Last year, I read with interest the launch of the Applied Genealogy Institute.

Given the huge increase in interest in online learning and the additional cost of traveling in person to advanced class experiences, there is definitely room in the market for more in-depth programs similar to SLIG and GRIP, among others.

The Applied Genealogy Institute is fulfilling a need for genealogists who want to develop skills in specific areas of expertise, but who can’t travel to distant locations, for reasons aside from our new pandemic lives. Cost is a major factor.

AppGen, as it is known, will always be virtual. Class sizes are very small – limited to 15 per session. The cost is very reasonable, too – $300 – for weekly classes spread out over one month’s time.

Given the big genealogy projects already on my plate last year, I didn’t sign up for any sessions with the Applied Genealogy Institute classes.

However, this time around, I decided to register.

Applied Genealogy Institute

There are five sessions on offer with well qualified instructors:

Catholic Records: Margaret S. Fortier, CG
Applied Genetic Genealogy: Leah Larkin, Ph.D
Foundations I: Using the Records: Lisa Gorrell, CG
Advanced Swedish Genealogy: Jill Morelli, CG
Learning from Ledgers: Diane L. Richard

Detailed descriptions of each class can be found on the website under the “Current Class Offerings” tab. (See yellow arrow on the image above. Use the link to the website to view.)

From the AppGen FAQs:

How do I register for a course?

• Sign up on our Mailing List
• We will notify Mailing List members of the class offerings, the opening of the registration window and other opportunities
• Registration window will be open for 7 days.
• Fill out the registration form noting your course preferences.
• At the end of the registration window, AppGen will assess and place individuals into their first preference.
• If a course is over-subscribed, AppGen will institute a lottery system for placement.
• If a course is under-subscribed, all individuals will be placed in their preferred course.
• Those on the wait list of over-subscribed courses will be offered placement in courses that are under-subscribed, if you entered a second or third choice.
• You will then be notified of your course placement.
• Once you are notified of your class placement, you have five days to pay electronically at the “Store.”

Read the FAQs carefully. Registration is not first-come. The registration window is open for a week. Everyone has the same chance of gaining enrollment in their first choice whether they sign up on opening day or closing day of the registration period.

The current sign-up period began on 2 January and will close on Sunday, 9 January 2022.

If 15 or fewer opt for a particular course, all will be placed. If more than 15 persons sign up for that class, a lottery system will be held to determine who is enrolled and a waiting list will be created.

After notification of placement in one’s preferred class, payment will be due.

Which class have I chosen? Given my brick walls in Sweden in the early 1800s, I have opted for Jill Morelli’s class, Advanced Swedish Genealogy.

I am hoping that no more than 15 people have registered for it!

If you see a class of interest, now is the time to submit the registration form.

Make 2022 a priority year for your genealogical education.