Scholarship Opportunity for Union Families: Apply by April 1

The Connecticut AFL-CIO Health and Safety Committee is excited to announce the return of our Scholarship Essay Contest for high school seniors in Connecticut!

This contest invites students to thoughtfully explore the real world impact of workplace hazards on workers and their families. Students are asked to submit an original essay of 1,000 words or less, responding to one of the scenarios listed below.

Essays should reflect serious thought, research, and most importantly, an understanding of the true cost of unsafe working conditions. All entries will be judged anonymously on content, originality, and clarity of vision. The use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) may not be used to write or edit your essay!

This year's essay topics include:

• Improving worker safety on our roadways
• The impact of PTSD on public safety workers
• The impact of workplace violence on health care workers

Students are asked to think critically about the importance of workplace health and safety, and the consequences that arise when workers are forced to toil in unsafe working conditions.

Scholarship Awards:

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

Note: A free Google account is required to submit the application and essay.

NEW THIS YEAR: All applicants must have a parent or grandparent who is a member of a union affiliated with the Connecticut AFL-CIO. Click the link above for the complete rules and eligibility requirements.

The completed application and essay must be received by April 1, 2026.

Click here for a flyer you can share.

We are excited about this project and believe it will help inspire a deeper awareness of workplace health and safety among young workers. Scholarship recipients will be invited to speak at our Workers Memorial Day ceremony, and we look forward to hearing their thoughts.

For questions, please contact Pamela Puchalski at pamela@ctcosh.org.

Please help us spread the word by sharing this opportunity with your members!