Mortuary science students at 11 accredited institutions have an opportunity to receive a $5,000 scholarship from NorthStar Memorial Group through the Brad Kraft Memorial Scholarship.
The scholarship honors the memory of Brad Kraft, a longtime NorthStar Memorial Group leader who advanced to become the company’s vice president of operations. According to NorthStar, Kraft was known as an organized, communicative and fair manager who was deeply committed to serving families and proud of his career in funeral service.
The scholarship recognizes mortuary science students who demonstrate a commitment to compassionate community service and excellence in the funeral profession.
The $5,000 award will be paid directly to the recipient’s institution and is scheduled to be awarded in spring 2027. Applications must be submitted by Dec. 15, 2026. NorthStar states that incomplete applications will not be considered, and applications submitted after the deadline will not be accepted.
Who Is Eligible?
Applicants must be actively enrolled in a college or university mortuary science program accredited by the American Board of Funeral Service Education and must have a minimum 2.6 GPA.
The scholarship is available to students attending the following institutions:
- American River College
- Carl Sandburg College
- Cypress College
- Dallas Institute of Funeral Service
- John Gupton College
- Lake Washington Institute of Technology
- Northwest Mississippi Community College
- Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science
- St. Petersburg College
- Southern Illinois University
- Worsham College of Mortuary Science
Application Requirements
Students applying for the scholarship must submit an application that includes an essay and open-ended questions. Applicants also must provide an official transcript, a resume and two letters of recommendation.
NorthStar emphasizes that applicants should submit complete applications by the Dec. 15 deadline because incomplete applications will not be considered.
Scholarship Is Not Tied to Employment
Receiving the Brad Kraft Memorial Scholarship does not require a student to work for NorthStar Memorial Group.
According to the scholarship FAQ, recipients are not required to accept an offer of employment from NorthStar as a condition of receiving the award.
Students may receive the mortuary science scholarship only once.
NorthStar says all applicants will be notified individually regarding their selection status.
For mortuary science students who meet the eligibility requirements, the scholarship provides an opportunity to offset educational costs while recognizing the importance of service and commitment to the funeral profession.
Learn more about the scholarship.
