Here is a press release from the Council for Advancement of Forensic Genealogy. Anyone interested in this branch of genealogical research should probably consider applying.
Dallas, Texas – November 6, 2014 – The Council for the Advancement of Forensic Genealogy (CAFG) is now accepting applications for a $225 scholarship to the 4th Annual Forensic Genealogy Institute (FGI), to be held March 26-28, 2015, at the Wyndham Love Field Hotel in Dallas, Texas. Registration is now open at https://fgi2015.eventbrite.com. Tuition for each course is $445, and the scholarship covers more than 50% of that fee.
“The scholarship to CAFG’s Forensic Genealogy Institute is intended to ease the financial burden of advanced, professional education,” says Leslie Lawson, CAFG President. “The scholarship gives up-and-coming forensic/genetic genealogists the opportunity to advance their career and increase their skills.”
FGI 2015 will be the largest-ever offering of forensic genealogy for intermediate and advanced genealogists. Each FGI course offers 20 hours of instruction by expert forensic and genetic genealogists in just three days, minimizing travel costs and time away from family and work. Seats are limited at FGI, and registration is already more than 65% full, so early registration is encouraged.
Scholarship Application Process
The FGI scholarship is open to all FGI 2015 registrants. Individuals interested in financial assistance to attend the institute should send a request of not more than 400 words to institute@forensicgenealogists.org explaining how they feel receiving the FGI Scholarship might best help them and the field of forensic genealogy. Applications are due Friday, December 5, 2014. The scholarship recipient will receive a partial tuition refund of $225.
Those wanting to apply for the scholarship but who have not yet registered for FGI can do so online at https://fgi2015.eventbrite.com before submitting their application.
Brand-New, Advanced Training
FGI 2015 features two brand-new, concurrent courses designed for intermediate and advanced forensic genealogists:
- Advanced Genetic Genealogy and Unknown-Parentage Cases
- Forensic Genealogy Master Practicum
Taught by renowned genetic genealogists CeCe Moore and Angie Bush, the “Advanced Genetic Genealogy and Unknown-Parentage Cases” course applies DNA and traditional genealogical research to uncovering the genetic heritage of individuals with unknown parentage. This area of forensic research is expanding rapidly, and genealogists who can use DNA to successfully address unknown-parentage cases are in great demand. Full course details are available at www.forensicgenealogists.org/institute/courses.
The “Forensic Genealogy Master Practicum” offers practical, real-life experience. Students will leave the course having written 3 forensic reports and participated in a mock trial. In the most recent CAFG newsletter, Master Practicum coordinator Wanda Smith offers an in-depth explanation of this hands-on, interactive course: http://www.forensicgenealogists.org/wp-content/uploads/CAFG_Vol-4_Issue-6_September-October.pdf.
Courses are expected to fill, so early registration is encouraged at https://fgi2015.eventbrite.com.
About CAFG
Established in 2011, the Council for the Advancement of Forensic Genealogy (CAFG) is a business league with a professional membership dedicated to the advancement of forensic genealogy, which is research, analysis, and reporting in cases with legal implications. CAFG promotes high standards of professional and ethical conduct, provides education and training opportunities, and assists in professional development though mentorship, full membership, credentialing, and awarding of fellowships. Learn more at www.forensicgenealogists.org.