SOUTH CENTRAL IOWA FEDERATION OF LABOR SCHOLARSHIP

SOUTH CENTRAL IOWA FEDERATION OF LABOR, AFL-CIO JAMES CAFFREY $500 SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION AND QUESTIONNAIRE 

The South Central Iowa Federation of Labor (SCIFL) Executive Board is excited to announce a change to our annual James Caffrey Scholarship application process.  We will be awarding two $500 scholarships this year.    The first scholarship is for the winning senior who is actively preparing to attend college and the second $500 scholarship for the winning senior preparing to attend a labor apprenticeship program. 

Why Change? Last year, we decided to move away from the traditional essay format to a Labor Questionnaire and Personal Interviews because we want to engage with young adults in a more interactive way.  Through the questionnaire and interviews, we aim to educate participants about the importance of unions and their impact on working families and communities.  

The interview process is designed to be more of a conversation—an opportunity for us to connect with you, hear your thoughts, and share insights about the vital role unions play in ensuring fair treatment and strong voices in the workplace.  By participating, you’ll not only compete for a scholarship but also gain valuable knowledge and perspectives on the labor movement. 

We encourage all union members to share this opportunity with eligible high school seniors in their family.  Union Local Representatives are requested to post this announcement on bulletin boards and in union halls. We look forward to reviewing your submissions and meeting each of you during the interview process.  If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to contact our office at any time.  Good luck to all applicants! 

Below are the details and requirements for participation: Scholarship Application Details: 

1. Eligibility:
   1. Open to high school seniors with a family member or relative who is a union member.
   2. Open to all seniors attending college or a trade apprenticeship.
   3. Applicants must list their family member’s Union Local affiliation on the application.
2. Submission Requirements:
   1. Applicants must complete the attached application form and answer all nine questions on the Labor Questionnaire.  Each question must include a brief explanation for the answer.
   2. Incomplete applications or questionnaires will not be accepted.
3. Timeline:
   1. Submission Deadline: March 10th, 2026.  All applications and questionnaires must be received by this date.  NO extensions will be granted.
   2. Interviews:  Scheduled between March 11, 2026 -March 30, 2026.  Applicants who successfully complete the application and questionnaire will be invited for a brief personal interview with the SCIFL Executive Board.  No need to be nervous. Interviews via zoom and or in person.
   3. Winner Announcement: The scholarship winner will be notified by April 8, 2026.
4. Submission Address
   1. Mail the completed application form and questionnaire to: South Central Iowa Federation of Labor Attn: James Caffrey Scholarship Application Committee 2000 Walker Street, Suite H Des Moines, IA 50317 

Link to Application & Questionnaire