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Union Membership Pays

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Ten years ago, when Gamilia Marshall began her job with the city of Philadelphia, she didn't know much about unions. Now: "I have nothing but praise. The union has helped me in so many ways." Marshall joins 105 other union members — seven from AFSCME — who shared $150,000 in scholarships from the Union Plus Scholarship program funded by Household Credit Card Services, issuer of the AFSCME Advantage credit card.

Marshall recently finished her freshman year at the Community College of Philadelphia with a 3.0 average. That's a major accomplishment for someone who thought her life was over at age 20, when she had her second child, and turned to drugs and alcohol to fight depression.

Now a payroll clerk, with a number of promotions to her credit, she says, "I want to be a drug and alcohol counselor and a social worker for homeless women and children."

SCHOOL DAYS. Each year, the Union Plus scholarships help dreams come true for scores of union families. The 2004 recipients include AFSCME members, their children and a spouse — with scholarships ranging from $500 to $4,000.

Jessica Schroeder (daughter of Dan Schroeder, Wisconsin Local 1449, Council 24) received $4,000. Anand Oza (son of Kalindi Oza, California Local 2620, Council 57), $2,000. Gina Mattei (daughter of Anthony Mattei, New York Local 1320, DC 37), Tricia Murphy (spouse of James Murphy Jr., New York Local 2841, Council 82), Nicholas Olszyk (son of Teresa Danovich, Oregon Local 3336, Council 75), Susan Wearsch (member of Illinois Local 692, Council 31), and Kathryn Zblewski (member of Wisconsin Local 348, Council 40) get $1,000 each. Gamilia Marshall (member of Philadelphia Local 1637, Council 33) was awarded $500.

AFSCME members, their spouses and dependent children may apply for the scholarships. To be eligible, applicants must have been accepted at an accredited college/university, community college or recognized trade/technical school when the award is issued. No purchase or participation in any Union Plus program is necessary. Applications for the 2005 awards will be available in September 2004. You can download one from AFSCME's Web site; click on "AFSCME Advantage" at the left of the screen. The deadline for submission is Jan. 31, 2005.