Feb. 2017 Advocate: AFT Student Scholarships

AFT STUDENT SCHOLARSHIPS

Let your students know about the 2017-2018 Joe McDonough AFT Social Justice Scholarship & the AFT 1493 Union Scholarship

In the tradition of CSM Professor Joe McDonough’s social activism and AFT 1493 Union work, the annual Joe McDonough AFT Social Justice Scholarship will award $5000 to a SMCCCD student who is actively involved in the fight for social justice.  The application is available on the Opportunites website of the SMCCCD Foundation at:
smccd.academicworks.com and the deadline is February 28. Faculty, please encourage students who meet these criteria to apply.

Applicants must demonstrate involvement in an organization working to achieve social justice, helping to create a just society.  This activity can be through a campus organization or club, or a community group/organization.  Examples include (but are not limited to): BSU, Black Lives Matter, DREAMER/DACA, LGBT rights, Third World student groups, anti-death penalty, global justice, disability rights, environmental work and racism, to name just a few.  DREAMERS and DACA encouraged to apply.

Ideally, this scholarship will allow a student to work fewer hours and participate in activities including volunteer service or internships with organizations that promote equity, civil rights and other social justice imperatives.

Supplemental Questions & Essay

1.     Are you a DREAMER or DACA?
2.     Write a 500-word essay answering the following questions:  Why are you involved in social justice work and why is it a vehicle for change?  Describe activities you’ve been involved in that advance social justice in your community or on your campus.
3.     Provide a second letter of recommendation by someone directly involved in your social activism work.  Include her/his phone number.

Requirements

•       Demonstrates financial need
•       Continuing full time student or re-entry full time student within SMCCCD
•       GPA – minimum 3.0
•       Must be involved in social justice work

AFT 1493 Union Scholarship

The AFT 1493 Union Scholarship Fund also awards scholarships to students committed to social justice issues. These scholarship are for students who participate in community service activities and they give special consideration to students who have begun their college career in Basic Skills and/or ESL courses. Two $1000 scholarships are awarded annually.  Again, we ask that faculty please encourage students who meet these criteria to apply.