Each year, the Ohio Funeral Directors Association (OFDA) awards scholarships to students enrolled in mortuary college. To qualify, applicants must be registered in a mortuary science program during the Fall 2025 academic semester. Students are encouraged to practice as a licensed funeral director in Ohio. Recipient of scholarship is selected by the OFDA Scholastic Assistance Committee, following review of application and a personal interview if selected. To be eligible for assistance, students must remain in mortuary college and maintain a “C” average or 2.0 GPA. Following transcript verification of GPA status, scholarships are paid directly to the mortuary college to offset tuition expenses. Typically, the award is applied to the final two terms of a student's education. Please review eligibility and application requirements:
Applicant must be currently enrolled in a mortuary science program or registered in a mortuary science program during the Fall 2025 academic semester AND maintain a "C" average or 2.0 GPA.
Scholarship is to help cover the costs of mortuary school; preparatory programs are not eligible.
Applicant must provide two (2) letters of recommendations – one (1) must be from a licensed funeral service professional – only one (1) can be from current Mortuary college staff (if applicable).
Selected applicants are required to participate in an in-person interview to be scheduled for mid to late August. All interviews will be held at the OFDA office in Columbus, OH unless otherwise notified.
A completed application must include: completed online application, copy of official college transcripts from ALL colleges attended, and two (2) letters of recommendation.
INCOMPLETE OR LATE APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED. SUBMISSION DEADLINE: JULY 11, 2025
Disclosure
Scholarships are awarded at the discretion of the Ohio Funeral Directors Association, Scholastic Assistance Committee. Awards are not based solely on applications. OFDA has the right to deny applicant an award if the scholarship standards are not met.
The Ohio Funeral Directors Association treats all scholarship applicants without regard to race, sex, age, color, national origin or ancestry, religion, political affiliation, veteran status, disability or handicap, affectional or sexual orientation, or marital status.
Section I- Personal Statistics
First Name Middle Name Last Name Permanent Address City State Zip Phone E-mail Are you a citizen of the US? choose one yes no Have you served in the armed forces? choose one yes no If yes, which branch? How many years? Have you ever been convicted of a felony? choose one yes no If yes, please explain:
Section II- Scholastic Information
Please note that a copy of your most recent college transcript must accompany this application or must be sent directly to OFDA. If you are unable to obtain an official copy by the application deadline, send an unofficial copy with this application. You must, however, bring an official copy with you if you are invited to an interview with the Scholastic Assistance Committee.
Mortuary College Attended (if applicable)
Name of school City State Dates attended Degree GPA Anticipated Graduation Date College or University Attended
Name of school City State Dates attended Degree GPA Anticipated Graduation Date/Graduation Date Second College (if applicable)
Name of school City State Dates attended Degree GPA Anticipated Graduation Date/Graduation Date High School Attended
Name of school City State Dates attended Degree GPA Graduation Date Second High School (if applicable)
Name of school City State Dates attended Degree GPA Graduation Date Other Information
Extra Curricular Activities Honors and Awards Community or Civic Activities Section III- Financial Information
A significant factor considered in granting awards is financial need. The following information is considered confidential, and will be reviewed only by Scholastic Assistance Committee members.
Please provide a detailed account of your financial situation, including anticipated monthly expenses/income while attending college; assistance that may be offered from other parties; outstanding financial burdens/hardships, etc. The more information you provide the committee, the better they understand your financial need.
Section IV- Employment History
Please indicate your employment history below, beginning with your current or most recent employer. Although it is only necessary to include information on the most recent four-year period, feel free to include any pertinent information including any personal experience you may have in the funeral service profession.
Non-Funeral Service Employment
Employer 1 City Position Dates of Employment Employer 2 City Position Dates of Employment Employer 3 City Position Dates of Employment Funeral Service Employment (if applicable)
Employer 1 City Position Dates of Employment Employer 2 City Position Dates of Employment Employer 3 City Position Dates of Employment Other Information
Indicate the average number of hours you work per week: Do you plan to continue working while attending mortuary college? choose one Yes No Section V- Professional Information
Please respond to each of the essay questions below. If you need additional space to answer a particular question, please include an attachment with this application.
What personal experience do you have in the funeral service profession?
Why did you choose a career in funeral service?
How does funeral service provide value?
Where do you see funeral service in the future and what changes would you like to see made to the profession?
How would you rate the funeral service profession in your community?
Section VI- Verification
To the best of my knowledge, the information presented on this application, and on the enclosed college transcript is accurate. I hereby give the Scholastic Assistance Committee, staff, and the Board of Directors of the Ohio Funeral Directors Association, permission to use the material in this application, the attached college transcript and letters of recommendation, for the sole purpose of evaluating my qualifications and ability to compete for an award by the Ohio Funeral Directors Association.
Applicants e-signature Date **Please note** The following material must be e-mailed, faxed or mailed to the OFDA office for consideration of any scholastic assistance:
Official college transcripts – copy accepted
Two (2) letters of recommendation – one (1) must be from a licensed funeral service professional. Only one (1) can be from a current mortuary college staff person.
This application must be completed online by July 11, 2025.
Mail: Ohio Funeral Directors Association 2501 North Star Road Columbus, OH 43221 Fax: 614-486-5358 E-mail: scanned items to andrew@OFDAonline.org
