Application period opens for 2016 Michael Weiner Scholarship for Labor Studies
NEW YORK -- If you're a graduate or law student aspiring to a career in advancing and protecting workers' rights, you may want to consider applying for the Major League Baseball Players Trust's 2016 Michael Weiner Scholarship for Labor Studies.
The online application period opened on Tuesday and extends through Monday, Nov. 2, for up to five $10,000 scholarships awarded annually.
To be eligible, individuals must be graduate or law students enrolled in an accredited educational institution in the United States or Canada and must have a demonstrated interest in, and wish to make a career out of, working in the labor movement and on behalf of workers' rights. To receive an award, eligible candidates must meet a combination of the following criteria:
- A strong academic record;
- Demonstrated commitment to the labor movement;
- A strong recommendation from an academic or a labor/workers' rights practitioner, and
- Strong written and oral communication skills.
Additionally, preference will be given to those who can demonstrate financial need through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) scores or otherwise.
The first five Michael Weiner Scholarship for Labor Studies recipients, announced in January, were selected from more than 90 eligible applications from 61 different colleges and universities across the United States.
Major League Baseball players created the scholarship in July 2015 through their charitable arm, the Major League Baseball Players Trust, to honor the life of former executive director Michael Weiner. The scholarship recognizes and supports the efforts of individuals dedicated to improving the lives of workers.
Weiner spent 25 years, nearly his entire professional career, with the MLBPA working in support of players -- past, present and future. Despite being diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor in August 2012, Weiner waged an inspiring battle against his disease as he continued to work on behalf of the players right up to the time of his death in November 2013, at the age of 51.
For more information, please visit www.playerstrust.org.