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In Pierce County, apply now for Jerry Beckendorf Scholarship

The following is from the Pierce County Central Labor Council, AFL-CIO. (For more information about union-sponsored scholarships, click here and check with your international union.)

TACOMA (Feb. 3, 2020) — The Jerry Beckendorf Community Service Scholarship encourages future generations of Union activists and volunteers by recognizing outstanding student community service. Since 2003, more than $100,000 has been awarded to 130 graduating seniors of Union families living in Pierce County.

A long-time community leader, Jerry Beckendorf, retired from the United Way of Pierce County after working 15 years as the United Way and Pierce County Central Labor Council’s Labor Liaison. His commitment and efforts to build a better community continue to impact the lives of Pierce County residents.

The intention of this scholarship is to recognize and reward graduating seniors who are dedicated to giving back to their community through community service. The scholarship committee seeks to recognize students who look beyond themselves to address issues faced by our society (i.e. poverty, food insecurity, homelessness). Applicants will be judged in four areas: Amount of Community Service, Demonstration of Leadership, Impact of Service and Commitment to service.

Scholarship Availability & Amount of Award

The scholarship is a one-time award to be used within twelve (12) months of graduation for post-secondary education. Checks will be sent directly to the recipient’s college, university, trade or technical school upon verification of enrollment.

Scholarship Qualifications and Requirements

The primary award criteria are as follows:

□  Applicant must be a high school student in Pierce County, Washington

□  Parent(s), applicant or in loco parentis must be a member (either active or retired) of a labor union or organization

□  Student must plan to attend college or university, trade or technical school or other institution of higher learning within twelve (12) months of high school graduation

Students applying for this scholarship must submit the following:

□  Application form

□  Union membership verification form

□  Letter of recommendation

□  Essay describing the overall impact of your community service, the leadership skills you have learned in the process, and your commitment to service

□  Completed Community Service Experience form

Scholarship Application Submissions

All applications must be submitted by March 13, 2020. Please send by e-mail to pcclc@harbornet.com or through the U.S. mail, post-marked by March 13, to our office located at 3049 South 36th Street, Suite 201, Tacoma, WA 98409. The building is not open on Saturday or Sunday.

Final Note to Applicants

We appreciate your interest in the Jerry Beckendorf Community Service Scholarship. If you have any questions about the application, please e-mail us at pcclc@harbornet.com or call our office at (253) 459-5107. Students who are selected for the scholarship award should plan on attending the Award Ceremony and Reception on Wednesday, April 8, 2020 at 6:30 p.m.

Download the entire 2020 Jerry Beckendorf Scholarship Packet.

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