Union Leaders of the Future Scholarship

Embracing its mission to enhance the value of union membership and support a stronger labor movement, Union Privilege has developed a scholarship and mentoring program to help more women and people of color become union leaders.

The Union Leaders of the Future Scholarship provides annual awards up to $3,000 to help future union leaders with the cost of continuing their education or training in order to pursue their union career goals and leadership skills.

The Union Leaders of the Future Scholarship Program is offered through the Union Plus Education Foundation.

How to Apply

Visit the Union Plus site for more information and to download an application.

Eligibility

  • A current union member from the U.S., Puerto Rico, Canada, Guam and the Virgin Islands of a union participating in any Union Plus program.

  • Complete an application form with a recommendation letter from a union leader who has knowledge of the applicant's leadership potential.

  • Applicant must be female and/or a member of a racial/ethnic minority, defined as American Indian or Alaskan, Asian or Pacific Islander, African American, Hispanic, or multi-racial.

  • Scholarship recipients can re-apply for future awards.

Award Usage

  • Applied toward the completion of an accredited degree, coursework or seminar at an accredited educational institution (college, university, community college, recognized technical or trade school). Important note: Not all union-sponsored leadership training courses are accredited. This program is offered under the Union Plus Education Foundation Trust, which means the program is restricted to granting awards for degrees/courses/seminars that are accredited.

  • Financial need includes the cost of tuition/seminar fees, and related travel and expenses.

Evaluation Criteria

Applicants for scholarships are evaluated for union leadership potential. Important factors include career goals, social awareness and financial need.

Scholarship applications will first be judged by a Union Privilege consultant who is a career professional with extensive experience in union scholarship programs. The consultant will make selections and determine award amounts. The AFL-CIO Civil Rights & Women's Committees will ratify selections and award amounts.

Award Amounts

The amount of the award ranges from $500-$3,000. These are one-time cash awards sent and paid directly to individual winners for study and related expenses within the following 12 months. In addition, scholarship winners will be matched with current union leaders to participate in a special mentoring program.

The Union Leaders of the Future Scholarship Program is offered through the Union Plus Education Foundation. Visit the Union Plus site for more information and to download an application.

Print Version