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AFSCME Scholarships Available for National Labor College Degree Programs

AFSCME members and staff enrolled in the National Labor College (NLC) Bachelor's degree program may be eligible for a Nadra Floyd Memorial Scholarship worth up to $2,000 per year. Full-time AFSCME local, council or international staff and local union officers with substantial organizing responsibilities may qualify for a $10,000 Joey Parisi Memorial Scholarship.

Nadra Floyd, a dedicated trade unionist committed to her union, her family and the civil rights movement passed away in November 2001. To honor her memory, the Nadra Floyd Memorial Scholarship was established and continues today as a tribute to her legacy of commitment to the labor movement.

Joey Parisi was an organizer's organizer. He worked for the International Union for more than 20 years. To honor his memory and to enhance the role of organizing, the International Union has established the Joey Parisi Memorial Scholarship.

The deadline to submit completed applications for the AFSCME Scholarships is November 15. For more information, download the brochure (4.8MB PDF).

NLC Degree Programs

The College Degree Program has been developed to fit the needs of union leaders who want to earn a degree in labor studies but who are unable to attend classes regularly in traditional colleges because of work schedules and the unpredictable nature of union assignments.

After enrollment, participants come to the National Labor College every six months for a week-in-residence where they will attend classes and meet with the faculty to plan a course of study. Students then return home to do the reading and written assignments, mailing them in to their instructors. Two courses each term are customary.

Special features of the College Degree Program include credit for past education, credit for experiential learning and counseling during each week-in-residence.

The National Labor College degree programs provide:

  • Labor-based curricula designed to meet your needs as a union leader;
  • Low residency and a flexible format so you can earn while you learn; and
  • Credit for prior learning, military service and other training.

Take an AFSCME Course and Gain College Credit

If you are enrolled in or have taken any of the following AFSCME training programs, you may be well on your way to earning your Bachelor's degree:

  • Co-Creating Mobilizing Education (1/2 credit)
  • Member Educator Program (4 credits)
  • National Educators Exchange (1 credit)
  • Public Speaking (1/2 credit)
  • Safe Jobs: Health & Safety Training (1/2 credit)
  • Stewards in Action (1 credit)
  • Strategic Campaign Planning for Building a Stronger Union (1 credit)
  • Volunteer Member Organizer (1 credit)

Eligibility

Council, Local, International Union Staff and Local Union Officers with substantial organizing responsibilities are eligible to apply.

Completed application must include:

  • A letter of recommendation from your local union president or council director/president;
  • A letter of recommendation from a person in your community;
  • An essay about what AFSCME has contributed to the labor movement or social justice movement in this country (required for the Nadra Floyd Scholarship)
  • An essay on your interest in organizing and how you plan to use this educational opportunity in future organizing efforts (required for the Joey Parisi Scholarship)
  • Verification of enrollment or an approved application to the National Labor College.

Selection

The winner will be selected by officials of the National Labor College. The winner will be announced by December 15.

How To Apply

Applications to the College Degree Program and the Floyd/Parisi Scholarships are available directly from the National Labor College. The National Labor College requires a $25 application fee for the College Degree Program.

For additional information or to request an application write to:

College Degree Program
National Labor College
10000 New Hampshire Avenue
Silver Spring, Maryland 20903

Federal financial aid is also available through the NLC to help eligible students finance their college education.

Call the College Degree Program Office at 301-628-4253. You may also reach the NLC by email: tsumner@nlc.edu or visit the website: http://www.nlc.edu.

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