The Union Plus Scholarship Program has provided higher education support for working families for more than two decades and 2015 five students from United Steelworker families received awards.
John Ertl from Hartford, Connecticut, whose father was a member of the United Steelworkers for 40 years, was awarded a $4,000 Scholarship.
In his application, John provided the following information:
“Growing up in a working class family, my family was dependent on the good wages and healthcare benefits my dad's union job provided.
When the factory he worked at eventually shut down, had it not been for my mom's good-paying union job with the state government my family never would have made it.
Thus, as a thankful beneficiary of the 'Union Difference' I grew up understanding that everything I had was because of the labor movement."
This year, $150,000 was awarded in scholarships ranging from $500 to $4,000 to union members and union family members.
Rounding out the Steelworkers 2015 scholarship winners list were:
$4,000 Winners
Shayna E. Flint
Ethan S. Frederick
$3,000 Winner
Kaden A. Littrell
$500 Winner
Margaret K. Buchele
The Union Plus Scholarship process may be challenging but it is quite rewarding. The students are from diverse backgrounds, and as a whole, they are well-rounded in their studies and extracurricular activities, and they understand the value of working families and union membership.
The 2016 Union Plus Scholarship application is now available. The application deadline is January 31, 2016. Click Here to apply online now.
The Union Plus program not only awards scholarships but it provides union members and their families with valuable Union Plus benefits.