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:

JNS Scholarship

 "Education is the key to fulfilling our potential as union leaders and stewards of social change."

John Sturdivant
AFGE National President
1988-1997

AFGE's JNS Scholarship

Introduction

John N. Sturdivant (JNS) served as President of the AFGE from 1988 to 1997. He was one of the first graduates from the college degree program at the George Meany Center in January 1980. And he strongly believed in the role of labor education in empowering union activists to become effective leaders and to build strong unions. Through John's vision, AFGE remains the largest federal sector union in the country.

The JNS Scholarship was established by the National Executive Board of the American Federation of Government Employees to honor the memory of former President John N. Sturdivant and his dream of developing effective union leaders and a stronger labor movement.

This scholarship is open to all AFGE members and their dependents, and to all AFGE staff attending undergraduate and graduate programs at the National Labor College.

Eligibility

The JNS Scholarship is open to all AFGE members and their dependents, and AFGE staff who are National Labor College (NLC) students in good standing or applicants to the NLC's undergraduate or graduate programs. All members of AFGE in good standing and/or their dependents are eligible. All AFGE staff in good standing who have completed at least 1 year of service are eligible.

Application Process

All applicants must complete a scholarship application for each academic term describing anticipated annual expenses and outside financial support. Applicants shall submit with the application a signed "Authorization for Release of College Degree Program Information." Applicants are requested to submit the scholarship application to AFGE six weeks prior to the beginning of their academic year.

Awards

The JNS Labor Scholarship only applies to the National Labor College or its affiliated schools. At present, those affiliated schools include George Mason University's School of Public Policy and the University of Massachusetts' Labor Center. This scholarship enables students to receive a maximum of $5000 per year for tuition and books if attending one of these universities.

The JNS Family Scholarship applies to every accredited college. Through this program, AFGE provides twenty five $2000 scholarships each year. Applications are accepted from January through March of each year. The scholarships are awarded each October.

Criteria

Scholarship awards are based on the applicant's anticipated college expenses and other relevant financial data including financial support for education. Selections will be made based on confirmation of enrollment or approved application to the National Labor College. These items must accompany the application form.

Deadline

Scholarship awards will be determined on a rolling basis; however, applicants are encouraged to apply early -- six weeks prior to the beginning of the applicants' academic term -- for greatest consideration.

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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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