Applications for the IBEW’s Founders’ Scholarship, which is awarded on a competitive basis to members continuing their studies, are now being accepted. Rules and a list of required entry materials are available at ibew.org/foundersscholarship. The deadline is May 1.
Started in 1966 under International President Gordon M. Freeman, the scholarship is awarded annually to members attending an accredited college or university and working toward an associate, bachelor’s or postgraduate degree. The area of study must be in a field that furthers the electrical industry overall.
Applicants must be members in good standing for four continuous years or a charter member of a local union. The Founders’ Scholarship is for members only. Children or dependents of members are not eligible.
Winners can receive up to $200 per semester credit hour or $134 per trimester credit hour. The maximum award is $24,000 over an eight-year period.
New York Local 3’s Jeannie Lockwood and Milwaukee Local 2150’s Brian Williams were last year’s winners of the Founders’ Scholarship.
Lockwood, a journeyman wirewoman and instructor in Local 3’s apprenticeship training center, is completing a master’s degree in adult learning at SUNY Empire State College this year and will begin work on a doctorate degree in education. She plans to use the degree to strengthen Local 3’s education programs.
Williams works as a business customer consultant for We Energies (formerly Wisconsin Electric), working with cities, hospitals and other businesses. He is working toward a master’s degree in business administration at Concordia University in Milwaukee with the goal of becoming a right-of-way agent for We Energies. A right-of-way agent represents a utility or government entity when it is planning a real estate transaction. Duties include research and holding initial conversations with the owner of the property.
Application and entry materials should be emailed to Scholarship@ibew.org or mailed to the IBEW Founders’ Scholarship Committee, 900 7th St. NW, Washington, D.C., 20001. Call (202) 728-6103 for questions.