Union Plus Scholarship: An AFSCME Advantage
PEEBLES, OHIO
Learning that you have a brain tumor is about as traumatic as it gets. But that diagnosis led Local 3093 (Council 8) member Patricia Nelson into a new career, where she has blossomed. Her doctor told her she had to leave her job of 25 years and find something with more reasonable hours.
Nelson obtained a clerical position at the Adams County Job and Family Services. She loved being able to help people and received a number of promotions. But she realized that she could do more with a college degree.
Never before a union member, Nelson has learned the value of negotiated benefits, including flextime, that have helped her move ahead in her studies. Now she has won a $500 scholarship to help her earn a degree in social work. She joins the following Union Plus awardees.
2005 WINNERS. One hundred twenty scholarships, ranging from $500 to $4,000, were given to students representing 40 unions. Ten awards went to AFSCME members/family members. The winners will major in such subjects as education, film production, electrical engineering, English, economics, industrial design, nursing and pre-med.
Pennsylvania Local 2548 (Council 88) member Zakiya Carter received $4,000 to help her become a chemical engineer. A clerk-typist for the state and a single mother, Carter knows she is risking much. In her essay, she quoted American Federation of Labor Pres. Samuel Gompers, who said 100 years ago that Labor wanted, "more books and fewer guns." Carter adds: "along with better health and less pollution, more energy and less oil, and better choices and a healthy environment."
Arpan Patel, son of New York Local 375 (DC 37) member Himanshu Patel, won $2,500; Marie Rose Boyarsky, daughter of New York Local 2627 (DC 37) member Steven Boyarsky, $1,000; Nicholas Olszyk, son of Oregon Local 3336 (Council 75) member Teresa Danovich, $1,000; Joseph Pasqualichio, son of New York Civil Service Employees Association/AFSCME Local 1000 members Michael and Debra Pasqualichio, $1,000; Danielle Tatsuno, daughter of Hawaii Government Employees Association/AFSCME Local 152 member Mary Tatsuno, $1,000; Elina Tetelbaum,daughter of New York Local 1070 (DC 37) member Anna Kshondzer, $1,000; Olga Ramirez, Washington Local 1488 (Council 28), $750; Corey Fusco, son of New York Local 1095 (Council 66) member Linda Fusco, $500.
AFSCME members, their spouses and dependent children may apply for the Union Plus 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.The submission deadline is Jan. 31, 2006.
Applications for the 2006 awards will be available in September 2005. Applications can be downloaded from our website. Click on "AFSCME Members-Only Benefits." Or send a postcard with your name, return address, telephone number, noting AFSCME as your international union to: Union Plus Education Foundation, c/o Union Privilege, P.O. Box 34800, Washington, D.C. 20043-4800.
College Prep
Union Plus works with American Education Services (AES) to help parents and students prepare for higher education. A wide variety of information — from career planning to paying for college — is available at our website; click on "AFSCME Members-Only Benefits." Or call AES any time at 1-877-881-1022; the experienced counselor who helps you will be one of over 1,000 AFSCME members employed at the Pennsylvania center.
