National Labor College recognizes the impact the cost of higher education can have on working adults and their families. Through the generosity of our alumni, staff, friends and partners, NLC is pleased to offer a variety of scholarships that allow us to support our students' unique financial needs.
General Eligibility Requirements
Must meet defined criteria of the respective scholarship.
Must be enrolled at a minimum of half-time status (6 credit hours) during the semester seeking assistance.
Must maintain satisfactory academic progress, including a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0.
Must adhere to the online participation and attendance policies.
Must be fully matriculated (at least 56 transfer/earned credits)
How to Apply
Submit a completed Scholarship Request Form by the appropriate deadlines.
We will begin accepting scholarship applications for the fall semester sometime this summer. Check back for updates.
Recipient Selection Process
Students will be considered for all scholarships whose eligibility requirements they meet. Scholarship awards are determined by the National Labor College Scholarship Committee unless otherwise noted. Recipients will be notified in writing of the outcome of the scholarship process.
NLC Scholarships
NLC Scholarships are only applied to NLC degree progarams. They cannot be used at any other school.
New Building Trades President's Award
Union Plus is offering the Union Plus NLC Building Trades President's Awards, scholarships for building trades union members who enroll in SPS degree completion programs. Scholarships of $915 (3 credit course cost) each are available. Current dues-paying members of building trades unions offering Union Plus programs are eligible to apply: BAC, Boilermakers, IBEW, IBT, Insulators, Ironworkers, IUEC, IUPAT, LIUNA, OPCMIA, Roofers, SMWIA, and UA. Download Flyer (PDF).
Union Plus National Labor College Scholarship Sponsored by Union Privilege, this scholarship represents the largest single contribution to the NLC scholarship program and results in annual awards up to $25,000. This scholarship is open to any AFL-CIO affiliated union member enrolled at NLC.
Alumni Association Scholarship Established in 1982 by the National Labor College Alumni Association and maintained through contributions from the alumni, faculty, staff and the Board of Trustees of the College, this scholarship benefits students who demonstrate financial need. Awards range from $250 to $1,000.
2012-2013 Winner: Jeremiah West is a continuing student in the School of Labor Studies studying Labor Studies. He is from Owings Mills, MD and is a member of the OPEIU Local 2.
IAFF Awards
NLC offers awards to IAFF members in good standing who apply to an NLC Degree Program.
Winn & Elaine Newman Scholarship Established in honor of the late Winn Newman, two scholarships are awarded annually to deserving women and minority students entering into Bachelor's degree programs at NLC. Each award covers the cost of one three-credit course.
2012-2013 Winner: Dinah Linville is a continuing student in the School of Labor Studies studying Labor Safety and Health. She is from Eagle Point, OR and is a member of the AFSCME.
2012-2013 Winner: Gina Gomez is a continuing student in the School of Professional Studies studying Emergency Management. She is from Freeport, Florida and is a member of the International Association of Fire Fighters.
National Labor College President's Scholarships
National Labor College President's Scholarships are awarded to students who are active union members and newly enrolling at the College. Awarded annually, the number and amount of awards vary. Each year, the President names scholarships in honor of individuals who have played important roles in the labor movement, including:
AFL-CIO President Emeritus John Sweeney
2012-2013 Winner: Kwesi Ablordeppey is a new student in the School of Professional Studies. He is from Springfield, MA and is a member of SEIU Local 888.
Stanley Ruttenberg
2012-2013 Winner: Henri Freitas is a continuing student in the School of Professional Studies studying Business Administration. She is from Hilo, HI and is a member of AFSCME Local 152, the Hawaii Government Employees Association.
Mark Ayers
2012-2013 Winner: David Osaba is a continuing student in the School of Professional Studies studying Construction Management. He is from Weirton, West Virginia and is a member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 246.
Dorothy Shields
2012-2013 Winner: Sandy Opstvedt is a continuing student in the School of Professional Studies studying Business Administration. She is from Story City, IA and is a member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 55.
Ken Young
2012-2013 Winner: Alejandro Garcia is an IBEW student majoring in Business Administration .
Union-Based Scholarships
AFGE members:
JNS Labor Scholarship
The JNS Labor Scholarship only applies to 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. 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 National Labor College.
IAFF members:
The IAFF awards several scholarships annually to members. Please contact the IAFF Education Department for more information.
IAMAW members:
International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers Scholarship This endowed scholarship is available to members of the IAMAW enrolled in the Senior Block or who are first time enrollees at the Winpisinger Center. Awards range from $1,000 to $1,500.
SEIU members:
Bonnie Ladin Scholarship for SEIU Members
Established in honor of the late Bonnie Ladin, scholarships are awarded annually to SEIU members, their children or local staff. The awards are one-time scholarships, ranging from $500 - $1000, and are for use in any of the degree programs within the School of Labor Studies at National Labor College. To be eligible, an applicant must have been a member of SEIU for 3 continuous years as of September 1st of the award year. Officers and employees of the International Union and their children are not eligible. Scholarship awards are limited to one per household.
UA members:
Sergeant David Coullard Valor, Discipline & Vision Scholarship Established in honor of the late David Coullard, this scholarship is awarded to United States Armed Forces veterans or family members enrolled at NLC.
Scholarship Request Form
We will begin accepting scholarship applications for the fall semester sometime this summer. Check back for updates.
