The Thurgood Marshall College Fund is pleased to partner with the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) to provide access to diverse talent and expose competitive students to careers within the labor union movement.

Scholarship Criteria

  • Be a sophomore or junior during the application and interview process
  • Have a minimum 2.5 cumulative grade point average
  • Be a college student of color, including: African American, American Indian/Alaskan Native, Asian-Pacific Islander American, Latino American
  • Demonstrate interest in working in social and economic justice through the labor union movement
  • Have a valid driver’s license
  • Provide a faculty recommendation

If selected, the TMCF | AFSCME Union Scholar will receive a 10-week summer field placement in the summer of 2017 during which the student will participate in a union organizing campaign in one of several field locations across the United States. Students who enter the program as sophomore are eligible to participate for a second year. Returning students will receive at 10-week summer placement at AFSCME headquarters in Washington, DC. All interns will receive the following:

  • A stipend of up to $4,000 (to be provided by AFSCME)
  • On-site housing at the intern’s location (provided by AFSCME)
  • A three-day orientation and training (conducted by AFSCME)
  • A three-day debrief (conducted by AFSCME)
  • An academic scholarship of up to $6,300 for the 2017-2018 school year, based on successful completion of the summer program (as determined by AFSCME) and unmet need (as determined by TMCF)

Application Process

  • Online Application
    • Personal statement addressed in essay question
    • Letter of recommendation
    • Current academic transcript

How to Apply
The application is now closed.