members, and Casey Briggs, spouse of an IAM member, have been selected to

receive 2003 Union Plus Scholarship awards. Christopher, whose father,

Michael Hainsey, is a member of Local 50, will receive a $1,000 scholarship.

Nathan, son of Local 2293 member R.G. Wesley, will receive $1,000, and Casey,

wife of Local 2202 member Clint Briggs, will receive $500.

Christopher, Nathan and Casey are among 105 students from 42 AFL-CIO unions

that have been awarded $150,000 in scholarships from the Union Plus Scholarship

program. The program’s top $4,000 awards went to eight students. Eighty of the

award recipients received awards ranging from $500 to $3,000. Seventeen students

attending community colleges and trade schools received scholarships ranging from

$500 to $1,000.

Since 1992, Union Privilege, through the Union Plus Scholarship program, has

helped fulfill the educational dreams of students representing more than 13

million members affiliated with the AFL-CIO. The Union Plus scholarship awards

are presented annually to union members or members of their families who want

to begin or continue their secondary education.

The program is administered by the Union Plus Education Foundation and

funded by Household Credit Services, the provider of the union-endorsed Union

Plus Credit Card.

Due to skyrocketing college tuition costs, cuts in federally funded college grants and

scholarships, and increasing loan burdens, higher education is becoming more

difficult for working families. Therefore, the Union Privilege scholarships and grants

are even more vital today.

"Our members and their families are faced with expanding financial challenges and

the rising costs of higher education," says Leslie Tolf, president of Union Privilege.

"Our support, which also recognizes the realities of balancing career and family,

provides individuals from working families with assistance in realizing their

aspirations for a higher education. Such support of working families, of course, is

part of the labor movement’s long tradition."

plans to attend the University of Alabama at Tuscaloosa, AL. Chris’ high school

career was an outstanding example of achievement despite him overcoming a

life-threatening illness that even the strongest adult would find overwhelming.

"I was a second semester freshman when I was diagnosed with a malignant

brain tumor," says Chris. "I have survived brain tumor surgery and endured high

level radiation treatments and large doses of chemotherapy, but still persevered."

Amazingly, Chris was able to maintain his 4.0 GPA throughout his treatment.

Being a cancer survivor made him more appreciative of life and its many gifts,

and cemented his desire to give back through teaching. "I plan to major in music

education. This will allow me to get a job as a band director in a high school.

After gaining experience as a band director, I would like to go back to school and

get my master’s and doctorate degrees in music. From there I would like to

become a professor at a major college or university."

Chris’ numerous accolades and awards include being a member of the National

Honor Society, and in Who’s Who Among American High School Students, and

participating in the National Youth Leadership Forums in Law and Medicine. He

was also selected to the University of Alabama’s Honor Band and chosen for the

Outstanding Soloist Award Loyola Jazz Festival.

Even more astounding is his community service: He is an Angel Flight co-pilot,

assisting in flying seriously ill patients to hospitals and a Civil Air Patrol Cadet.

He has built shelters for tornado victims and was recognized on the floor of the

Mississippi Senate for his post-9/11 efforts. "Chris’ involvement and dedication

to his class work and his [community] exemplifies a hard working and self

motivated person," says his high school guidance counselor, Angela Graves.

"[He] is a wonderful person with a heart of gold."

Illinois University in the fall. Nathan’s high school career reveals a highly

dedicated student, from being included in Who’s Who Among American High

School Students to making his state’s Honor Roll and being awarded the

President’s Education for Outstanding Academic Excellence Award for three

consecutive years. Nathan also earned a place as a National Honor Society

member, and was awarded the Prairie State Achievement Award in Science, as

well as named the Illinois State Scholar 2003-2004. He also will be remembered

for possessing a perfect attendance award for three consecutive years.

"I intend to get a master’s degree in geology with a minor in geography, possibly a

double major," he says. "I am interested in GIS [global information systems]

mapping, hydrology, environmental interests, and helping people in struggling

countries. I hope to do something I enjoy while helping others to improve their

lives."

In addition to his academic pursuits, Nathan is an active member in his

community. He has been a member of his state’s 4H for more than 10 years and

has participated in the refurbishing of the local poultry showing area. A massive

undertaking, this project took five years to complete and included building new

cages, resettling the grounds area and fundraising. He was awarded 4H

Member of the Year for his efforts. As an accomplished drummer he has been a

band member for his entire high school tenure. He also volunteers his time to

help the elderly in his neighborhood.

Modeling his own personal attitude with that of his family’s, particularly his father

who has been union president, state and local delegate, shop steward and a

negotiator of six contracts, is a natural progression for him. "The philosophy of

doing what is right for ‘the group as a whole has always been paramount in our

family," says Nathan.

education with the goal of becoming a registered nurse. "I could be successful in

many different careers but I want a career that I can put my whole heart into, one

that would encompass everything I love about being a mom," she says. "A

career as a registered nurse will allow me to use my compassion, intelligence,

dedication and love of math and science."

Casey’s family has long been deeply involved with unions, giving them a special

place in her heart. "My grandfather was a representative for the International

Union in Burlingame, California. My mom was a vice president of the United

Food and Commercial Workers Union [and] my dad works for the company that

administers the Teamsters’ Pension Plan. However, my greatest appreciation of

the union came from my husband. When he graduated high school he followed

in his grandfather’s and great uncle’s footsteps and became an Ironworker.

Because of the security, stability and strength of the Ironworkers Union, we were

able to buy our first home and get married. Now he is a member of IAM Local

2202 and is a shop steward."

The students selected for awards represent a wide sampling of demographics,

union affiliations, goals and accomplishments. Representatives from the

American Association of Community Colleges, the American Association of State

Colleges and Universities, the National Association of Independent Colleges and

Universities, and the United Negro College Fund judged the applications.

According to the judges, the caliber of students this year made the selection

process very challenging. The students are from diverse backgrounds, and as a

whole, they received top SAT scores, were well-rounded in their studies and

extracurricular activities, and they understood the value of working families and

union membership.

In addition to demonstrated academic ability, applicants submitted essays of no

more than 500 words describing their career goals, detailing their relationship with

the labor movement, and explaining why they are deserving of a union scholarship.

The program is open to members, their spouses and dependent children of

unions that are participating in any Union Plus program. Individuals must be

accepted into an accredited college or university, community college or

recognized technical or trade school at the time the award is issued. Members

do not have to purchase any Union Plus program product or participate in any

Union Plus program to apply.

Applications for the 2004 awards will be available in September 2003. To

download the application from the Union Privilege website, go to

telephone number and international union affiliation to: Union Plus Education

Foundation, c/o Union Privilege, P.O. Box 34800, Washington, DC 20043-4800.

The application deadline is January 31, 2004. Recipient’s names for the 2004

program will be announced May 31, 2004. However, due to the high volume of

applications only winners will receive notification.