CLEVELAND, July 24 — In November 1999, the Teamsters General Executive Board passed a resolution to create an independent, not-for-profit scholarship fund dedicated to the memory of the revered former General President, James R. Hoffa. Since its creation, the James R. Hoffa Memorial Scholarship Fund has helped hundreds of Teamster children and grandchildren finance their education. The total amount awarded to students last year was $400,000.
An Essay Contest has now been made a permanent component of the Fund. Winners will receive one of 50 $1,000 scholarships, with 10 awards distributed to each of the area regions. The Essay Contest is geared toward the student who can demonstrate a thorough understanding of labor principles and the impact of the labor movement in their life. The award is payable exclusively as a one time, $1,000 disbursement.
The deadline for receiving entries for the 2007 Essay Contest is September 30, 2007.
Applicants must meet the following criteria:
* Applicant must be the child or grandchild of a Teamster member who has been in good standing for 12 consecutive months prior to the application deadline.
* Applicant must be 23 years old or younger as of September 30, 2007.
* Applicant must attend a four-year or two-year college/university or an accredited vocational/technical program full time in the Spring of 2008.
* The applicant must submit a thoughtful 500-word essay on the top listed below.
The 2007 essay topic is: “If someone told you that unions are unnecessary for workers in today’s environment, how would you refute that statement?”
The final selection of the winners will be determined by a group of independent labor educators. Awards are disbursed directly to the winners’ schools.
Awards would be made available for the spring 2008 semester. Proof of parent’s/grandparent’s membership status and enrollment must be provided to the JRHMSF with acceptance of the award. (Alternates will also be selected)
A workplace flyer announcing the scholarship contest, as well application forms, are available on the Teamster website.