Application Deadline: September 12, 2025

RI SHRM is offering a scholarship to an aspiring professional seeking an undergraduate or graduate degree in human resources.

The scholarship fund for RI SHRM was started by the family of a very dedicated RI SHRM member who was committed to developing the human resource profession, and this scholarship is in his name.

RI SHRM will award one student with a $1,500.00 David L. Taton scholarship award.

Apply here => David L. Taton Scholarship Application Form 2025

Eligibility:

• Current RI SHRM member (professional or student)
• Enrolled in a degree-seeking undergraduate program with at least one full semester remaining before graduation (see additional clarification below), OR accepted and ready to begin your studies within six months
• University is a regionally accredited institution of higher learning
• Degree program is in HR or HR related (e.g. business, psychology, HR, org development, etc.)
• Cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale

How to Apply:

Online application including:

• Contact information
• Short answer questions about academic, volunteer and work experience, career aspirations, and financial need
• Current resume
• Transcripts from an accredited institution in the United States.
• One reference letter. *

*Reference letters can be addressed to the ‘SHRM Foundation Scholarship Review Committee’ and should provide insight into applicant’s character, career and/or volunteer accomplishments, work ethic, values and need for the scholarship. Letters may be written by work or volunteer colleagues, coaches, professors, etc. but should not come from family members.

Selection Criteria:

• 35% Commitment to/passion for the HR profession
• 25% Volunteer, leadership, and service activities (SHRM experience preferred, but not required)
• 20% Academic achievement
• 20% Financial need

Scholarship Distribution:

If you are selected to receive the scholarship, you will be required to provide your course registration and college/university payment instructions. The RI SHRM Foundation will issue the funds directly to the institution for payment of tuition and course-related fees, up to $1,500. Your scholarship may be used for any academic session within 2025 or 2026, and must be claimed in time to distribute the funds to your institution no later than December 31, 2025. 

Scholarships are considered taxable income by the IRS. Therefore, recipients will be required to provide a Social Security Number or tax ID, and RI SHRM will issue a 1099 for the tax year in which the scholarship was distributed.

Additional Information:

Each scholarship is a one-time award; however previous applicants and past scholarship recipients are eligible to re-apply on a yearly basis. Full-time, part-time, online and distance learning programs are acceptable. Scholarships are for college-degree programs only and may not be used to attend professional development seminars.

By accepting a scholarship, you are consenting to allow the RI SHRM Foundation to use without limitation, and in any media, your name, city, state, photos, and captions (if uploaded), and verbiage for marketing and promotional purposes.

Employees or board members of RI SHRM and members of their immediate family are not eligible to apply for RI SHRM Foundation grants, awards, or scholarships.

RI SHRM does not discriminate against individuals based on race, color, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, religion, disability, age, veteran status, ancestry, national origin or citizenship in the administration of its scholarship programs. Scholarship recipients are selected primarily on merit.