OPEIU provides scholarship funds, named in honor of two past OPEIU International Presidents who believed strongly in education and training. Both scholarships assist members and associate members to further their higher education and career goals. There is also a scholarship fund to send 13 to 16 year olds to summer camp.

A portion of the capita tax to the International Union supports these very important benefits.

Howard Coughlin Memorial Scholarship Fund

The Howard Coughlin Memorial Scholarship is awarded each year to 18 members or their children for undergraduate university or college educations.

Applications for full-time and part-time scholarships are open to members in good standing, associate members, or to their children. Applicants must meet the eligibility requirements and comply with the rules and regulations established by the OPEIU Executive Board.

An applicant must be either:

• A member or associate member in good standing on the date of award, unless a member loses employment to study on a full-time basis, retires, becomes disabled, or terminated from employer layoffs or plant closings.
• The son, daughter, stepchild or legally adopted child of an OPEIU member in good standing or an associate member.
• High school senior or high school graduate entering a college, university or recognized technical or vocational post-secondary school as a full or part-time student.
• Presently in college, university or a recognized technical or vocational post-secondary school as a full or part-time student.

Applications are due no later than March 31st of each year. Winners are announced each June.  For rules, regulations and an application, click here.

John Kelly Labor Studies Scholarship Fund

The John Kelly Labor Studies Scholarship provides assistance to members or associate members who wish to pursue undergraduate or graduate degrees in labor studies, industrial relations, social science or a related field. Ten scholarships (one per region) are awarded annually.

Applications for scholarships are open to members or associate members in good standing for at least two years. All applicants must meet the eligibility requirements and comply with the rules and regulations as established by the OPEIU Executive Board. Each scholarship has a maximum value of $2,000.

An applicant must be:

• A member or associate member in good standing; and
• Either and undergraduate or graduate in one of the following areas of study:
  1. Labor Studies
  2. Industrial Relations
  3. Social Science or a related field
  4. Non-degree programs sponsored by the National Labor College at the George Meany Center or similar institution

Applications are due no later than March 31st of each year. Winners are announced each June.  For rules, regulations and an application, click here.

OPEIU Romeo Corbeil/Gilles Beauregard Memorial Fund

The OPEIU Romeo Corbeil/Gilles Beauregard Memorial Fund offers the opportunity for children of members to attend a summer camp and learn about union issues in a fun filled environmental enriching setting. Scholarships at one per Region are granted each year, not to exceed one per family, for children between the ages of thirteen (13) and sixteen (16).  For rules, regulations and an application, click here.

Contact the Union office at 608-257-4734 or by email at union@opeiu39.com for more information about these opportunities.