Barbara Snyderman, MLS(ASCP)CM, DLM, ASCLS E&R Fund, Inc., Vice Chair

What student couldn’t use some additional cash to fund their education, graduate studies, or research? The ASCLS Education & Research (E&R) Fund, Inc., provides scholarships and grants for students enrolled in programs in medical laboratory technology, medical laboratory science, and graduate degrees related to our profession. The E&R Fund is also providing scholarship opportunities to students studying for the Doctorate in Clinical Laboratory Science.

Established in 1953, the E&R Fund provides dollars that assist in the growth of the clinical/medical laboratory science profession and enhance the essential services provided by laboratory professionals. The fund is supported by endowments and by contributions from members and the public.

In 2011, the E&R Fund began providing Memorial Scholarships that are intended especially for those who wish to honor or memorialize a friend, colleague, or family member with their gift.

The fund offers a $1,500 Memorial Undergraduate Scholarship annually to a qualifying MLS student and a $1,000 scholarship to a qualifying MLT student in their final year of study. Other undergraduate scholarships are available to honor Dan Southern ($2,000) and in memory of Edward C. Dolbey, Michelle Kanuth, and Bernadette Rodak (each $1,500). A $3,000 Edward C. Dolbey graduate scholarship is offered to graduate students in clinical/medical laboratory science or in a related graduate field.

The E&R Fund also offers research grants of $3,000 – $5,000 supporting members’ investigations of issues critical to laboratory medicine and health care. The I. Dean Spradling Graduate Research Grant is awarded to a qualifying graduate student in MLS.

The ASCLS awards program recognizes outstanding achievements, contributions, and service to the profession and celebrates the value of professional ability and commitment. Grants, scholarships, and professional achievement awards are presented at the ASCLS Annual Meeting.

Eligibility for E&R Fund Scholarships

  • Scholarship applicants must be an ASCLS member.
  • Applicants must be a citizen or permanent resident of the United States.
  • Undergraduate applicants may apply during their final year.
  • Undergraduate applicants must be enrolled in a NAACLS-accredited program.

Donations
The E&R Fund depends on your donations! Donations are welcome at any time of the year, not just at the Annual Meeting. Money is raised through the silent auctions at the ASCLS President’s Reception and at the Clinical Laboratory Educators Conference, but that is just a part of what is given to students each year.

Please go to ASCLS.org and use the DONATE button to make your contribution to the E&R Fund, or simply mail your check to the ASCLS national office, c/o James Flanigan, American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science, 1861 International Drive, Suite 200, McLean VA 22102. Your contribution is officially a tax-deductible donation to our 501c3 fund. There is no minimum contribution—all donations are appreciated. If you want to donate to a specific scholarship, simply provide the name and affiliation of the person you wish to honor or memorialize. The trustees of the E&R Fund thank you in advance for your contributions.

Barbara Snyderman is senior laboratory specialist at Ortho Clinical Diagnostics in Philadelphia.