Applications for the 2025 AFERM Scholarships are open August 13 - September 5, 2025.  

Scholarships are awarded on a self-application basis. To be eligible for a scholarship you should apply on your own behalf. Review eligibility, application, and nomination details below.

For additional questions, please contact Jason Bruno at Past-President@aferm.org or Caitlin O'Donnell at caiodonnell@deloitte.com.

RIMS-CRMP-FED Scholarship

One RIMS-CRMP-FED scholarship will be awarded, valued at $2,150. The scholarship covers the full cost of the instructor-led virtual prep workshop and exam fee.

This scholarship is intended for professionals who are AFERM members, federal employees, and meet the degree and experience requirements. Review details here. 

The scholarship application requires a statement of intent of maximum length 750 words.

The RIMS-CRMP-FED is a credential that was developed in partnership with AFERM and distinguishes the achievement of validated risk management competencies for an effective risk management professional in the federal government. Adding the RIMS-CRMP-FED credential to your professional profile verifies that you have achieved a high level of expertise, education, and experience required to successfully manage risk and support decision making in the federal government environment.

Submit your scholarship application by Sept. 5.

AFERM/George Mason University CRO Scholarship Program

One scholarship will be awarded to a recipient towards their enrollment in the George Mason University (GMU) Chief Risk Officer (CRO) Executive Development Program (GMU CRO Program). The scholarship will be for use in the Fall 2025 program, which begins in late October 2025, and ends in March 2026. The scholarship is valued at $5,500. The recipient will still be responsible for the balance of the remaining tuition (typically an additional $3,000) due prior to the start of the program.

This scholarship is named in memory of Jeanne Spencer, who was a friend to AFERM and instrumental in starting the GMU CRO Program. The program is focused on preparing individuals to effectively execute the practices of a CRO in today’s rapidly changing business environment. In addition to receiving the GMU Executive Certificate, those successfully completing the program receive the CRO Digital Badge from GMU.

This scholarship is intended for professionals who are AFERM members and are a GS-14, GS-15, SES or equivalent level federal employee with oversight of fields such as risk, strategy, fraud, budget, performance, and/or program management.

The scholarship application requires a statement of intent of maximum length 750 words where the applicant can also reflect on the importance of advancing the practice of ERM in the federal government through thought leadership, education, and collaboration.

Submit your scholarship application by Sept. 5.

Past Scholarship Recipients

2024 AFERM/RIMS-CRMP-FED Scholarship
Noha Gaber, Environmental Protection Agency

2024 AFERM/George Mason University CRO Scholarships
Karrenthya Simmons, Commodity Futures Trading Commission

2023 AFERM/RIMS-CRMP-FED Scholarship
Bradley Grams, Federal Aviation Administration

2023 AFERM/George Mason University CRO Scholarships
Melissa Thomson, City of Phoenix, AZ

2022 AFERM/RIMS-CRMP-FED Scholarship
Sylvania Kandil, Program Analyst, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development

2022 AFERM/George Mason University CRO Scholarships
Dr. Temika Edwards, Chief Risk Officer, U.S Department of Housing and Urban Development Office of Inspector General
Nikki Wood, Chief, Management Integrity & Accountability Branch, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

2021 AFERM/RIMS-CRMP-FED Scholarship
Tabatha McCullom, Financial & Operational Risk Analyst, U.S. Securities & Exchange Commission

2021 AFERM/George Mason University CRO Scholarship
SJ Lynch, ERM Director, Food & Drug Administration

2020 AFERM/RIMS-CRMP-FED Scholarship
Darlene Bennett, Dept. of the Navy

2020 AFERM/George Mason University CRO Scholarship
Angela Crane, U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission