Fran Nevel, a member of the Communications Workers of America (CWA) Local 2201 from Quinton, VA, is pursuing a degree in Labor Studies at the National Labor College (NLC) with the help of a Union Plus Scholarship.

“The Union Plus scholarship covered my room and board and was a great help to me,” says Nevel. To assist with her college tuition, Nevel was awarded a Union Plus National Labor College Scholarship.

The scholarship made it possible for Nevel to pursue a degree in Labor Studies as she is the sole breadwinner in her family after her husband went on disability.

Opportunities at the National Labor College

At the NLC, located in Silver Spring, MD, America's unions have their own college—the nation's only accredited higher education institution devoted exclusively to educating union members and their families, leaders and staff.

The NLC now offers three new online degree programs in Business Administration, Construction Management, and Emergency Readiness and Response Management—making it possible to complete a Bachelor’s degree in under two years for less than $10,000. Visit NLC.edu to learn more about these innovative programs.

Each year, $25,000 is awarded to eligible students through the Union Plus NLC Scholarship Program. Awards are determined and administered by the college. The scholarship program is sponsored by the Union Plus Education Foundation. The Foundation's donation to the NLC represents the largest financial aid contribution to the college.

The Benefits of Union Membership

Nevel says that being in a union has helped her family tremendously especially since her husband has been unable to work due to a disability. “Being in a union has given me great peace of mind. Our medical benefits are completely paid for and, with my husband having so many ongoing medical issues, that alone has been a great help.” As a union member, Nevel is eligible for the Union Plus Scholarships, which she found on the National Labor College website.

Check out the NLC, Says Nevel

Nevel encourages other union members to follow in her footsteps. “If you have the time, pursuing your education is something you should do. I have loved every minute of my classes. Take classes in something that you are interested in. I have learned so much,” says Nevel.