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SEIU Jesse Jackson Scholarship Program

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For more than 20 years, the Rev. Jesse Jackson and SEIU have worked side by side for social and economic justice. From coast to coast, when SEIU janitors march for health care and better wages, Jackson joins their fight. In Connecticut or California, when public employees face cut-backs, he takes up their cause. And when nursing home workers strike for the right to claim a voice at work, he stands with them.

"What's good for working people is good for America. If we fight together, women will get equality, we stop the Asian-bashing, we stop the homophobia, the race-baiting. We start to build schools, not jails."

Rev. Jackson and SEIU share a vision of a more just and humane society. He and the leaders of SEIU are committed to passing on this vision to the next generation through opportunities for activism and education. In partnership with the National Rainbow / PUSH Coalition, the SEIU-Jesse Jackson Scholarship was created.

This $5,000 annual scholarship is given to a student whose work and aspirations for economic and social justice reflect the values and accomplishments of the Rev. Jesse Jackson. It can be renewed annually for a maximum of four years.

Eligibility
Scholarship recipients must demonstrate continued academic study as well as volunteer efforts relating to economic and social justice. Candidates should complete all sections of the scholarship application , and include a personal statement in 500 words or less describing:

Your social justice, labor, or political activities;
Your goals for working for social and economic justice within an organization; and
Your plans to carry out this activism in your career after graduation.

Selection Process
A selection committee will choose the scholarship recipient. The chief factors by which applications will be judged are originality, clarity, and commitment to social and economic justice in the workplace.

*The scholarship recipient must agree to participate in some paid or course credit internships or work experiences in social change organizations during the years they receive this award. This can occur during school breaks. SEIU will work with recipients to find appropriate placements.

* Note:
You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader to open and read the scholarship application. If you do not have Acrobat Reader, you can access this free software by clicking on the graphic. You will only have to complete this process once.