Union Scholarships
AFSCME MN Council 5 offers three scholarships - 2 for high school seniors just beginning their higher education, and 1 for members continuing their own education.
To apply for one of the three AFSCME Council 5 scholarships offered, click here to access and fill out and return the scholarship form (see p.3).
Richard E. Patterson Scholarship
The Richard Patterson Scholarship was established in 1989 to honor the memory of the devoted union activist and leader of City of St. Paul Local 1842 and who was the first Treasurer of former AFSCME Council 14. The scholarship is designed to assist the children of Council 5 members who wish to attend an accredited post-secondary Minnesota or Wisconsin institution.
An applicant’s parent or legal guardian must be a member in good standing of a local union represented by AFSCME MN Council 5.
Applicant's must be a 2026 graduating high school senior planning to enter college in 2026.
Winners will be selected by lot. Only one application per person is allowed.A winner and an alternate will be drawn by lot at the June 2026 Chair Officers meeting. The $1,000 award will be presented at the 2026 AFSCME MN Council 5 Convention on September 26, 2026 in Minneapolis.
Clarence J. Moss Scholarship
The Clarence J. Moss Scholarship was established in 1983 to honor the longtime activist and union member from Local 1011. It is designed to assist the children of Council 5 members who will enter a Minnesota public institution of higher learning.
Applicants must be graduating high school seniors, the child or dependent of an AFSCME MN Council 5 member in good standing, and planning to enter college in 2026.
Please submit your applicationalong with atypewritten 500-word essay on the theme, “What AFSCME MN Council 5 Means to Our Family."
The winner will be chosen by a three-member panel. The $500 award will be presented at the 2026 AFSCME MN Council 5 Convention on September 26, 2026 in Minneapolis.
Robert Norberg Scholarship
The Robert Norberg Scholarship was created to honor the memory and accomplishments of Bob Norberg, longtime AFSCME member and staff representative, who passed away in 1998. It is designed for use by adult members of Council 5 working to continue their education at Minnesota public institutions of higher learning.
Applicants must be members in good standing of local unions represented by AFSCME MN Council 5, either: currently a member for at least six months, a member laid off within the last six months, a retired member, or a member on disability.
Two (2) winners will be selected by lot, by the wife and children of Bob Norberg.Two $250 awards will be presented at the 2026 AFSCME MN Council 5 Convention on September 26, 2026 in Minneapolis.
The deadline for AFSCME Council 5 scholarship applications is Friday, May 22, 2026.
Nellie Stone Johnson Scholarship
Scholarships ranging from up to $1,200 for part time and up to $2,500 for full time are awarded each year to award recipients enrolled in community or technical college, along with undergraduate and graduate programs. Students are eligible for consideration for up to two years for a community or technical college program, up to four years of undergraduate work at a university (including two years in a community or technical college), and up to two years of graduate work.
Click here to learn more and for the scholarship application..