Robert G. Porter Scholars Program
Scholarship Sponsored by American Federation of Teachers
Overview
The program provides four renewable postsecondary scholarships of $8,000 each (paid over the course of degree completion) for students who are dependents of American Federation of Teachers (AFT) members. In addition, the program awards ten one-time grants of $1,000 to AFT members to support continuing education or to help fund proposals aimed at strengthening and expanding their union.
About the Award’s Namesake
The Robert G. Porter Scholars awards honor Robert G. Porter, who served as the AFT’s secretary-treasurer from 1963 until 1991. Porter devoted his career to defending workers’ rights, advancing civil rights and helping ensure the union served as a force for professionalism and social justice. The scholarships recognize high school seniors who demonstrate meaningful community service and an appreciation for how unions contribute to a fairer society.
Eligibility
- Applicants must be graduating high school seniors.
- The applicant must be a child or legal dependent of an AFT member.
- The sponsoring AFT member (parent or legal guardian) must have been a member in good standing for at least one year.
- Dependents of AFT national, state or local union staff are not eligible for this scholarship.
Selection Criteria and Award Use
- Selections are based on academic record, community and school service, leadership, work experience, recommendations, special talents, a required essay, and demonstrated commitment to promoting the interests of working people and strengthening unions.
- Each scholarship totals $8,000 and is disbursed over a four- to six-year period depending on the recipient’s time to degree. Typically, payments are issued as four annual installments of $2,000 to the student and/or the institution they attend.
- Award funds must be used within six years of the date the scholarship is granted.
- To receive payments beyond the first year, recipients must maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 2.75, submit an annual transcript to the Robert G. Porter Scholars Program, and show continuing enrollment with satisfactory progress toward a degree.
Application and Notification
- Applications are reviewed by a panel composed of education specialists, labor leaders and other independent experts.
- When you finish the application, you will receive an automatic confirmation; that confirmation serves as your official receipt.
- The application period runs from December 1 through March 31. All scholarship recipients will be notified by June 30.
Additional Member Grants
- Separately, the program awards ten one-time grants of $1,000 to current AFT members to assist with continuing education or to support proposed initiatives that strengthen and grow their union.