Scholarships
A variety of union scholarships are available to AFSCME members, their children, and grandchildren of RPEP (Retired Public Employees of Pennsylvania) members. Included are the following:
AFSCME Council 13 Scholarship Program
Undergraduate college students who are the children and grandchildren of AFSCME Council 13 members (and retirees) in good standing* are eligible for a $500 scholarship upon proficient completion of the application and essay, with the top four performers selected to receive a $1,500 scholarship. One additional $500 scholarship is awarded to a graduate student. Scholarships are one-time-only payments, which may be applied toward educational expenses, such as tuition, lodging, and books. View and download the application here.
*AFSCME staff and their families are not eligible.
AFSCME Family Scholarship
Ten $2,000 annual scholarships are awarded for up to four years to high school seniors whose parent, legal guardian or financially responsible grandparent is a full dues-paying AFSCME member. Students must be enrolled in a full-time degree program either at an accredited four-year institution or at a two-year institution that will transfer credits to a four-year institution.
Union Plus Scholarship Award
Union Plus offers awards from $500 to $4,000 to union members, their spouses, and their children who have been accepted to college, community college, or trade school. At least one year of continuous union membership by the applicant, applicant's spouse or parent (if applicant is a dependent) is required.
Pennsylvania AFL-CIO Scholarship
The Pennsylvania AFL-CIO Essay Contest provides an opportunity for high school and post-secondary students to learn about the Labor Movement’s important contributions to the social, economic, and political development of our country. It also reminds students – the next generation of workers – about the importance of protecting the Labor Movement’s gains, for their own wellbeing in current and future workplaces.