Meeting
✔️ Paul St. Pierre and Lisa Baue honored as Ambassadors of the Year

None of this happens without our donors, partners, and supporters. Thank you for investing in education, leadership, and the future of the independent funeral service profession.