Workers Memorial Day Scholarship Essay Contest

Each year in April, we gather together for Workers Memorial Day to honor the memory of those workers who have lost their lives on the job. During the ceremonies, we speak of the sacrifices made by these workers and of the families left behind, and we are inspired to work harder on behalf of all workers.

This year, the Connecticut AFL-CIO Health and Safety Committee is again offering a scholarship essay contest to inspire high school seniors to think about the importance of workplace health and safety.

In this scholarship essay contest, CT high school seniors are asked to respond in 1,000 words or less to the scenario below with serious thought, research and most importantly, awareness of the true cost of workplace hazards on the lives of workers. Entries will be judged anonymously on content, originality and clarity of vision.

The essay topic this year will commemorate the 10th anniversary of the Kleen Energy power plant explosion, a workplace tragedy in Connecticut’s recent history in which six workers lost their lives. Students are asked to write about their response to this tragic workplace event, how it would affect you as a young adult and how you would ensure that workplaces are safer for workers in the future.

First prize is a scholarship for $1,500; second prize is for $1,000; and third prize is for $500.

Please click here for the full details and the application form.

Email the completed essay and the application to pamela.ctcosh@snet.net no later than April 1, 2020.

We are excited about this project that we believe will inspire a greater awareness of the importance of workplace health and safety among young workers. The scholarship awardees will be invited to speak at the Workers Memorial Day ceremony in Hartford and we look forward to their thoughts.