Scholarships

 

Money for college is available from a variety of sources and can come in the form of scholarships and grants. Both are an attractive way to pay because you do not need to repay the money. They are available from a variety of sources, including federal and state governments and private sources, such as employers, professional associations, and educational institutions.

Some grants and scholarships are based on financial need: others are awarded based on achievement, religious affiliation, ethnicity, memberships, hobbies, or special interests.

The JNS College Scholarship
The JNS College Scholarship was established by the Executive Board of the American Federation of Government Employees to honor John N. Sturdivant, President of the AFGE from 1988 to 1997. John graduated from the college degree program at the George Meany Center in January 1980. We believe this scholarship program is an appropriate tribute to John’s belief in the empowerment of education.

Purpose: To provide scholarship assistance to members of the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) to attend the college degree program at the George Meany Center for Labor Studies, Inc.

Funding: AFGE’s maximum commitment for the JNS Scholarship Fund will be $10,000 per year.

Scholarships will be awarded in amounts ranging from $500.00 to $1,000.00 per individual for each year. Scholarship awards may be carried over for one year. For example, a 2003 scholarship award may be used in 2003 or 2004.

Recipient may receive scholarship assistance for multiple years.

Criteria: Scholarship awards are based on the applicant’s anticipated net annual costs and other relevant financial criteria including other financial support available to the applicant.

Eligibility: At the time of application, the applicant must be a student in good standing at the George Meany Center, in the college degree program or an applicant to the college degree program. The applicant must be a confirmed American Federation of Government Employees member or employee in good standing.

Procedure/Process: Applicant shall complete the attached form describing anticipated annual expenses and outside financial support for the four terms beginning in July. Applicant shall submit with the application a signed “Authorization for Release of College Degree Program Information.” Applications will be available from AFGE and the George Meany Center for Labor Studies.

Applicant shall submit the application to the George Meany Center for Labor Studies college degree program by June 1 for the following academic year beginning in July. The 2003 JNS Scholarship will cover the following terms: July 2003, October 2003, January 2004 and April 2004.

The Union Plus Scholarship
AFGE Members, their spouses and dependent children (as defined under IRS regulations) can apply for one-time awards in amounts between $500 and $4,000. Awards are based on academic achievement and potential, character, leadership, social awareness, career goals and financial need.

Scholarship Search
AFGE members can use a free on-line scholarship search which provides free access to one of the Internet’s largest databases of student aid resources for undergraduate, graduate, and post-doctoral candidates. It’s easy to use and search results are available immediately online.

Loans

Federal loans are the largest source of education loans. Loans available under federal programs have very attractive terms when compared to most other borrowing options: lower interest rates, the possibility of having interest subsidized by the federal government while the borrower is in school, the ability to postpone making payments, longer repayment terms, and less stringent credit requirements.

Private loans are designed to supplement federal loan programs and are available from schools, banks, and education loan organizations. Private loans are also known as alternative loans and the terms often vary considerably based on the lender and borrower credit histories.

Other possible loan sources include home equity loans, using the Union Plus Loan Program, lines of credit, and retirement plans. AFGE members can get more information and a better understanding of the loan options by using our wired scholar service.

In addition to scholarships and student loans other possibilities exist to help pay for college. Members can learn about the different programs offered:

  • Work Study
  • Military Service
  • Community Service
  • Loan Forgiveness
  • Other Alternatives

Members can apply for financial aid and understanding how aid is calculated:

  • Determining eligibility for aid
  • Identifying your dependency status
  • Filing your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
  • Understanding your Expected Family Contribution (EFC)
  • Clearing financial aid myths

Specialized information is also provided:

  • Completing the CSS PROFILE® application

Union Plus Scholarship Program Application: The deadline to submit an application is January 31st. Winners are announced by the following June. Only winners are notified. A new application is printed every year in the Fall.

JNS Scholarship To receive an application, contact the George Meany Center for Labor Studies.