Scholarships & Awards

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2026 MN AFL-CIO Scholarships  

The Minnesota AFL-CIO sponsors scholarships for high school seniors graduating in 2026. There are three requirements for the Minnesota AFL-CIO scholarships. See application for eligibility requirements.
 
DOCUMENT
2026 Scholarship Application
2026 Scholarship Application

Martin Duffy Scholarships

The Martin Duffy Adult Learner Scholarship is a $500 tuition scholarship awarded to Union members of Minnesota AFL-CIO affiliate unions (not high school graduating dependents).  
 
All scholarship funds are applicable only to accredited educational institutions.  Awards will be made payable jointly to the winners and the educational institutions as indicated.  Only winners will be notified.  Winners must use the scholarship within one year of receipt of notification letter.
 
Sponsored and funded by the Minnesota AFL-CIO.  Please call Labor Education Service at 612/624-5020 or your Local Union for additional information.
 
DOCUMENT
Martin Duffy Scholarship Form
Martin Duffy Scholarship Form

Labor Leadership Grants

The Tobey Lapakko Labor Leadership Grant is available to women who are union members in good standing; the Charles McKenna Leadership Grant is available to men who are union members in good standing.

Grants are available for members of affiliated unions seeking to develop their abilities and skills as union leaders. The grants help defray the cost of classes, programs or conferences sponsored or endorsed by the AFL-CIO or affiliated organizations.

The Minnesota AFL-CIO Education Committee determines recipients and grant amounts.

If you have any questions, please contact Jessica Martin at jmartin@mnaflcio.org

 

DOCUMENT
Labor Leadership Grant Form
Labor Leadership Grant Form

Union Plus Scholarship

Since 1992, the Union Plus Scholarship Program has awarded more than $2.4 million to students of working families who want to begin or continue their post-secondary education. Over 1,700 families have benefited from our commitment to higher education. The Union Plus Scholarship Program is offered through the Union Plus Education Foundation. See link for more information.

Nellie Stone Johnson Scholarship

Scholarships ranging from $1,200 to $2,500 are given each year to students enrolled in community or technical college, along with undergraduate and graduate programs. Students are eligible for consideration for up to two years for a community or technical program, up to four years of undergraduate work at a university (including two years in a community or technical college, and up to two years of graduate work. See link for eligibility requirements and to download the application form.