DTLA Accepting 2025 Scholarship Applications Now - 3/1/25

Applications are now being accepted for the Michael E. Shampine Memorial Scholarship.  The 2025 scholarship will be in the amount of $1,000.00 and $500.

Established by his union family to honor the memory of Michael E. Shampine, this fund is designed to provide a scholarship to an affiliated union member, or an immediate family member, who plans to enroll in continuing education. 

The scholarship will assist with enrollment in a degree program, qualified trades apprenticeship, or vocational school.  The ideal recipient will be recognized as having a desire to succeed by demonstrating strengths in leadership, community and political awareness.

Eligibility:  Any graduate of a 4-year high school that is a union member or related to a union member who is affiliated with Decatur Trades & Labor Assembly, AFL-CIO.  Eligible applicants include:  union member, spouse, child or legal guardianship.

Application Process: Application shall be filled out and submitted by March 1, 2025.  The applicant will be required to do an interview and will be required to write a short (300-500 words) essay due at the time of the interview.  The essay is to include an interview with a local union member (can be a relative) and should include the positive effects of unionism on their life. 

Selection Criteria: Recipient will be determined based on application, interview and essay.  Financial needs and high school grades are not considered.  No limits on the number of applicants from each union.  The ideal recipient will be recognized as having a desire to succeed by demonstrating strengths in leadership, community involvement and political awareness.

Notification / Recognition: Applicants will be notified by March 15, 2025. Scholarship winner will be recognized in the annual Labor Day parade and requested to ride in a car provided by the central labor council.  Scholarship will be paid to the educational institution.

Download the scholarship application by clicking here.

All applications shall be due on March 1, 2025 and shall be mailed to:  Michael E. Shampine Memorial Scholarship, c/o Decatur Trades & Labor Assembly, P.O. Box 2847 - Decatur, Illinois  62524.

Questions may be directed to Scholarship Chair, Amy Rueff, at 217-433-5126.