The Northwest chapter of the Labor and Employment Relations Association (LERA) generously funds an annual $1,000 scholarship for students, graduate or undergraduate, who are committed to pursuing a profession in labor and/or labor management.

The constitution of the LERA states as its purposes:

• The encouragement of research in all aspects of the field of labor studies -- social, political, economic, legal and psychological -- including employer and employee organizations, labor relations, personnel administration, social security and labor associations;
• The promotion of full discussion and exchange of ideas regarding the planning and conduct of research in this field;
• The dissemination of the significant results of such research; and
• The improvement of the materials and methods of instruction in the field of labor studies.

The scholarship is awarded yearly to either undergraduate or graduate students at any of the University of Washington's three campuses (Seattle, Tacoma, or Bothell).

If you have applied to the University of Washington but have not yet received notice from the Admissions Office, you are eligible for the scholarship. However, the award will be contingent on your admittance to the UW.

• freshman
• sophomore
• junior
• senior
• graduate

1. To apply, a student should prepare the following materials:

   1. Essay responses. Please prepare written answers to the following questions. We recommend compiling answers into a separate document before entering them into the on-line application. This will ensure your responses are saved on multiple platforms, as answers entered in the on-line application are not saved until they are submitted.

      • Tell us about any labor, social justice, or racial justice issues that you are passionate about and why these issues matter to you. Please share your history of involvement with these issues, which may include but is not limited to personal experience, advocacy, or research. If relevant, highlight issues related to waterfront industries or organized labor. Please limit your response to 800 words or less.

      • How will funding from the Harry Bridges Center for Labor Studies support the goals you have for your education at the University of Washington? How do you plan to engage with the labor movement during your studies here? How will funding prepare you for what you want to accomplish upon completion of your degree? Again, if relevant, highlight issues relevant to waterfront industries or organized labor. Please limit your response to 400 words or less.

      • Include a statement explaining your intention to pursue a career in labor relations. Please limit statement to 400 words or less.

   2. A brief letter of support from a teacher or community member.

   3. A highschool or college transcript (which ever is most recent). Unofficial transcripts are acceptable.

   4. Up to date contact information, including e-mail, mailing addresses, and phone number.

   5. Optional: Additional documents demonstrating your commitment to labor or Labor Studies, such as a resume or curriculum vitae, may also be submitted.

Harry Bridges Center for Labor Studies - University of Washington - Smith Hall, Rooms M266 & M268
UW Box 353530 - Seattle, WA 98195-3530
Phone: 206.543.7946 - Fax: 206.685.2146
Email: hbcls@u.washington.edu