Scholarships for the Working Joe By tamara
In recognition of Labor Day, we wanted to take a moment to pay homage to those who contribute to the health and well-being of our nation on a daily basis. You know who were are talking about; the average working Joe or Jane who does what’s needed to ensure his or her family is provided for and our communities continue to run efficiently. These hardworking citizens include postal and sanitation workers, law enforcement personnel, teachers, construction workers, nurses, and even those smiling people behind the deli counter who make your sandwich every afternoon. Without them, our lives wouldn’t be the same. That’s why this Labor Day holiday we’ve decided to highlight a few scholarship programs that are specifically for those who currently work in or are planning a career in these fields.
1. Alice T. Schafer Mathematics Prize
Female undergraduate students who have a passion for math may be eligible for up to $1,000 through this scholarship program. Students may be pursuing any career field, including but not limited to: teaching, accounting, and statistics. Deadline: September 15.
2. Concrete Reinforcing Steel Institute Undergraduate Scholarship
Students majoring in civil, construction, or architectural engineering (especially those specializing in reinforced concrete), should consider applying for this $3,000 scholarship. Deadline: September 30.
3. Stanford Hospital & Clinics Rehabilitation Services Student Scholarship
U.S. undergraduate and graduate students who are enrolled in a program related to physical therapy, occupational therapy, hand therapy, or speech-language pathology may be eligible for one of four $500 scholarships. Deadline: September 30.
4. Elkus, Sisson & Rosenstein Academic Scholarship
High school seniors and current undergraduate students, who have a parent employed in law enforcement or those who plan to pursue a career in law enforcement, may be eligible for this $1,000 scholarship. Deadline: October 1.
5. IDDBA Scholarship Program
Students who plan to major in a food-related field, such as culinary arts or food science, may be eligible to receive up to $1,000 through this scholarship program. Current undergraduate and graduate students with grade point averages of 2.5 or higher may apply. Deadline: October 1.
6. Minority Teacher Scholarship
Indiana undergraduate students who are attending an in-state college may be eligible for this program. Students must be African American or Hispanic and plan to teach in an accredited Indiana school after completing their degrees. The value of the scholarships offered varies. Deadline: October 4.
7. Soaring Heart Scholarship
Students interested in pursuing careers in support services, such as grief or rape counseling, may be eligible to receive up to $10,000 through this scholarship program. Deadline: January 15.
8. Union Plus Scholarship
Each year, more than 100 scholarships are provided to undergraduate and graduate students in this Union Plus program. Students must either be a current or retired union member, or the spouse or dependent of a union member. Scholarships vary in value from $500 to $4,000 each. Deadline: January 31.
Whether you’re spending this Labor Day at the beach or in your backyard, take a few moments to think about everyone who contributes to your daily routine. Do you even know their first names? If not, get to know them. Say hello to your mailman, thank a police officer for patrolling your neighborhood, and maybe leave a cold drink out for your trash collectors the next time they make the rounds. You might be surprised how much a simple smile or gesture will be appreciated.