2025 Scholarship Essay Contest

The Pennsylvania AFL-CIO is pleased to announce its 2025 Scholarship Essay Contest.

The Essay Contest provides an opportunity for high school and post-secondary students to learn about the Labor Movement’s important contributions to the social, economic, and political development of our country. It also reminds students – the next generation of workers – about the importance of protecting the Labor Movement’s gains, for their own wellbeing in current and future workplaces.


Awards are offered to students in two categories: 

Awards are offered to students in two categories: 

 Graduating High School Seniors
(class of 2025)

All Post
Secondary Students

The award amounts are:

The essay topics for each category are as follows:

Category I – Graduating High School Seniors:

How do Labor Unions align with broader social justice movements? In your opinion, what role do Unions play in advocating equality and equity in the workplace?

Category II – Students Attending an Accredited, Post-Secondary Institution:

Labor Unions often play a significant role in politics. How do you think unions should engage with political systems, and what should be their focus when advocating for workers’ interests?

If you post this information on your website, please note that the scholarships are only awarded to Pennsylvania AFL-CIO affiliated union members and their immediate family members. All submissions must be received by email to monica@paaflcio.org by April 15, 2025. Essays will be judged in May 2025, and awards will be made in June 2025.

We thank affiliate unions that have contributed to the award money for the Scholarship Essay Contests, in the past. Now we are writing to request your financial support and your help in promoting the 2025 Essay Contest.

If your union affiliate can contribute to the award money, please make your check payable to the Pennsylvania AFL-CIO and mail it to: PA AFL-CIO, Attention: Maurice Cobb, Secretary-Treasurer, 600 North Second St., Harrisburg, PA 17101.

Thank you for your support of the Scholarship Essay Contest, whether it be monetarily, helping to publicize it, or both.