NOTICE: The Domingo-Viernes Scholarship is due in one week, on May 18th. Please encourage students to apply.

The University of Washington’s Center for Labor Studies is proud to announce a scholarship for high school and community college students incoming to the University of Washington in 2015-2016, the Silme Domingo & Gene Viernes Scholarship. It is available to students who are incoming to the University of Washington, qualify for financial aid, and have an interest in social justice and human rights.

Please provide information about this scholarship to your students. We have attached a flier with further information on the scholarship. It is also pasted below. If you have any questions or would like further information about the scholarship, please let us know. Our phone number is 206-543-7946. We hope some students from your school will be able to apply.

Please confirm with us that you have received this information. Thank you.

Sincerely,
Andrew Hedden, Program Coordinator
University of Washington, Center for Labor Studies

Silme Domingo & Gene Viernes Scholarship
*Please post where ever scholarship information is available to students*

(This information is also available at http://depts.washington.edu/pcls/resources-domingo-viernes.html)

$5,500 scholarship for students entering or transferring into the University of Washington

The Harry Bridges Center for Labor Studies at the University of Washington and the Inlandboatmen’s Union, Region 37’s Alaskero Foundation are proud to announce the creation of a new scholarship in honor of Silme Domingo and Gene Viernes, two inspiring leaders of the Seattle labor movement. Gene grew up on a farm in the Yakima Valley and began working in the Alaska salmon canneries at the young age of 16. Gene was a state wrestling champion and attended Central Washington State College on a full ride athletic scholarship. Silme graduated with honors from the University of Washington and went on to found the Seattle chapter of the Union of Democratic Filipinos. Together, they formed the Alaska Cannery Workers’ Association and fought the brutal working conditions and racist management of the industry.

Despite opposition from all sides, Gene and Silme founded the Rank and File Committee in 1977 to struggle for union democracy and fair working conditions. They were elected to the leadership of International Longshore and Warehouse Union Local 37 in 1980, and worked hard to build links and solidarity with the people of the Philippines. Tragically, both were murdered on June 1, 1981. Corrupt former Local 37 President Tony Baruso and Philippine dictator Ferdinand Marcos were later implicated in the assassination. Their memory lives on as inspiration to workers and students striving for justice.

Who should apply?

The scholarship is awarded yearly to students entering or transferring into the University of Washington who are committed to the principles of justice and equality and have demonstrated financial need. Students with an interest in labor studies or a family background in labor and social justice are encouraged to apply.

You must have demonstrated financial need according to the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to qualify. More information can be found at http://www.washington.edu/students/osfa.

Those who do not meet FAFSA requirement are highly encouraged to consider other scholarships offered by the Bridges Center. More information is available at: http://depts.washington.edu/pcls

How do I apply?

To apply, a student should verify that they have financial need according to the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and prepare the following materials:

1. A brief written statement by the applicant explaining her or his commitment to the study of labor or to involvement with the labor movement and social justice.
2. A letter of support from a teacher or community member.
3. Up to date contact information, including e-mail, mailing addresses, and phone number.

Send applications by mail or e-mail to

Andrew Hedden, Program Coordinator
Harry Bridges Center for Labor Studies
University of Washington
Box 353530
Seattle, WA 98195-3530
hbcls

Applications are due Monday, May 18, 2015.

Questions?

For more information regarding the Silme Domingo & Gene Viernes Scholarship in Labor Studies, visit the Harry Bridges Center for Labor Studies website at http://depts.washington.edu/pcls/ or contact:

DomingoViernesScholarship_Flyer.pdf