The National Court Reporters Foundation (NCRF) encourages recent graduates to apply for its New Professionals Grant (formerly the New Professional Reporter Grant) which awards funds to court reporters and captioners in their first year of work. The grant is awarded to help support start-up expenses such as purchasing software and earning credentials.
Thanks to continued generous donations and support, the Foundation will award two first-place winners $4,000 each and two second-place winners $2,000 each. The deadline to apply is June 6.
“We at NCRF want our newest professionals to have successful starts to their careers,” said Doug Friend, FAPR, RDR, CRR (Ret.), NCRF Chair. “What better way to provide affirmation than with an award that provides our confidence in financial support to each grant winner?”
Last year’s first-place winners were Katie DeLong of Milwaukee, Wis., and Lydia Madlem of Charleston, Ill. “I could not be more thankful for the support of NCRA and NCRF in helping new professionals like me offset these expenses,” said DeLong of winning the award. “Knowing that I have the support of NCRA, NCRF, and all of the members who donate to fund these grants means everything and motivates me as I push forward in my new career.”
“The journey to my current position as an official court reporter in the small town of Charleston, Ill., has been filled with countless challenges, making this national recognition even more meaningful,” said Madlem. “I extend my sincere gratitude to the NCRF Trustees for recognizing my story and selecting me among so many deserving applicants.”
Last year’s second-place winners were Karli Pikala of Minneapolis, Minn., and Averie Pritchard of Jeannette, Pa.
Full criteria, an application, and a list of past recipients can be found on the grant page.
Two additional grants for new professionals who have passed their RSR or RPR, the Monyeen Black Memorial Grant and the Michelle Grimes Memorial Grant, open May 1.
For additional information about these and other grants, contact Jill Parker Landsman, NCRF Manager at jlandsman@ncra.org.
