Program Background

The Human Resources profession lost a long-time champion, Carolyn C. Palmer, SPHR. Carolyn passed away on October 8, 2004, after a six-year battle with cancer.

In her memory, the Human Resources Association of Greater Detroit (HRAGD) Board of Directors and Advisory Panel members have created the Carolyn C. Palmer Certification Grant Program. Each year three grants will be available; one each for the Professional in Human Resources, Senior Professional in Human Resources and Global Professional in Human Resources certification applicant and examination fees.

Carolyn was dedicated to the HRAGD. She served as a volunteer for many years and held various positions on the HRAGD Board of Directors, including President in 1992. Carolyn also served as a member of the HRAGD Advisory Panel. In addition to her service to the HRAGD, Carolyn worked on and co-chaired state conferences, served as the Society for Human Resources Management (SHRM) Michigan State Council Director, and served on the SHRM Area III Board of Directors. Carolyn also served as the director and principal for Human Resources at HarleyEllis, an architectural engineering company in Southfield, Michigan.

Prior to the HRAGD’s partnership with Eastern Michigan University to provide Human Resources Certification Institute certification review programs, Carolyn started the first effective HRAGD study group for exam preparation. As a result, five HRAGD members obtained SPHR certification.   HRAGD will be able to continue Carolyn’s enthusiasm for professional certification through the grant program named after her.

Program Overview

This award, sponsored by the Human Resources Association of Greater Detroit (HRAGD), is available to HRAGD members in good standing. The award is designed to assist the HRAGD members in meeting their professional development goals.

Each year, three grants will be available, one each for the Professional in Human Resources (PHR), Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR), and Global Professional in Human Resources (GPHR) certification. The HRAGD has committed a total of $1,000.00 annually for grants to be awarded for members pursuing PHR, SPHR or GPHR certification. Grant recipients will have their certification application and examination fees paid at the regular deadline rate (as posted on the www.hrci.org website). HRAGD will not pay for fees that are covered by an applicant’s employer. The award will be made in January of each year.

Eligibility

A grant will be awarded to a member of the HRAGD in good standing. Applicants must be seeking certification as a PHR, SPHR, or GPHR and must meet Human Resources Certification Institute (HRCI) eligibility requirements of certification. Previous applicants who did not receive an award are eligible to re-apply each year. Previous applicants that received an award are eligible to reapply for a grant seeking certification at a different level. Applicants must specify certification award level and will be considered for only one grant award level at a time.

Selection

Grant recipients will be selected through random drawing at each certification level. The Carolyn C. Palmer Certification Grant committee will conduct the random drawing. The recipient must be accepted and ready to take his or her certification exam within one-year following notification of the award. Expenses covered by an applicant’s employer do not qualify for reimbursement through the Carolyn C. Palmer Certification Grant Program. Applications will not be returned and all decisions are final.

Applications must have a postmark date of no later than December 31. All applicants will be notified of their standing by phone or in writing no later than February 28. Grant checks will be distributed to all winners upon confirmation of certification exam registration. A paid registration form will be required to receive reimbursement.

How to Apply

Click Here to download the Carolyn C. Palmer Certification Grant program application.  
Application must be postmarked on or before December 31. Applications should be mailed to:

HRAGD
Palmer Grant Program
32621 Grand River Ave.
Farmington, MI 48336

Additional questions should be directed to the HRAGD office at (248) 478-6498.