Union Plus Scholarships help IBEW members earn degrees at the National Labor College

Union Plus is awarding $6,000 to four IBEW members in the 2011 Union Plus National Labor College Scholarship Program.

At the National Labor College (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—making it possible to complete a Bachelor’s degree in under two years for less than $10,000.

Union Plus has also provided 91 scholarships totalling $70,000 to NLC students in 2011.

NEW: Building Trades President's Award - Starting with the January 2012 semester, Union Plus is offering over $13,500 in scholarships for building trades union members who enroll in one of the three new online degree completion programs.  Seventeen scholarships of $795 (3 credit course cost) each are available.

Each year, awards are determined and administered by the NLC. 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.

Visit NLC.edu for more information and to apply.

Meet the IBEW Scholarship Recipients

James Birkenkamp, an electrician from Local 150 in Crystal Lake, IL, was awarded $1,500 from the Union Plus National Labor College Scholarships Program. “The Union Plus scholarship helped a lot. With the cost of everyday items rising, the money I saved helped our family a great deal this summer,” says Birkenkamp. While Birkenkamp already holds an Associates degree, he sees new doors opening from earning a Bachelors of Arts in Labor Safety and Health. “There are many new opportunities for people who have on-the-job experience like I do, and for working with health and safety,” says Birkenkamp.

Birkenkamp knows that the NLC is an excellent resource for union members. In addition to the degree program being affordable, he can study from home in his own time. “As a dad and a husband, studying online makes it convenient to fit a degree program into my schedule.” Birkenkamp credits the Training Director and the Secretary at his local for encouraging him to pursue his education.

Husband and wife Corey and Kristina Brown, electricians from Local 292 in East Bethel, MN, were each awarded $1,500 from the Union Plus National Labor College Scholarships Program.

Corey Brown says the Union Plus scholarship money has made a big difference in helping him return to school while still working as an electrician. “The scholarship was a huge help in pursuing a business degree. With the online program at the National Labor College, I am able to study more while spending time at home,” says Brown.

With a Bachelors of Arts in Business Administration, Brown feels that more doors will be open to him. “Right now, I am an electrician. In the future, I could be an executive of the company. As a project manager, new opportunities can become available including positions I can’t apply for right now. I could also work for IBEW. The future is bright.”

Brown credits his union (and his wife, Kristina) for introducing him to the NLC and the scholarships from Union Plus. “The benefits at IBEW are amazing, we have a better quality of life and someone is always looking out for you,” says Brown.

Kristina Brown also says the Union Plus Scholarships have helped the couple in pursuing their business degrees. “The scholarships have made us worry free. We aren’t as concerned about finding the money to go back to school. The NLC has been wonderful,” says Kristina.

Kristina is excited to see what new avenues open up to her once she has her business degree. “I could work in project management, be a foreman or a safety director,” she says. Having the benefit of being a member of IBEW has helped Kristina in her career.  She says she is always able to concentrate on doing a good job because she knows her union is working for her.

Scott Pakenham, an electrician from Local 99 in Portsmouth, RI, was awarded $1,500 to pursue a degree in Construction Management. “I wouldn’t be able to pursue my Bachelors of Arts degree without the help from Union Plus. The scholarship is allowing me to get an education.”

Pakenham knows that the NLC will help him on the job and as a union member. “My goal is to have an education so I understand and evaluate what is going on at the job site. This degree will definitely help my career,” says Pakenham.

“I think the union is a great place for all workers,” says Pakenham. “All workers should be in a union because of the benefits, such as health care and retirement. The IBEW has opened doors for me and I am grateful.