2025 Scholarship Essay Contest

The Pennsylvania AFL-CIO is pleased to announce its 2025 Scholarship Essay Contest. Awards are offered to students in two categories: Graduating High School Seniors (class of 2025) and All Post-Secondary Students. The award amounts are: First Place - $2,000, Second Place - $1,500, Third Place - $1,000.

The essay topics for each category are as follows:

Category I – Graduating High School Seniors:

How do Labor Unions align with broader social justice movements? In your opinion, what role do Unions play in advocating equality and equity in the workplace?

Category II – Students Attending an Accredited, Post-Secondary Institution:

Labor Unions often play a significant role in politics. How do you think unions should engage with political systems, and what should be their focus when advocating for workers’ interests?

Click here for an application.

If you post this information on your website, please note that the scholarships are only awarded to Pennsylvania AFL-CIO affiliated union members and their immediate family members. All submissions must be received by email to [login to see] by April 15, 2025. Essays will be judged in May 2025, and awards will be made in June 2025.