Application Deadline Near for CWA College Scholarships

CWA’s Joseph Anthony Beirne Foundation will award 30 scholarships of up to $3,000 for the 2000-2001 school year to active and retired CWA members, their spouses, children or grandchildren, or those of deceased members. Applications, available from local presidents, must be completed and returned to CWA headquarters by March 31.

Students engaged in undergraduate and graduate work are eligible, including students who plan careers in education and rehabilitation, special education and labor studies. Awards are based on merit.

“We encourage young people to take advantage of this opportunity to win financial assistance for college, community college or vocational school, to take the first step on the road to life long learning and a successful, fulfilling career,” said CWA President Morton Bahr.

Each Beirne scholarship is renewable for a second year upon demonstration of satisfactory academic progress. In addition, the foundation will fund second-, third- and fourth-year awards of Ray Hackney scholarships, as well as grants for community and social services training and fellowships and internships.

In 1974, CWA established the Beirne Foundation in memory of its founding president. The foundation is funded by contributions from CWA members and locals.

For the past 35 years, the Ray Hackney scholarship program has provided college funding to CWA members or family as well as to union members or dependents affiliated with Communications International — now part of Union Network International, a worldwide union secretariat — in South and Central America and the Caribbean. The program was established in memory of a former CWA vice president who traveled extensively and worked closely with communications unions in those areas.

The Hackney program is being incorporated into the Beirne Foundation program this year, with Communications International’s merger with UNI.