Deadline to apply: January 31, 2017
The Union Plus Scholarship Program has provided more than two decades of higher education support for working families. Since 1992, Union Privilege, through the Union Plus Scholarship program has helped fulfill the educational dreams of students representing more than 13 million working families across the nation.
The Union Plus Scholarship awards are presented annually to union members or members of their families who want to begin or continue their post-secondary education.
In 2016, some 104 union members and union family members were awarded $150,000 in scholarships, ranging from $500 to $4,000.
2016 Union Plus Scholarship Winners and UFCW Members
$4,000 Winners
Jimmy L. Nguyen
Julia Rolniak$3,500 Winner
Nadia S. Porter
$3,000 Winner
Hannah Rattin
$750 Winner
Kali Simonson
$500 Winners
Tyrobius T. Bacon
Grayson Juarez
Naomi N. Santa Cruz
Challenging Process
The students selected for awards represent a wide sampling of demographics, union affiliations, goals and accomplishments. Representatives from the American Association of Community Colleges, the American Association of State Colleges and Universities, the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities judged the applications.
According to the judges, the caliber of students this year made the selection process very challenging. The students are from diverse backgrounds, and as a whole, they received top SAT scores, were well-rounded in their studies and extracurricular activities, and they understood the value of working families and union membership.
How the Scholarship Program Works
In addition to demonstrated academic ability, applicants submitted essays describing their career goals, detailing their relationship with the labor movement, and explaining why they are deserving of a union scholarship.
The program is open to union members, their spouses and dependent children of unions that are participating in any Union Plus program. Individuals must be accepted into an accredited college or university, community college or recognized technical or trade school at the time the award is issued. Members do not have to purchase any Union Plus program product or participate in any Union Plus program to apply.
The Union Plus Scholarship Program is offered through the Union Plus Education Foundation.
Applications
Each year, the application deadline is January 31 and chosen scholarship recipients’ names are announced May 31. All applicants are notified when the award winner list is posted in early June.
