The Union Scholars Program is a program designed to support students of color who are passionate about social justice, with an emphasis on workers’ rights.
The scholarship is available thanks to the American Federation of State, County & Municipal Employees (AFSCME) and its partner – Harvard University’s Labor and Worklife Program.
Full Description
Selected AFSCME Union Scholars will receive a three-day orientation to prepare for their internship and a 10-week field placement in a union organizing campaign in one of several locations across the United States.
All chosen candidates will receive a stipend of $4000 provided by Harvard, on-site housing, a three-day debriefing program after the internship is completed and upon successful completion of the program, an academic scholarship of up to $6,000 based on financial need.
Who's eligible?
The first thing that each interested student should get familiar with is the eligibility requirements that need to be met so as to qualify for the scholarship.
You must:
- Be an undergraduate sophomore or junior at the time of the application and the interview process who has a minimum 2.5 cumulative grade point average
- Be a college student of color including African-American, American Indian/Alaskan Native, Asian-Pacific Islander, Latin American
- Demonstrate interest in working for social and economic justice through the labor union movement
- Have a valid driver’s license
- Provide a faculty recommendation
If you do not meet these requirements, you are suggested not to apply for the award, as your application will be rejected.
How to Apply
Once you meet all these requirements, you can think about entering the selection process by submitting the application form.
When all the applications are received, it will be needed approximately a month’s time to the scholarship committee to determine candidates that will move to the final phase of interviewing. This will happen between the first and fourth weeks of March.
If you are among those candidates who are selected as finalists, you will be contacted by phone or email.
Interviews will take place during the first two weeks of April.
Orientation for the Union Scholars Program will take place from June 5 to 7.
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