UFCW Local 1776 Members: We're now accepting submissions for our 2025 Wendell W. Young III Memorial Scholarship Contest! This scholarship fund was designed to provide scholarships for members and their families to attend school and pursue their education. This is a great opportunity, and we encourage those who are eligible to participate.

SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS:

First place - $5,000

Second Place - $2,500

Third Place - $1,000

Earl Helfand Heart of Gold Award (For community service) - $2,000

DEADLINE TO ENTER: MAY 2, 2025

WAYS TO ENTER:

1.    Write an essay (minimum word requirement of 1,500)

2.    Record an engaging informational video of 2 minutes or less

• All entries must relate to the topic
• Participants must cite their sources
• Use of AI or plagiarism will lead to automatic disqualification, entires will be checked

TOPIC:

In recent years, workers at companies like Starbucks and Whole Foods have won historic union elections, marking a resurgence in labor organizing. However, despite these victories, workers continue to face significant obstacles when trying to form unions.

In your entry, consider addressing some of the following questions:

1. What are the main hurdles workers encounter when attempting to organize a union?
2. How do employers engage in union-busting tactics to discourage organizing efforts, and what strategies can workers use to push back?
3. What legal protections exist for workers under the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA), and how does the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) play a role in defending workers’ rights?
4. ?Beyond traditional organizing methods, what are some creative and modern ways to engage and mobilize workers to successfully unionize?

 Use specific examples from recent labor movements, including Starbucks, Amazon/Whole Foods and Trader Joes to support your arguments.

TO ENTER:

You must complete the entry application linked below AND submit your essay or video to scholarship@ufcw1776.org by May 2, 2025.

ENTRY APPLICATION FORM

ELIGIBILITY:

• Applicant must be a member in good standing, or a dependent of a member who is under the age of 26.
• Applicant must be pursuing a degree or enrolled in a certification program. You do not need to be a full-time student to apply. 
• Immediate family member/household members of UFCW Local 1776 staff are not eligible unless they are a UFCW members themselves.

If you have any questions, please contact Marcy Kelly at 610-940-1847.