SCHOLARSHIPS

As Teamsters, Local 727 members and their dependents may be eligible for college, university, and trade or vocation school scholarships through several labor-friendly organizations.  Browse the list below for potential scholarship opportunities.

The following is only a brief overview of information provided by each organization and may be subject to change.  Visit each organization’s website to review the most up-to-date information, deadlines, and rules governing each scholarship.

Please note: Teamsters Local 727 neither administers nor is involved in the selection of recipients for any of the below-listed scholarship opportunities.

THE JAMES R. HOFFA MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP FUND

The James R. Hoffa Memorial Scholarship Fund awards academic scholarships annually to outstanding high school seniors who plan to attend a four-year college or university.  The Fund also awards scholarships to the sons, daughters, or financial dependents of Teamster members who plan to attend an accredited training or vocational non-baccalaureate program related to a Teamster-represented industry, class, or craft at a community college or other training institution.

APPLICATION DEADLINE—April 14, 020.

Academic Scholarship

  • Eligibility: Applicants must be the son, daughter, or financial dependent (this does not include spouses) of a Teamster member (also referred to as “Teamster Member Relation”) who qualifies (or in the case of retirees, has qualified) as a member in “good standing” in the Teamsters Union as defined in Article X, Section 5 of the International Constitution.
  • Criteria Reviewed: The James R. Hoffa Memorial Scholarship awards scholarships on the basis of a comprehensive process.  Areas that are reviewed by the Scholarship Committee include, but are not limited to the following: Academic Accomplishments, Community Service, Letters of Recommendation (if a Canadian or Puerto Rican applicant), and Financial Need.
  • Scholarship Award: The scholarship awards are paid directly to the schools. Academic scholarship winners are awarded either a $10,000.00 award split up over four years at $1,250.00 per semester, or a one-time $1,000.00 award. Winners of the $10,000.00 award will have their scholarship renewed each year, pursuant to the Scholarship Renewal guidelines, and must maintain a GPA of 3.0 (B average) or higher.
  • How to Apply: Go to www.jrhmsf.org for more information on submitting an application.

Training and Vocational Programs Scholarship

  • Eligibility: Applicants must be the son, daughter, or financial dependent (this does not include spouses) of a Teamster member (also referred to as “Teamster Member Relation”) who qualifies (or in the case of retirees, has qualified) as a member in “good standing” in the Teamsters Union as defined in Article X, Section 5 of the International Constitution.  Training or vocational programs must be in a Teamster-represented industry.
  • Criteria Reviewed: The James R. Hoffa Memorial Scholarship awards scholarships on the basis of a comprehensive process.  Areas that are reviewed by the Committee include, but are not limited to the following: Personal Statement, Essay, Letters of Recommendation, and Financial Need.
  • Scholarship Award: The scholarship awards are paid directly to the schools. Scholarship winners are awarded scholarships up to $2,000, depending on financial need.
  • How to Apply: Go to www.jrhmsf.org for more information on submitting an application.

JOINT COUNCIL 25 WOMEN’S COMMITTEE SCHOLARSHIP

The Teamsters Joint Council 25 Women’s Committee scholarship program is aimed at assisting Women’s Committee members who are continuing their education in an undergraduate college, university, or community college program, graduate school, or a trade, technical, or vocational programs.

APPLICATION DEADLINE—February 28, 2020.
  • Eligibility: All applicants must be current dues paying Women’s Committee members, Teamster members in good standing, and must be enrolled or will be enrolling in an undergraduate college, university or community college program, graduate school or trade, technical or vocational program.  CLICK HERE to download a Teamsters Joint Council 25 Women’s Committee scholarship requirements.
  • Criteria Reviewed: Applicants must complete an application and submit a 500-word or less essay on the topic: “Choose a woman that was a pioneer in the labor movement and discuss their    accomplishments.  How do you think they would feel about the current state of the labor movement?” 
  • Scholarship Award: The Women’s Committee will award one $2,500-dollar scholarship and four $1,000 scholarships to members who demonstrate a desire to excel and reach their education goals.
  • How to Apply: Visit TeamsterWomen.com for more information, or CLICK HERE to download a Teamsters Joint Council 25 Women’s Committee 2019 Scholarship Application.

