Become an Organizer

AFSCME/UNCF: Union Scholars Program

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Find more information and apply on the UNCF website

Experience What It's Like to be Part of the Labor Movement

As one of the fastest growing unions in the United States, AFSCME is constantly in search of skilled, motivated and passionate activists who are interested in a career in the labor movement. Through the AFSCME/UNCF Union Scholars Program, you can join us in the effort to support public service employees who are organizing unions.

Are You Eligible?

If you meet the following eligibility requirements, the AFSCME/UNCF Union Scholars Program wants you to consider applying for this cutting-edge program that will not only help countless working men and women but you as well. This program will open annually on October 1.  You must:

  • be a second-semester sophomore or junior during the application and interview process;
  • major in Ethnic Studies, Women’s Studies, Labor Studies, American Studies, Sociology, Anthropology, History, Political Science, Psychology, Social Work, Economics, or Public Policy;
  • have at least a 2.5 grade point average;
  • be a college student of color, including: African American, Hispanic American, Asian Pacific Islander American and American Indian/Alaskan Native;
  • demonstrate interest in working for social and economic justice through the labor movement.
  • have a driver’s license
     

What are the Union Scholar benefits?

If you are selected, AFSCME will award you a 10-week summer field placement, during which you participate in a union organizing campaign in one of several locations across the United States.

You will receive:

  • a stipend of up to $4,000;
  • on-site housing at your location;
  • a week-long orientation and training;
  • an academic scholarship of up to $5,000 for the school year, based on successful performance.

To Apply

Find the application online or call toll free: 1-866-671-7237. To be eligible, you must meet all eligibility requirements as identified above. Make sure that you are eligible before you attempt to complete the online application. The annual deadline for this program is February 28.

It is important that you provide all the information requested, and that all of your answers are accurate and complete. Your answers will be verified before you are selected, and you will be disqualified if the information you provide is inaccurate or misleading. A letter of recommendation, from a faculty member, is required. The recommendation must be completed using the online process. You are responsible for providing the recommender with the website to enable them to complete the online recommendation process.

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