Benefits for AFGE Members

When you join the union, you have access to these AFGE benefits. These benefits are backed by the collective strength of over 10-million members of AFL-CIO unions. By using one or two of the programs, many members save as much as their annual dues.

These Money-Saving Benefits are Available Only to AFGE Members:

Union Leaders of the Future Scholarship

Helping more women and people of color become union leaders

Embracing its mission to enhance the value of union membership and support a stronger labor movement, Union Privilege has developed a scholarship program to help more women and people of color become union leaders. The program provides annual awards up to $3,000 to help future leaders with the cost of continuing their education or training in order to pursue their union career goals and leadership skills.
How to apply: All applications must be postmarked by May 30, 2008.

Eligibility:

• A current union member from the U.S., Puerto Rico, Canada, Guam and the Virgin Islands of a union participating in any Union Plus program.
• Completed application form with a recommendation letter from a union leader who has knowledge of the applicant's leadership potential.
• Applicant must be female and/or a member of a racial/ethnic minority, defined as American Indian or Alaskan, Asian or Pacific Islander, African American, Hispanic, or multi-racial.

Award usage:

Applied toward the completion of an accredited degree, coursework or seminar at an accredited educational institution (college, university, community college, recognized technical or trade school). Important note: Not all union-sponsored leadership training courses are accredited. This program is offered under the Union Plus Education Foundation Trust, which means the program is restricted to granting awards for degrees/courses/seminars that are accredited.

Financial need includes the cost of tuition/seminar fees, and related travel and expenses.

Evaluation criteria:

Applicants for scholarships are evaluated for union leadership potential. Important factors include career goals, social awareness and financial need.

Scholarship applications will first be judged by a Union Privilege consultant who is a career professional with extensive experience in union scholarship programs. The consultant will make selections and determine award amounts. The AFL-CIO Civil Rights & Women's Committees will ratify selections and award amounts.

Award amounts:

The amount of the award ranges from $500-$3,000. These are one-time cash awards sent and paid directly to individual winners for study and related expenses within the following 12 months. Recipients can re-apply for future awards. In addition, scholarship winners will be matched with current union leaders to participate in a special mentoring program.

The Union Leaders of the Future Scholarship Program is offered through the Union Plus Education Foundation.

Available outside the US?

Answer: Yes

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Access: This benefit is only available to members of AFGE. If you are a member of AFGE, please login to the Members Only section. If you are not a member, but would like to find out how to become one, please visit the Join AFGE section.

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