Going back to school or have a child who will start? Our partners and our employer offer many ways to pay for an education.
Scholarships by AFSCME Council 5
AFSCME Council 5 offers three scholarships: two for high school seniors just beginning their higher education, and one for members continuing their own education. Visit Council 5’s website for more information about them. The application deadline is usually sometime in May.
Nellie Stone Johnson Scholarship
This scholarship, honoring late labor activist Nellie Stone Johnson, provides financial assistance to union members of color and their families who are pursuing postsecondary education at a Community or Technical College or a Minnesota State University, not the University of Minnesota or a private university. Click here to learn more about Nellie Stone Johnson and the scholarship. The application deadline is usually sometime in May.
Tuition Reimbursement by our Employer
Our employer, Hennepin County, offers tuition reimbursement of up to $5,250 annually (the IRS maximum) for permanent, probationary, limited-duration, and unclassified employees, as well as SCOPE students, working 40 hours or more per pay period and seeking a degree or certificate program to:
- Improve their job performance
- Help achieve the department or county’s mission
- Or prepare for promotion or lateral moves
The benefit covers tuition, course-related student fees, book or course material costs, mandatory student memberships, and required activity fees.
Search “Tuition Reimbursement” in the HC Connect SharePoint to learn more.
Minnesota AFL-CIO Scholarship
The Minnesota AFL-CIO has an annual scholarship for union members, as well as their dependents, seeking higher education. They also provide grants for union members to improve their organizing skills. Visit Scholarships & Awards | MN AFL-CIO to learn more.
Minnesota Social Service Association Scholarship
The Minnesota Social Service Association provides scholarships to students who seek a career in the health and human services field. In addition to scholarship money, scholarship recipients receive free MSSA Membership and registration to the annual conference and expo. Visit MSSA to learn more.
Union Plus Scholarship
Union Plus offers up to $4,000 for union members and/or their families to pursue a trade, technical, college, or university education. The application deadline is January 31 annually. Click here to learn more about the Union Plus scholarship.