Photo credit: Nick Youngson via Creative Commons 
The IBEW Founders’ Scholarship is offered annually to members in good standing. The deadline to apply is April 30.  

One of the legacies of the IBEW’s founding fathers isn’t directly related to organizing or pulling wire, but it remains very much in the spirit of the Brotherhood and unionism. It’s the IBEW Founders’ Scholarship

“Being a union member has always been about dignity at work, fair wages and benefits, and a chance to better yourself,” said International President Lonnie R. Stephenson. “That’s where the Founders’ Scholarship comes in.”

The scholarships, offered competitively each year, honor the dedicated wiremen and linemen who, on November 28, 1891, organized the IBEW. The awards are given not only to contribute to the personal development of the individual, but also to steward the electrical industry that our founders envisioned.

The deadline for applications to be received is April 30.

The scholarship award is for $200 per semester credit hour at any accredited college or university toward an associate, bachelor's or postgraduate degree in an approved field. The maximum distribution is $24,000 per person over a period not to exceed eight years.

Each applicant must submit a 250-500 word essay on the topic, “How I will use my Founders’ Scholarship to benefit the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers and the electrical industry.” They must also be recommended in writing by the local union business manager. If there is no business manager, the recommendation must come from the local union president, system council chairman or general chairman.

Only IBEW members in good standing are eligible. For further information and a downloadable application, go to: www.ibew.org/foundersscholarship.