The John T. Humphrey, CG, memorial scholarship supports genealogists preparing for advanced or professional work. Originally the NGS Home Study Scholarship, this award was renamed in 2013 to honor John T. Humphrey, CG, whose leadership in education and dedication to elevating the field continue to inspire genealogists.

Deadline for submissions is 10 January 2026. Applicants will be notified by 3 February 2026.

This scholarship covers enrollment in the Advanced Skills in Genealogy course—the enhanced and expanded successor to the original NGS Home Study program. Best suited for genealogists preparing for more advanced or professional-level work, this eighteen-module course guides students through sixteen essential U.S. record types used in genealogical research, plus skills for strengthening methodology, correlation, evidence analysis, and writing.

The award will be in the form of a credit towards the online Advanced Skills in Genealogy course offered by the National Genealogical Society, a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization. There is no cash award associated with this scholarship. The scholarship recipient will have eighteen months to complete the course. Extensions can be purchased, if needed, but are not included as part of this scholarship. The course award must be used (course started) within six months of award notification.

Note: While the Advanced Skills in Genealogy course helps students learn about methods, skills, and standards for genealogy, NGS is not an accrediting body. So no formal genealogical credential or accreditation is conveyed upon successful completion. Students who successfully complete the course do receive a certificate.

Applicants must:

• Be current members of the National Genealogical Society (NGS)
• Not have been previously enrolled in the Advanced Skills in Genealogy course
• Not hold a genealogical credential from either The Board for Certification of Genealogists^® (BCG) or International Commission for the Accreditation of Professional Genealogists (ICAPGen^SM), or be a Fellow of the American Society of Genealogists
• Submit all materials in English; applicants worldwide are welcome

Application materials become the property of NGS, are not returned or commented on, and are destroyed after review. They are not eligible for resubmission.

Complete the online application form. The application must be accompanied by an essay of 500–1,000 words explaining why the NGS Advanced Skills in Genealogy course would be a valuable educational experience.

Please use the essay to describe:

• the type of career you intend to pursue in genealogy;
• why you plan to pursue that career path in genealogy;
• the extent of your current research experience; and
• how the NGS Advanced Skills in Genealogy course will aid in your career development.

The deadline for applications is 10 January 2026. The scholarship winner will be notified by 3 February 2026.

John T. Humphrey, CG, was widely respected for his contributions to genealogical learning. His work in early Pennsylvania and German genealogy was considered the most important and essential work in this topic. He was a frequent teacher and lecturer, sharing his expertise in workshops, institutes, and conferences for genealogical learning as well as serving on many society boards. John served as a director of the NGS Learning Center and also as the NGS Education Director managing online and home study courses.