HR Leadership Scholarship Opportunity
Sponsored by SHRM NJ, the HR Leadership Scholarship is designed to develop strategic leadership in human resources. Scholarships are awarded to support current and aspiring HR professionals pursuing a Human Resource Management graduate or undergraduate degree at eligible institutions of higher education. The world in which we work is constantly changing and so do the roles and responsibilities of human resource professionals. Top management is looking to human resources more and more for guidance on how to deal with challenges facing their organizations. Human Resource professionals must be prepared to assist and lead organizations to succeed.
Apply for the SHRM NJ scholarships
Scholarship: $1,000 for a degree-seeking undergraduate or graduate program
Number: 2 scholarships
Applications open: Fall 2025
Deadline: Sunday, December 19, 2025
Notified of Results: January 2026
Eligibility
- Current students, who are New Jersey residents or attending a NJ college
- Enrolled in a degree-seeking undergraduate or graduate 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 HR-related (e.g. business, psychology, HR, org development, etc.)
Scholarship Guidelines
- Up to two (2) scholarships will be awarded each year.
- Completed applications must be submitted by the deadline.
- Scholarship winners will be approved by SHRM NJ and announced after approval by the Council.
- All decisions are final.
How to Apply
The application is comprised of the following components:
The application form which requires you to attach:
- A current resume, including volunteer and extracurricular activities
- A personal statement – 2 pages or less describing your interest in human resources and your professional goal(s) as it relates to human resources
- Proof of current enrollment in a degree-seeking undergraduate or graduate program.
- Contact information for a professional reference, a good example would be a recent professor. We will email your reference to request their recommendation. But you should also let them know to watch for our email.
- All References and online applications must be submitted on or before the deadline.
Selection Criteria
- A panel of judges will review the complete applications. The panel consists of three (3) to (5) human resource professionals and includes three (3) members from SHRM NJ Board of Directors and up to two (2) additional members designated by the Board.
- Selection is based on a demonstrated commitment to a career in human resources, scholastic achievement, and/or successful work experience. Favorable consideration will be given to students who are SHRM Student members and to those who participate in a SHRM Student Chapter at their university.
- All decisions are final.
Questions? Ready to Apply?
For more information please contact:
Elisha Vlashi, SHRM- SCP
SHRM NJ
Director, College Relations
[email protected]
https://www.linkedin.com/in/elisha-vlashi/
Scholarship Distribution
If you are selected to receive a scholarship, SHRM NJ will issue the funds directly to you for payment of tuition and course-related fees, up to $1,000. Your scholarship may be used for any academic session within 2025 or 2026 and must be claimed in time to distribute the funds to you no later than December 31, 2025.
Additional Information
Each scholarship is a one-time award; however previous applicants and past scholarship recipients are eligible to re-apply. 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 SHRM NJ 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 SHRM NJ, and members of their immediate families are not eligible to apply for this scholarship.
SHRM NJ does not discriminate against individuals on the basis of 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.
