TUESDAY, JANUARY 13, 2009
Many scholarships available to union families

Many international unions, locals and other labor organizations offer scholarships to children and grandchildren of their members. Notably, the AFL-CIO's Union Plus program offers scholarships each year to families with members in AFL-CIO unions. Click here for details (the application deadline is Jan. 31.) 

Union members should also contact their local unions to find out if they or their international unions have scholarship programs.

Here is one such scholarship offered by the Tacoma-based Americans in Solidarity: 

2009 Ottilie Markholt Memorial Scholarship

America In Solidarity is offering scholarships to qualified high school seniors and current college students. Total amounts given will be determined by the Scholarship Committee. AIS has awarded $14,600 in scholarships since 2005. The scholarship is open to residents of the United States planning to attend accredited colleges and universities in the United States .

The applicants must send a cover letter or resume with the required information and write a 3-5 page essay. Winners will be chosen based on the merit of their essay, grades and activities. Applicants need to include: Name, Address, City, Phone, email, high school or college, GPA, prospective colleges (if applicable) and majors, and a list of school and community activities. The scholarship committee would prefer materials be mailed in a 8.5x11-inch envelope.

They will also to need to include a 3-5 page typed essay on one of the following topics:

1. How will the Employee Free Choice Act affect your family and/or your community?
2. Which current member of Congress has done the most to promote the issues of working families? Discuss how their actions or legislation has influenced your life and/or community.
3. Pick one of the following topics and argue why this is the most important issue for working families in 2009:
• Health Care reform
• Reexamining our trade policies
• Shifting our priorities from Iraq to rebuilding America  

2009 Social Justice Scholarship

America In Solidarity is offering two $500 scholarships to high school seniors and current college students to students who have demonstrated an active participation in making the world better for working families. Ideal candidates must have spent time volunteering or working in the areas of social justice, progressive politics, and/or the right to organize. Preference will be given to individuals who worked for organizations like America In Solidarity or directly on campaigns of progressive candidates. Our intention with this scholarship is to help future progressive leaders continue with their extra-curricular service by enabling them to help pay for college. The scholarship is open to all residents of the United States attending an accredited college or university in the United States .

To apply, send us the following:

• An essay explaining your service and how you have made a difference
• A resume detailing your service, school activities, major, college (or prospective colleges) and other important details like email, phone number and contact address.

Applications must be received by April 1, 2009, at our office at 3049 S. 36th St, #205 , Tacoma , WA 98409 . We would prefer you include the contents in an 8.5 x 11 envelope.

If you have questions about the scholarship or want general information about Americans in Solidarity, email Todd Iverson.

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