2021
James Hamby, PhD
Miami, FL
Some years ago, our AFTE Board of Directors (BOD) created the AFTE Scholarship Endowment Fund (ASEF). The purpose of this fund was to fund scholarships and build the fund to eventually become self-sustaining. Since 2002, a total of 44 scholarships have been awarded to individuals from 9 countries – primarily from the United States – but also from Australia, Belize, Canada, India, New Zealand, Thailand, U.K. and West Indies. Several of the awardees are currently working in the forensic science field to include some in firearm and tool mark identification. The ASEF currently has approximately $85,000-$90,000 available for scholarships and I am requesting your consideration in donating monies to this worthwhile project. There are a variety of donor levels for your consideration and previous donors can always increase your donations. I propose we grow the fund to $500,000 which could (after interest rates rise) evetually make the fund self-sufficient. If everyone donated $500, the fund could reach that level. If you decide to donate monies to ASEF, you can honor somone – perhaps your training officer, a family member, a member of AFTE that has made an impact on you, etc. My wife and I are offering to provide a 25% match for all funds donated up to a total of $100,000 through AFTE 2022. For example, if you donated $1,000, we would add $250 for a total of $1,250, etc. Your donation, incidentally, can be a tax deduction as AFTE is a 501(c)3 organiztion. Further information is available on our website at www.afte.org