Selected Educational Trust Receives Grant from Global Atlantic Financial Group to Expand  Workforce Development Programs 

LINCOLNSHIRE, IL — March 27, 2025 — The Selected Educational Trust is pleased to announce  that it has received a grant from Global Atlantic Financial Group to enhance and expand its  Workforce Development offerings. With staffing recruitment, training, and retention being among  the most pressing challenges for independent funeral home owners, this funding will provide  critical support and resources to strengthen the profession. 

Through this grant, Global Atlantic Financial Group’s financial support will allow the Trust to grow  its four key Workforce Development initiatives: the Employment Center, Career Center, Mortuary  Science Student Center, and Job Fairs. These programs serve as essential resources for  independent funeral homes seeking to attract, train, and retain top-tier talent within the profession. “We are thrilled to receive this generous grant from Global Atlantic Financial Group to elevate our  Workforce Development programs,” said Stefanie Favia, Executive Director of the Selected  Educational Trust. “This partnership enables us to provide independent funeral home owners with  the solutions they need to address the ongoing workforce challenges. By expanding our initiatives,  we continue our mission of supporting and advancing the independent funeral service profession  through education and career development.” 

The Trust’s Workforce Development programs provide a comprehensive approach to staffing  challenges. The Employment Center allows Selected members to post job openings with broad  visibility, including direct outreach to every accredited Mortuary Science School in the country. The  Career Center connects funeral professionals with potential employers while maintaining their  privacy. The Mortuary Science Student Center serves as a dedicated database of aspiring funeral  service professionals, helping member firms discover emerging talent. Finally, the Job Fairs facilitate direct connections between funeral home owners and Mortuary Science students, with  proven success in employment placements. 

As part of this initiative, the Trust will leverage its pre-existing relationships with mortuary science  schools to directly reach mortuary science students and early-career professionals seeking job  opportunities. New resources will be created and curated specifically for this demographic to  support their professional growth.

“At Global Atlantic Financial Group, we recognize the crucial role that funeral professionals play in  their communities,” said Tim Bridgers, Managing Director of Preneed at Global Atlantic Financial  Group. “By providing this grant to the Trust’s Workforce Development programs, we are investing in  the future of the funeral service profession, ensuring that dedicated professionals continue to  provide compassionate and high-quality care to families when they need it most.” 

This grant underscores the commitment of both organizations to strengthen the independent  funeral service profession through meaningful career opportunities and education. For more  information about the Selected Educational Trust and its Workforce Development initiatives, visit  www.selectedtrust.org or contact Stefanie Favia at stefanie@selectedtrust.org.  

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About the Selected Educational Trust 

The mission of the Selected Educational Trust (www.selectedtrust.org) is to provide the best educational  opportunities for the advancement and support of all who work within the independent funeral service  profession. To fulfill this mission, the Trust provides programs which offer scholarships to mortuary science  students and funeral service professionals, online education through its Institute for Exceptional Funeral  Service powered by National Guardian Life Insurance Company (www.funeral-institute.org) and networking  and employment opportunities through its Workforce Development Centers, now powered by Global Atlantic  Financial Group. 

About Global Atlantic 

Global Atlantic Financial Group is a leading insurance company meeting the retirement and life insurance  needs of individuals and institutions. With a strong financial foundation and risk and investment  management expertise, the company delivers tailored solutions to create more secure financial futures.  The company’s performance has been driven by its culture and core values focused on integrity, teamwork,  and the importance of building long-term client relationships. Global Atlantic is a wholly owned subsidiary  of KKR, a leading global investment firm. Through its relationship, the company leverages KKR’s investment  capabilities, scale and access to capital markets to enhance the value it offers clients. KKR’s parent  company is KKR & Co. Inc. (NYSE: KKR). 

Global Atlantic Financial Group (Global Atlantic) is the marketing name for The Global Atlantic Financial  Group LLC and its subsidiaries, including Forethought Life Insurance Company and Accordia Life and Annuity  Company. Each subsidiary is responsible for its own financial and contractual obligations. These  subsidiaries are not authorized to do business in New York.