PEF members and their dependents are eligible for numerous union-sponsored scholarships. Do not miss the opportunity to make education more affordable by applying for college scholarships. Remember to meet application deadlines to qualify.
PEF Regions and Divisions – please send information concerning scholarships offered to your constituents to the PEF Education Department for posting to this web page by emailing Communicator@PEF.org.
PEF’s Joseph Scacalossi Scholarship has helped students since 1988, when it was founded as a tribute to a state Department of Labor member who helped form PEF and fought for the rights of his members in Manhattan.
Every year, 10 students are each awarded $1,000 annually for four years.
The student must be a child, stepchild or ward of an active, retired or deceased PEF member.
The scholarship is open to high school seniors and college freshmen. Click here to fill out the form. The deadline is March 15, 2025.
The Jean DeBow Women in PEF Scholarship was created to honor the memory of our former Vice-President, Jean DeBow. There will be one scholarship award of $1,000, given annually at the PEF Convention, for an Active Female PEF Member, who is pursuing an accredited Post Secondary education in any field.
Application details and instructions are available here.
DEADLINE: Completed applications are due at PEF headquarters by May 1 of every year.
Check with your PEF Council Leader or Regional Coordinator for information on local scholarships in your area. As we are made aware, we will post such scholarships here. If you have one you’d like to share, email us at Communicator@pef.org.
Our affiliation with AFT and SEIU enables members and dependents to be eligible for other union-based scholarship programs. Eligibility requirements, evaluation criteria, award amounts, application instructions and deadlines vary.
The Union Plus Scholarship Program awards scholarships ranging from $500 to $4,000. The scholarship program is offered through the Union Plus Education Foundation, and the selection process is very competitive as more than 5,000 applications are received each year. During the past 22 years, Union Plus has distributed more than $3.5 million in scholarships to working families. Applicants are evaluated on their academic ability, social awareness, financial need and appreciation of labor. A grade point average of 3.0 or higher is recommended.
Current and retired members of participating unions such as PEF, along with spouses and dependent children are eligible to apply. Students must be enrolled in an accredited college or university, community college, or technical or trade school. Undergraduate and graduate students also are eligible.
Online applications are recommended and available at http://www.unionplus.org/college-education-financing/union-plus-scholarship/ or, mail your name, all contact information, and your international union to Union Plus Education Foundation, c/o Union Privilege, PO Box 34800, Washington, DC 20043-4800.
AFT Latino Maria Portalatin National Freedom Scholarship
The American Federation of Teachers’ Latino Caucus offers an annual scholarship for high school seniors on their way to college.
The Maria Portalatin National Freedom Scholarship offers three high school students who attend a public school a $1,000 book stipend and laptop.
In addition to being a senior at a public school, the student must be of Hispanic/Latino heritage and have a parent or guardian who is a member of a union.
The application for the scholarship is now available. Applicants will be evaluated based on preparation of the application, as well as submitted materials that include academic activity, an essay and a letter of recommendation.
Applications for the Maria Portalatin National Freedom Scholarship must be postmarked by May 31, 2024. Click here to download the application and follow the instructions to submit.
New York State Higher Education Services Corporation (HESC) is an excellent source for information on financial aid programs, forms and services available. New York State students may be eligible for a variety of State grant, scholarship and award programs to help pay for college. For information visit: http://www.hesc.ny.gov/.
Check with the guidance office at your child’s school for information regarding local scholarships.
A scholarship offered by the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire Memorial (TSFFM) since 2003 awards $1,000 to students of parents or guardians who receive Workers’ Compensation disability or death of a spouse benefits.Applicants must be nominated and able to prove that in addition to being a New York State resident currently enrolled in higher education, they are eligible based on an official decision from the New York State Workers’ Compensation Board.
Awards made from TSFFM are made directly to the institution on behalf of the nominee.
Click here to download the PDF application and follow the instructions to submit. All requested materials should be sent in a single PDF to: iwba@caphill.com.