The Gift of Knowledge Program
What started as one call from a mortuary science student, unveiled an ongoing challenge experienced by many other students. And what began a response to that call, quickly grew into a solution to the larger problem. The students of the Cypress College Mortuary Science Program were in need of practical laboratory experience as part of their curriculum. However, the number of mortuaries open to serving as student preceptors vs. the amount of students needing the opportunity to complete their labs was disproportionate. Many students were finding themselves without a way to accomplish what is required for their program.
When Brittany Holtson received that initial call, she knew she would be able to help. As part owner of Destiny Funeral Home, and owner of Guided Transitions CA. - whose services include trade embalming - she had the space and the personnel to offer this opportunity. After speaking with Mortuary Science professor Jolena Grande, they were able to organize a program to fulfill the lab hours needed by the mortuary science students. The students will come to Destiny Funeral Home for up to 12 scheduled dates. Adjunct professors, who are also trade embalmers with Guided Transitions, will embalm and teach in a way that closely replicates the traditional lab session.
Brittany will implement the “Gift of Knowledge” program through her Shoreline Cremation Society. This would allow families to choose a package that includes embalming, with the express intent to educate the next generation of funeral service professionals. For those families who see the value in supporting science education, that “gift of knowledge” goes both ways: As a gift to the student, of course – but also, the gift of knowing that their loved one is enriching, and adding to, the success of that student.
The LACFDA would like to thank Brittany Holtson and Jolena Grande for working together to create this opportunity for the Mortuary Science students of Cypress College. Kudos to Brittany for not only answering the call of one student in need, but for seeing a way that many others would benefit as well.