TNBC CHICAGO CHAPTER SCHOLARSHIPS

Applications are now being accepted for the Ted Mullins Scholarship and William Peeples Memorial Scholarship offered through the Chicago Chapter of the Teamsters National Black Caucus.  The TNBC Chicago Chapter offers both scholarships each year to members’ dependent children who will be continuing their education through a four-year college, junior college, vocational training or specialized career schools.

APPLICATION DEADLINE—More information coming soon.
  • Eligibility: Scholarships are available to all dependent children (including legally adopted children) of any active member in good standing (for the past six months prior to January 1st) of TNBC Chicago Chapter.  Only one recipient per household per year.
  • Criteria Reviewed: Applicants must have at least a 2.6 GPA, complete an application for the Ted Mullins Scholarship or the William Peeples Memorial Scholarship, including 300+ word essay, submit an official transcript, and attend a counseling session with the TNBC Chicago Chapter scholarship committee.  Awards will be based on the completed essays, including grammar and spelling, and your current grade point average.
  • Scholarship Award: Award money can be used for books or tuition and will be paid directly to the educational institution.
  • How to Apply: Visit ChicagoTNBC.com for more information and to download the scholarship application forms.

CHICAGO FEDERATION OF LABOR

Each year, the William A. Lee Memorial Scholarship offered through the Chicago Federation of Labor awards 10 scholarships to high school seniors for use at any accredited college or university in the United States.  Five winners are chosen through the Academic Competition and five winners are chosen through the Random Drawing.

APPLICATION DEADLINE—completed applications must be received by the Chicago Federation of Labor by 4:30 p.m. on Monday, February, 10, 2020.

Academic Competition

  • Eligibility: Applicants must be a senior in high school and graduating in the spring of 2020.  Either the applicant or the applicant’s parent must be a member in good standing of a CFL-affiliated union.  Applicants may only choose to enter one category.  APPLICANTS ATTEMPTING TO ENTER BOTH CATEGORIES WILL BE DISQUALIFIED.
  • Criteria Reviewed: The winners will be determined based on both their academic achievements and their personal essay.  The academic achievements will count as 75 percent of the overall score, with the essay making up the remaining 25 percent.
  • Scholarship Award: Each of the scholarships awarded is valued at $2,000 and may be used at any accredited college or university in the United States.
  • How to Apply: For more information on the academic and essay requirements of the William A. Lee Memorial Scholarship, visit ChicagoLabor.org.

Random Drawing

  • Eligibility: Applicants must be a senior in high school and graduating in the spring of 2019.  Either the applicant of the applicant’s parent must be a member in good standing of a CFL-affiliated union.  Applicants may only choose to enter one category.  APPLICANTS ATTEMPTING TO ENTER BOTH CATEGORIES WILL BE DISQUALIFIED.
  • Criteria Reviewed: All applicants must complete a Random Drawing application and personal essay.  The drawing is expected to take place at the CFL Delegates Meeting on April 7, 2020.
  • Scholarship Award: Each of the scholarships awarded is valued at $2,000 and may be used at any accredited college or university in the United States.
  • How to Apply: For more information on the academic and essay requirements of the William A. Lee Memorial Scholarship, visit ChicagoLabor.org.

UNION PLUS SCHOLARSHIP

The Union Plus Scholarship Program is offered through the Union Plus Education Foundation and seeks to assist students of working families who want to begin or continue their post-secondary education.

APPLICATION DEADLINE—completed applications must be received by 11:00 a.m. CST on January 31, 2020.
  • Eligibility: Current and retired members of participating unions, their spouses and their dependent children (as defined by IRS regulations). At least one year of continuous union membership by the applicant, applicant’s spouse or parent (if applicant is a dependent). The one year membership minimum must be satisfied by May 31, 2020.
  • Criteria Reviewed: This is a competitive scholarship. Applicants are evaluated according to academic ability, social awareness, financial need and appreciation of labor. A GPA of 3.0 or higher is recommended. The required essays can account for up to half your total score. Scholarship applicants are judged by a committee of impartial post-secondary educators
  • Scholarship Award: Amounts range from $500 to $4,000. These one-time cash awards are for study beginning in the Fall of 2020. Students may re-apply each year.
  • How to Apply: Visit UnionPlus.org for more information on eligibility and to submit your completed application.