Scholarships
Learn about scholarship opportunties available to UPW families.
Supporting the Next Generation of Leaders
Jimmy Toledo Scholarship
The UPW Foundation launched the James “Jimmy” Toledo Scholarship in 2024 as a testament to the enduring legacy of a revered union leader and advocate for workers’ rights in Hawai’i. This scholarship aims to support the educational aspirations of United Public Workers member dependents, fostering the next generation of leaders and thinkers in the labor movement.
Applications are now being accepted for the 2026 Jimmy Toledo Scholarship. Thanks to the generosity of our donors and sponsors, we are once again expanding our scholarship awards.
- Five $1,000 awards to local high school seniors
- Five $1,000 awards to current college students
- One $2,000 award to a current college student majoring in Political Science, Labor Studies, or Labor Relations
Application deadline: Friday, April 17, 2026 at 12:00pm (noon) HST.
More details and complete eligibility requirements available at: upwfoundation.org/scholarship
Hawaii State AFL-CIO Scholarship
A $1,000 scholarship will be awarded to THREE graduating seniors currently attending high school in Hawaii who plan to pursue postsecondary study on a full-time basis at a university, college, community college, vocational, or trade school.
The following criteria will be used to determine scholarship awards.
- An essay of not more than 1000 words on the importance of labor unions in Hawaii. The essay may be written from a personal point of view or from a historical perspective.
- Completing a cover letter with relevant information: name, address, phone number, e-mail address and what type of school you plan to attend.
All submissions must be received or postmarked by Friday, April 10, 2026. Submissions can be sent by e-mail to: statefed@hawaflcio.org or by mail to: 888 Mililani St., Suite 501, Honolulu, HI 96813. Please direct all questions to Brande Kahalewai at: (808) 597-1441.
AFSCME Family Scholarship
As a member of UPW, you also receive AFSCME member benefits. Each year, the AFSCME Family Scholarship Program awards ten $2,000 renewable scholarships to graduating high school seniors. Applicants must be a graduating high school senior whose parent or guardian is a full dues-paying member of AFSCME.
The 2026 scholarship deadline is December 31, 2025.
