Union Scholars

A summer internship program for students passionate about social justice and workers’ rights.

In partnership with the Harvard University Center for Labor and a Just Economy and the Wurf Fund, the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) Union introduces the Union Scholars Program: a summer scholarship and internship opportunity for students who share our goal of promoting social and economic justice, civil rights, and elevating the dignity of public service. Like our union, the program supports our vision of growing a diverse union movement founded on principles of inclusivity.

access the 2026 application

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for the internship, applicants must:

  • Be an undergraduate sophomore or junior at the time of the application and the interview process
  • Have a minimum 2.5 cumulative grade point average
  • Demonstrate interest in working for social and economic justice through the labor union movement
  • Have a valid driver’s license
  • Provide a faculty recommendation 

Selected Participants Will Receive

  • A 4-day orientation to prepare for their internship
  • A 6-week field placement on a union organizing campaign in one of several locations across the United States in the summer of 2026
  • A 3-day Debrief to reflect on the experience
  • A living stipend; $4800
  • A scholarship based on financial need at the university, once program requirements have been met, $6000
  • Housing (paid for)
  • Rental cars (paid for)
  • All expenses for this internship PAID (including flights, trains, etc.)

2026 Program Dates – TBD

  •  Orientation, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA
  •  Field Campaign, Various Locations
  •  Debrief, AFSCME Headquarters, Washington D.C.

Selection Process

Applications are due February 28, 2026. All applications are read thoroughly and reviewed for the students’ interests, inspirations, values, and goals. Knowledge about unions and experience in the labor movement are not required for a student to be accepted into the Program. However, students with a desire to be a union organizer or have a career in labor are strongly encouraged to apply. 

Applicants considered for interviews will be contacted in March for a virtual conversation with the AFSCME Education and Leadership Training Department.  

10 successful applicants will be chosen for the Program. All applicants will be notified by phone or email.

Responsibilities

To complete the internship, scholars must:

  • Conduct one-on-one organizing, recruit supporters and leaders and guide their activities on behalf of the union, under the direction of their supervisor and mentor
  • Recruit volunteer organizers from within the AFSCME membership
  • Visit job sites to communicate with workers
  • Inform supervisor & mentor of developments and progress of organizing activity
  • Complete weekly reports (to be submitted to program coordinator)
  • Submit videography footage (to be submitted to program coordinator)
  • Report to and take direction from supervisor
  • Collaborate with mentor on projects

AFSCME is an equal opportunity employer, and, as such, does not discriminate an employee or applicant on the basis of race, creed, color, age, sex, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, religious affiliation, disability, or any other classification protected from discrimination under applicable law.