As education professionals, we know the value of higher learning. That’s why OSEA is proud to offer scholarships to members and our family so you can make college dreams a reality.
Scholarships for OSEA Members
OSEA Scholarships
- Lou Gerber Scholarship (PDF) ($1,000)
OSEA awards scholarships to 2 members in each of OSEA’s seven zones to support those furthering their education at an accredited school. Apply by January 15.
Labor Partner Scholarships
- Union Plus Scholarship ($500 to $4,000)
Through our affiliation with the AFL-CIO, OSEA members and our spouses and dependent children are eligible for a one-time scholarship from Union Plus. Apply by January 31.
Scholarships for OSEA Family
OSEA Scholarships
- Guy Davis Scholarship ($1,250) and Past Presidents’ Scholarship ($1,500)
These scholarships are awarded to graduating high school seniors. The Guy Davis Scholarship is awarded to 1 student in each zone. The Past Presidents’ Scholarship is a statewide award. Students must have a minimum GPA of 3.0. Apply by March 1. - John Brown Undergraduate Scholarship ($1,000)
This scholarship was started by OSEA to provide assistance to college juniors and seniors. Apply by January 15.
Labor Partner Scholarships
- AFT Robert G. Porter Scholarship ($8,000)
OSEA’s national affiliate, the American Federation of Teachers (AFT) offers four scholarships of $8,000, paid over 4 to 6 years, to students who are dependents of OSEA or AFT members. Students must maintain a GPA of 2.75 and show continuing enrollment and progress toward a degree. Apply by April 26. - Union Plus Scholarship ($500 to $4,000)
Through our affiliation with the AFL-CIO, OSEA members and our spouses and dependent children are eligible for a 1-time scholarship from Union Plus. Apply by January 31.
Professional Development
- OSEA Kathy Melzer Mini-Grants (up to $400)
OSEA awards 3 members in each zone can receive a grant to be used for professional development, such as inservice training, workshops or seminars. Apply by November 5. - AFT Robert G. Porter Member Grants ($1,000)
AFT awards implementation grants of $1,000 each to 10 members who seek to implement ideas for their union to work toward a more just society for all. Apply by April 26. - Share My Lesson
OSEA members have access to AFT’s online professional development platform, Share My Lesson, including webinars and resources to strengthen professional and union skills.
Support with Student Debt
The rising cost of higher education has left many families struggling with student debt. Before March 2020, 1 in 4 were in distress – either unable to pay their fully monthly payment or going into default. The student debt landscape is different today thanks to advocacy from AFT, but some opportunities are time limited. Many borrowers are unaware of the options available to them.
OSEA has partnered with AFT to offer relief to members and family with student debt.
- AFT Student Debt Clinics
Student debt clinics are 90-minute trainings for OSEA members, friends and family. Clinics empower borrowers to manage their debt through free federal programs that can lower payments or even erase debt. In-person clinics may be organized for your entire chapter or you can attend a regularly scheduled virtual clinic. - Summer Student Debt Management
Summer is an online resource that helps borrowers avoid bad information and bad actors in the student loan market. Their loan management program and borrower success team helps you find the right repayment option for you, from income-driven plans to loan forgiveness programs.