APWU Scholarships

The 2023 scholarship committee met and reviewed all applications received by the May 31 deadline. The committee verifies the criteria and documents outlined in the application, with primary emphasis on the knowledge and understanding of unions displayed in the essay. The committee received 122 scholarship applications and awarded 10 recipients the E.C. Hallbeck Memorial Scholarship. Two recipients received the Vocational Scholarship, and one recipient received the scholarship for Best Essay.

With the cost of higher education consistently rising, scholarship awards continue to be a necessary addition to subsidize the financial commitments in covering college or vocational institution costs. For a vast majority of children and grandchildren of our members, obtaining a college degree or vocational skill is a pathway to providing economic stability for their future endeavors. In each postal region, two deserving applicants – one male and one female – are awarded $2,000 annually for four years to use toward an undergraduate program. Recipients must attend an accredited college or university and must maintain a “B” average (or “Pass” if on a “ Pass/ Fail” system).

Vocational Scholarship winners receive up to $3,000 to be used for three years of study in a specific trade, technical, industrial, or vacation school. The APWU awards vocational scholarships, if submitted, to recipients selected from the five postal regions. Recipients must attend an accredited community college or vocational school and must maintain a “B” average (or “Pass” if on a “Pass/Fail” system), or a positive evaluation from a counselor or instructor.

All applicants are required to submit a 350 - 500 word essay on one of three topics provided in the scholarship application. The author of the Best Essay wins a special one-time award of $2,000 towards their four-year college tuition. The recipient of the 2023 Best Essay award, pursuing an engineering degree, wrote in her essay the following excerpt.

“As I envision my future union, I hope it embodies the practices and principles of the APWU, allowing for a supportive environment for those from all communities. By embracing union membership, I hope to contribute to creating an inclusive workplace for engineers from all backgrounds and address any concerns they may have.”

Each year, the APWU awards academic vocational scholarships to children and grandchildren of our members and retirees. Winners are selected by qualified individuals in academia who have no personal ties to the applicants. (See page 36 for information about the scholarships and this year’s winners.)

Congratulations to all the 2023 scholarship winners and best wishes as they pursue their career goals. ■

Secretary-Treasurer Training September 29-October 1, 2023

I am looking forward to seeing all who will be attending the Secretary-Treasurer Training and All -Craft Conference in Las Vegas, NV. Preparations are finalized to ensure all conference delegates are able to maximize their time attending the various trainings and conferences. Whether you are attending the All-Craft, Young Members, Retiree or Legislative Conferences, there will be a wealth of information to gain and share with your members.

In addition to the scheduled training opportunities, local unions can also schedule virtual training. Please contact Annette August-Taylor, Executive Assistant to the Secretary- Treasurer, at 202-842-4215 or via email to aaugust@apwu.org.

I remain yours in union solidarity, and if there is anything we can do to assist you in any way, please do not hesitate to contact us.