Scholarship Information

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SPECIAL NOTE: 

DUE TO GENEROUS DONATIONS AND SUPPORT FROM AFFILIATES, ALL SCHOLARSHIPS IN 2026 HAVE BEEN DOUBLED FROM $1,000 TO $2,000! PREVIOUS AWARDEES ARE ALSO WELCOME TO APPLY FOR OTHER AWARDS THEY ARE STILL ELIGIBLE FOR.

GSMLC Scholarship Programs

General Scholarship
The GSMLC gives out at least three $1,000 scholarships each year. These are available to high school seniors living in Southeastern Massachusetts, Cape Cod, and the Islands, and have a parent, legal guardian, aunt, uncle, or grandparent, or are themselves, a members of a labor union affiliated with the Greater Southeastern Massachusetts Labor Council. The most important element of the selection criteria is the essay, followed by the student’s grades. The deadline is International Workers Day/May Day each year.

Evelyn Monize Memorial Scholarship
This is available to current union members living in Southeastern Massachusetts, or Cape Cod and the Islands, affiliated with the Greater Southeastern Massachusetts Labor Council. The most important element of the selection criteria in the essay is the commitment to future action by the applicant. The deadline is rolling.

Jose Soler Memorial Scholarship
This $1,000 scholarship is available to a student of any age, seeking to continue their post-high school/GED education, including undergraduate and graduate-level studies.  They must also be an active member of a labor union affiliated with the Greater Southeastern Massachusetts Labor Council, or have a parent, stepparent, legal guardian, brother, sister, grandparent, aunt, uncle, or student applicant be a member of a labor union affiliated with the Council. Ideal candidates will embody the traits that José personified- community engagement, social consciousness, activism, artistic & intellectual excellence, and ‘telling truth to power.’ José believed in the power of education, but his passion was also fueled by his lived experience. All candidates will be considered, but those with experience in community organizing are encouraged to apply. The deadline is International Workers Day/May Day each year.

Bruce Oliveira Memorial Scholarship
This $1,000 scholarship is available to graduating high school seniors, attending a vocational school, and a parent, stepparent, legal guardian, brother, sister, grandparent, aunt, uncle, or student applicant who must be a member of a labor union affiliated with the Council. Applications are based on how well the student embodies dedication to service, learning, and community. The deadline is International Workers Day/May Day each year.

Cindy Rodrigues Memorial Scholarship
This $1000+ scholarship is available to a student of any age, whom a a parent, stepparent, legal guardian, brother, sister, grandparent, aunt, uncle, or student applicant are a member of a labor union affiliated with the Council.  Ideal candidates will embody the traits that Cindy personified:  Principled — she led with integrity, fairness, and a strong moral compass in every role she held; Relentless — she never stopped organizing, advocating, or fighting for working people, even after retirement; Compassionate — her empathy for coworkers, immigrant women, children, and her deep commitment to community guided her work and relationships. All candidates will be considered, but those with experience in community organizing are highly encouraged to apply. The deadline is rolling, and amounts are based on need and strength of the application.