For dependent children of members (current and retired) of local unions affiliated with Rochester Regional Joint Board, Workers United.
December 1st 2024 to February 28th 2025
Up to five awards of $8,000 each; paid as $2,000 per year for up to four consecutive years of undergraduate study. Award paid in the Fall and divided equally between the Fall and Spring semesters.
Awards may be used for tuition, fees, books, and other expenses associated with higher education.
For dependent children (based on the IRS definition of being a qualified child under 19, or under 24 if a full-time student) of current employed members of local unions affiliated with Rochester Regional Joint Board, Workers United, or retiree from an affiliate union shop of RRJB who:
Financial need is a consideration.
The Community Foundation emails an award notification with instructions for claiming the award to the recipient in the Spring. Payment is mailed to the school for the recipient’s account in one lump sum in the Fall and split between the Fall and Spring semesters once required documentation is received. Upload the requested and required information including your class schedule and tuition bill verifying full-time enrollment to the Community Foundation’s online Scholarship Portal between July 1 and August 15. To release subsequent scholarship payments, upload the requested and required information including your unofficial transcript, class schedule and tuition bill to verify continued enrollment and good standing to the Community Foundation’s online Scholarship Portal between July 1 and August 15. Scholarships not claimed by February 15 in the assigned year will be forfeited. Email scholarships@racf.org with any questions or concerns.
Brynn Sidebotham, daughter of our very own SHHC Opitical Manager Mark Sidebotham, is the recipient of the 2022 Abraham Chatman Scholarship. Brynn is currently a freshman at Monroe Community College where she is currently majoring in Communications. Brynn has plans to eventually transfer to the University of Buffalo.
“It means a lot to me because college is so expensive,” Brynn said about receiving the scholarship. “My Dad works in the union. It has so many incredible benefits for my family. The union has helped my family live comfortably and I’m so glad to have received this award.”
“Receiving the Abe Chatman scholarship is another example of how fortunate we are to be part of the Union, and work at Sidney Hillman. We are proud of Brynn for putting in the time and effort, and are thankful to Gary, Workers United and the Community Foundation,” added Mark Sidebotham.
“In blindly reviewing the essays, Brynn’s written submission was exceptional,” said Gary Bonadonna Jr. “She really saw the value in unions, and had incredible insight when talking about the wave of new organizing across the country.”
Jenilimar Gonzalez is the 2023 winner of the Abraham Chatman Scholarship award. Here is an interview with Jenilimar where she talks about her academic goals and what the scholarship means to her!
1. How are you planning to use the scholarship and what are your academic goals?
Winning the Abraham Chatman Scholarship Award is a tremendous honor for me, and I intend to utilize this scholarship to further my academic pursuits in Finance with a minor in Management Information Systems. With this financial support, I plan to alleviate the financial strain of pursuing my education and invest in experiences that will enrich my academic journey. Specifically, I aim to utilize the scholarship to purchase specialized textbooks aligned with my coursework in finance and information systems, enhancing my understanding of financial markets and technological advancements in the field. My academic goals include excelling in my coursework, engaging in projects that explore the intersection of finance and technology, and ultimately pursuing a career in Wealth Management. I aspire to leverage my expertise in both Finance and MIS to assist others in achieving their financial goals, driving innovation, and efficiency in business operations.
2. What does the scholarship mean to you?
The Abraham chatman Scholarship Award holds profound significance for me, not only as a recognition of my academic achievements but also as a symbol of the support and opportunities afforded to me by the union community. Just as unions have historically advocated for workers’ rights and provided essential support to families like mine during challenging times, this scholarship represents a continuation of that legacy.
Answer Cont.
It serves as a reminder of the importance of collective action and solidarity in creating positive change, both in the workforce and in the lives of individual workers and their families. This scholarship empowers me to pursue my academic and career goals with confidence, knowing that I have the backing of a community that values education and invests in the future generation.
3. What do you like to do outside of school?
In addition to my academic pursuits, I have a passion for hairstyling and creating new hairstyles on myself ! Experimenting with different techniques and styles allows me to express my creativity and showcase my personality. Whether it’s mastering intricate braids or perfecting elegant updos, I find joy in the artistry of hairstyling and the transformative power it brings. It’s not just about looks; it’s about the confidence and self-expression that comes with feeling good about how you present yourself to the world.
Workers United Upstate New York is headquartered in Rochester, New York.
750 East Avenue
Rochester, New York
14607
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