Union Plus Scholarships Program
Scholarship Sponsored by Union Plus
Overview
Since 1991 the Union Plus Scholarship Program has awarded more than $5.9 million to help students from working families pursue postsecondary education. Over 4,200 families have received support through this program. The scholarship is administered by the Union Plus Education Foundation and is partially funded by contributions from the organizations that provide the Union Plus Credit Card, the Union Plus Personal Loan, and the Union Plus College Program. You do not need to participate in any of those products to submit an application.
Eligibility
- Current or retired members of participating unions, their spouses, and their dependent children (as defined by IRS regulations) are eligible to apply.
- A minimum of one year of continuous union membership is required and may be met by the applicant, the applicant’s spouse, or—if the applicant is a dependent—the applicant’s parent.
- The one-year membership requirement must be satisfied by May 31 of the scholarship year.
Selection criteria
Awards are competitive. Applications are assessed on academic achievement, social awareness, financial need, and an appreciation of labor. A GPA of 3.0 or higher is recommended. Required essay responses may count for up to half of an applicant’s total score. Decisions are made by a panel of independent postsecondary educators.
Application timeline
Applications become available in mid-June. A complete application must be received by 12:00 p.m. (noon) Eastern Standard Time on January 31 of the scholarship year. Late submissions will not be considered.
Award amounts and reapplication
One-time cash scholarships range from $500 to $4,000 and are intended for study beginning in the fall of the award year. Students may apply for the scholarship again in subsequent years.