Scholarship Committee

     In early 1992, now retired Business Manager, Bob Ward met with State Center Community College Foundation members, Dr. Jim Meinert, Executive Director and Dr. Bill Stewart, Chancellor. During this meeting it was mentioned that the Federal Government had 2 million dollars available for scholarship funding. For every dollar invested by private entities the government would invest two.

     Bob Ward presented this information to the members of Local 246 and as a result a resolution was written allocating $33,333.34 for the purpose of establishing the Scholarship Fund. The Federal Government would allocate $66,666.66, which when combined totaled $100,000.00. The membership of the Local unanimously approved the resolution. Thus, in August 1992, the Plumbers, Pipe and Refrigeration Fitters Scholarship Fund was created.

Scholarship Committee:
L to R: Tom Avila, Chairman; Mike Turnipseed;
Tony Flores; Dan Hill; and Jon Bissell, Secretary

     The Scholarship Committee, which meets twice a year to review applications, is allowed to award one-half of the interest paid on the investment yearly for scholarship grants to those who qualify.

     The recipients of the scholarship grants may attend any one of the following campuses:

• Clovis Community Campus
• Oakhurst Community Campus
• Selma Community Campus
• Fresno City College
• Vocational Training Center
• Madera Community Campus
• Sanger Community Campus
• Kerman Community Campus
• Kings River Community College
• Buchanan Educational Center

     Those wishing to apply for a Scholarship Grant must meet the following criteria:

• Scholarships will be awarded to members in good standing and/or their families in accordance with the following:
• Members and family, children, spouse, grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
• Signatory contractors' immediate family.
• Student must carry a minimum of nine (9) units per semester. Scholarship will be awarded each semester (Fall/Spring).
• Essay: Please submit an essay of no more than 500 words describing your career goals and aspirations. Highlight your relationship with the union and the labor movement and why you are deserving of a union scholarship.
• Letter of reference: Please include one sealed recommendation letter from a teacher, employer, or other adult who is familiar with your achievements and abilities. Instruct your reference to sign his/her name across the seal of the envelope. Do not send letters separately.

     The minimum award will be one hundred dollars ($100.00) with the maximum to be determined by the Scholarship Committee.  There is also an incentive program, the student with the highest GPA will receive a bonus for that semester.  The Committee in the past has awarded scholarships in the amounts of from $200.00 to $1,067.00 per applicant, per semester.  Since its inception the Scholarship Committee has awarded $40,294.00.

     Looking to the future, the Scholarship Committee is currently looking at possibly establishing a self-funding scholarship fund. This would possibly enable the recipients of the Scholarship Grants to attend state colleges and universities to further their education.

     Scholarship Grant Applications are available at the Union Hall located at 1303 N. Rabe Ave. Suite 101, in Fresno, CA. Please keep in mind that you must meet the criteria shown above.