BCG Announces New Scholarship

Board for Certification of Genealogists® Scholarship for African American Students

Trustees of the Board for Certification of Genealogists developed genealogy’s first code of ethics in 1964. That Code admonishes us to act in the best interests of the profession. It seems clear that the perception of bias in the profession has the potential to harm the reputation of its members. As a leader in promoting standards and ethical behavior to the wider genealogical community, and as part of a good faith effort to engage on the issue of inclusiveness, BCG has established the “Board for Certification of Genealogists Scholarship for African American Students.”

Up to three scholarships will be awarded each year to offset a maximum of $1,700 of the cost of participating in an intensive genealogical education program, as well as the $300 cost of applying for the Certified Genealogist^® credential. Following is the current list of educational offerings eligible for this scholarship:

• Genealogical Research Institute of Pittsburgh


• Genealogical Institute on Federal Records


• Midwest African American Genealogical Institute


• Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy


• Institute of Genealogy & Historical Research

Details of how to apply are expected to be announced in time to name the first scholarship recipients after the annual meeting of BCG Trustees in October of this year. Thank you to Scott Wilds,CG^® a member of the BCG Executive Committee, for spearheading this initiative. BCG thus joins the dialogue about diversity in the profession and the larger genealogical community and where we go from here.

The words Certified Genealogist and letters CG are registered certification marks, and the designations CGL and Certified Genealogical Lecturer are service marks of the Board for Certification of Genealogists^®, used under license by board certificants after periodic evaluation.