AFSCME Council 13 Scholarship Program

Scholarship Sponsored by AFSCME Council 13

Description **Purpose** The AFSCME Council 13 Scholarship Program provides one-time financial awards to help cover educational expenses for the families of Council 13 members. Awards may be applied toward tuition, lodging, books and other school-related costs. The program is administered by AFSCME Council 13 and is reserved for qualifying applicants connected to members in good standing. Key takeaways - One-time scholarships intended for educational expenses. - Administered by AFSCME Council 13. - Reserved for applicants connected to Council 13 members in good standing. Eligibility **Who qualifies** Undergraduate applicants must be the child or grandchild of an AFSCME Council 13 member or retiree who is in good standing. A separate graduate-student award is also available. Eligibility is limited to those with the specified family relationship to Council 13 members; the program is for members’ families only. Key takeaways - Undergraduate eligibility: children and grandchildren of members/retirees. - Graduate-student applicants are eligible for a separate award. - Applicants must be connected to a member in good standing. Award Value **Amounts and permitted uses** Standard undergraduate applicants who meet eligibility receive a $500 scholarship, while the top four undergraduate applicants are awarded $1,500 each. An additional $500 scholarship is designated for a graduate student. All awards are one-time payments and may be used for tuition, lodging, books, and other educational costs. Key takeaways - Standard undergraduate award: $500. - Top four undergraduate awards: $1,500 each. - One $500 graduate-student award; awards are one-time payments for educational expenses. Application Requirements **Required materials** Applications must be submitted via the Council 13 online form and include a typed essay (no more than two pages), relevant transcript(s), and three non-family character references. Ensure transcripts are current and references are not relatives. Incomplete submissions risk disqualification. Key takeaways - Submit via the AFSCME Council 13 online form. - Required: typed essay (≤2 pages), transcripts, and three non-family character references. - Incomplete applications may be disqualified. Essay Prompt **2026 essay topic** The 2026 prompt asks applicants to analyze the role of labor unions in strengthening democracy in the workplace and society amid economic inequality, polarization, and declining institutional trust. Applicants should also address how organized labor can continue amplifying workers’ voices and expanding civic participation going forward. Responses should be concise, focused, and grounded in examples or reasoned argument. Key takeaways - 2026 prompt focuses on unions’ role in workplace and societal democracy. - Also asks how labor can amplify worker voice and civic participation. - Essay must be no longer than two pages. Selection Process and Timeline **How winners are chosen and when to apply** Winners are selected based on the submitted application materials and essay, with top performers designated for the larger awards. Four top undergraduate performers receive $1,500, standard undergraduate recipients receive $500, and one graduate applicant receives $500. The scholarship is awarded on an annual cycle; applicants should check the AFSCME Council 13 website or contact the Council for current deadlines and result dates. Key takeaways - Selection is based on submitted materials and essay quality. - Top four undergraduates receive $1,500; other undergraduates receive $500; one graduate receives $500. - Check AFSCME Council 13 for current annual deadlines. History of the Award **Background and purpose** The scholarship is an AFSCME Council 13 initiative created to support the educational pursuits of members’ families. It reflects the Council’s commitment to member welfare and workforce development. For a detailed history, founding date, or past award statistics, contact AFSCME Council 13 directly or consult their published resources. Key takeaways - The program is run by AFSCME Council 13 to support members’ families. - It demonstrates Council 13’s investment in education and member benefits. - Contact AFSCME Council 13 for full historical details and records.