2024 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 one of the scenarios 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 topics this year include the health and safety risks facing emergency responders, highway work zone safety, and the opioid epidemic. Students are asked to seriously think about the importance of workplace health and safety, and the consequences that arise when workers are forced to toil in unsafe working conditions. 

1st Prize: $2,000
2nd Prize: $1,500
3rd Prize: $1,000

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

Email the completed essay and the application to pamela@ctcosh.org no later than April 1, 2024.

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 our Workers Memorial Day ceremony and we look forward to their thoughts.