Union Plus has awarded nearly $10,000 in scholarships to family members of IBEW members.

"During these challenging economic times, with college tuition rising and many working families struggling just to get by, we’re pleased to be helping some of the labor movement’s most promising students achieve their college dreams," says Leslie Tolf, president of Union Privilege, the organization that provides an array of Union Plus benefit programs for union families.

Washington, D.C. Local 26–
Amber Ridings

Amber Ridings of Inwood, W.Va., whose father, Albert Ridings Jr., is a member of Washington, D.C., Local 26, was awarded a $1,500 scholarship. "My mother was always home to help me navigate life," she says, "and my father, my Superman, always arrived home for dinner with his family." Amber, a top 10 student in high school who plans to major in forensic accounting, is a mentor with the Big Brothers/Big Sisters program.

Philadelphia Local 126–
Patricia Sturz

Patricia Sturz of Reading, Pa., whose spouse Richard Sturz, is a member of Philadelphia Local 126, grew up in a nonunion family and was disappointed by nonunion job. What a contrast to get married and discover her husband’s strong and stable relationship with the IBEW, along with his good wages and benefits. Having left her job years ago to raise her children, she has enrolled in college to major in social work. Sturtz earned a $500 scholarship.

Minneapolis, Minn., Local 292–
Kelsey Larson

Kelsey Larson of St. Anthony, Minn., whose father, Leon Larson, is a member of Minneapolis Local 292, was selected for a $1,000 scholarship to study math. As a tutor, she has already demonstrated patience, excitement and enthusiasm for the subject. After graduation, she says, "I look forward to being part of a teachers’ union, enjoying the same stability, benefits and safe environment that my dad was able to have in the IBEW."

Toronto, Ontario, Local 353–
Kelly Hobson

Kelly Hobson of Markham, Ontario, whose father, David Hobson, is a member of Toronto Local 353, was awarded a $1,000 scholarship to study journalism. As a high school student, she started writing articles for the Toronto Star in conjunction with a nonprofit social justice organization. She attributes her social awareness to her mother’s kind nature and to her father’s example as an IBEW member. The union, she says, "has offered a voice to every individual."

Salt Lake City, Utah, Local 354–
Meagan Bracken

Meagan Bracken of South Jordan, Utah, whose father, Kevin Bracken, is a member of Salt Lake City Local 354, has been awarded a $2,000 scholarship. A two-time honoree, Meagan received a Union Plus scholarship last year. A full-time electrical engineering major, she cares for autistic children, volunteers in the Big Brothers/Big Sisters program and sings to senior citizens. She hopes to continue her studies in aerospace engineering and perhaps even pursue a Ph.D.

Milwaukee, Wis., Local 494–
Samantha Magyar

Samantha Magyar of Franklin, Wis., whose father, Joseph Magyar, is a member of Milwaukee Local 494, received a $1,000 scholarship to study nursing. Samantha has learned the value of hard work from her parents, and she has always worked and saved for college, to fulfill her dream of becoming a nurse—set in motion during one of her brother Ben’s medical treatments. Samantha’s family has paid some major medical bills, but, she said, "we still have my brother. That’s what matters."

Toronto, Ontario, Local 636–
Yunqi Liu

Yunqi "Mimi" Liu of Stratford, Ontario, whose mother, Lisa Chen, is a member of Toronto Local 636, won a $1,000 scholarship. First in her class and student council president, Mimi plays violin in the local orchestra. Mimi has volunteered more than 500 hours to such causes as soup kitchens, food drives, literacy programs and clean-ups. "I believe in equality, including fair wages and workplaces, nondiscriminatory hiring practices and the right to a decent livelihood," she says.

Phoenix, Ariz., Local 640–
Juan Yepez Jr.

Juan Yepez Jr. of Chandler, Ariz., a member of Phoenix Local 640, has been awarded a $500 scholarship to study construction engineering. When he joined the IBEW four years ago, he wasn’t sure it was his future. Now, he says, "My future looks as bright as the lightning bolts on the IBEW symbol." It wasn’t just the prospect of good pay and benefits; it was also the training the union invested in him. Juan hopes to one day give new apprentices the training, and the chance, the IBEW has given him.

Columbus, Ohio, Local 683–
Angelique McGuire

Angelique McGuire of Columbus, Ohio, whose father, Robert Neutzling is a member of Local 683, was selected for a $1,000 scholarship to study nursing. When Angelique’s mother was diagnosed with cancer, it was a hardship for the family. But it inspired her to help people affected by cancer. If her mother was her inspiration, her father was her foundation. His IBEW membership, "kept him employed and kept the family in a comfortable financial position." Ten years later, Angelique’s mother is still fighting.

Union Plus Scholarship awards are granted to students attending a two-year college, four-year college, graduate school or a recognized technical or trade school. Recipients are selected based on academic ability, social awareness, financial need and appreciation of labor.

Visit UnionPlus.org/Education for applications and benefit eligibility.