Robert G. Porter Scholars Program
Scholarship Sponsored by American Federation of Teachers
Overview
The program provides four four-year scholarships of $8,000 each for post-secondary study to dependents of AFT members, plus ten one-time $1,000 grants available to AFT members to support continuing education or to seed proposals intended to strengthen and expand their union.
Robert G. Porter Scholars (Student Scholarships)
In tribute to Robert G. Porter, who served as secretary-treasurer of the American Federation of Teachers from 1963 to 1991, the AFT selects four high school seniors annually to receive $8,000 scholarships. Porter devoted his career to defending workers’ rights, advancing civil rights, and promoting the professional growth of union members. The awards recognize graduating students with strong records of community service and an understanding of how unions contribute to a fairer society.
Eligibility — Student Scholarships
- Open to graduating high school seniors.
- Applicant must be a child or legal dependent of an AFT member.
- The AFT 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.
Scholarship Award Details
- Recipients are chosen based on academic achievement; commitment to community and school activities; leadership; work experience; recommendations; special talents and skills; an essay; and demonstrated dedication to advancing working people’s interests and building unions.
- The $8,000 award is disbursed over a period of four to six years, depending on the time the recipient takes to complete a degree. Typically, funds are distributed as four annual payments of $2,000 to the student and/or the institution.
- The scholarship must be used within six years of the award date.
- To continue receiving payments beyond the first year, recipients must submit an annual transcript showing a cumulative GPA of at least 2.75, evidence of continued enrollment, and satisfactory progress toward a degree.
Selection Process and Notification
- A selection panel made up of education specialists, labor leaders, and other experts reviews completed applications and names the scholarship recipients.
- You will receive an automatic confirmation when your application is completed; this serves as your receipt.
- Application period: December 1 through March 31. All scholarship recipients will be notified by June 30.
AFT Member Grants
- In addition to the student scholarships, the program awards ten one-time $1,000 grants to AFT members. These grants are intended to help cover continuing education expenses or to fund member proposals designed to strengthen and grow their union.