Applications are open for the Massachusetts AFL-CIO Scholarship Program, which awards hundreds of scholarships each year. Any Massachusetts high school senior seeking a college degree or job training can apply, regardless of union affiliation.
Winners are chosen solely on their results from a two-part labor history exam: multiple-choice questions and a 500-word essay on a current labor issue. Students choose from two essay options. The exam covers topics such as the history of the labor movement, child labor laws, minimum wages, civil rights, and workplace safety.
Key dates:
- December 18, 2026: Application deadline
- February 1–5, 2027: Online exam at your high school
- May 1, 2027: Students who took the exam are notified by email
Some union-sponsored scholarships have their own eligibility requirements, and students can receive up to two awards. Out-of-state students may also qualify through a parent, grandparent, or other eligible sponsor in a local union that offers a scholarship through the exam.
Ready to get started? Apply online and use the free study guide, flash cards, and quizzes at Learn Labor History. School counselors can share more information, and other questions can go to Carla Connolly at cconnolly@massaflcio.org.
