This year, Union Plus awarded scholarships to 11 members of the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) and their families.
The recipients include two active IAFF members and nine children of IAFF members, who were among 209 students across 42 unions receiving awards.
Union Plus, established by the AFL-CIO to provide consumer benefits to union members, grants these scholarships annually.
The program is designed to help union members and their families pursue post-secondary education.
Since its inception in 1991, Union Plus has awarded over $5.6 million to more than 4,000 individuals.
General President Edward Kelly of the IAFF congratulated the scholarship winners, emphasizing the significance of their achievements.
Kelly said: “These scholarships are a testament to their hard work and dedication, which I know will continue far into the future.”
The awarded scholarships will support recipients in various fields of study.
For instance, Tanner Baker, son of Sedona-Verde, AZ Local 3690 member Jordan Baker, will attend Yavapai Community College to study farm and ranch management.
Bev Bakker, a member of Lethbridge, AB Local 237, will pursue a graduate degree in humanitarian action at the University of San Diego.
The scholarship recipients are pursuing diverse educational goals.
For example, Kyle Crabtree, whose father is a member of Naperville, IL Local 4302, plans to become a commercial pilot after completing his education at Prairie State University.
Meanwhile, Olivia Buss, daughter of a Uniformed Fire Fighters Association of New York Local 94 member, aims to become a neonatal intensive care unit nurse and will attend Fairfield University in Connecticut.
Other recipients, like Aedan Licwinko, son of Reading, PA Local 1803 member Kenneth Licwinko, are pursuing careers in public service.
Licwinko plans to attend Mercyhurst University to study intelligence with the goal of becoming a U.S. diplomat.
Additionally, Alyza Macalinao, whose father is a member of Murrieta, CA Local 3540, will use her scholarship to pursue a career in medicine.
The scholarships awarded by Union Plus will help IAFF members and their families advance in various professions.
Riley Marr, daughter of a Colorado Springs, CO Local 5 member, is studying to become a healthcare administration officer in the United States Air Force.
Oliver Mathews, son of Door County, WI Local 4982 member Joel Mathews, aspires to be an investment banker, inspired by a high school economics class.
James Roberto, son of a Cincinnati, OH Local 48 member, plans to work in sports data analysis, while Matthew Schenek of Strongsville, OH Local 2882 is pursuing a degree in psychology with a focus on mental health, aiming to work within the IAFF to support members’ behavioral health needs.
Finally, Ethan Solury, son of a retired Southington, CT Local 2033 member, is studying political science at Marist College, intending to contribute to solutions for societal issues.
Union Plus has awarded scholarships to 11 members and families of the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF), supporting their pursuit of higher education.
The recipients are engaged in various fields, including healthcare, public service, and economics.
As highlighted by General President Edward Kelly, the scholarships recognize the dedication and hard work of the recipients.
Since 1991, Union Plus has provided over $5.6 million in scholarships, benefiting more than 4,000 individuals.
